5 Used Strats, 5 Prices: What's the Difference? | Reverb Tone Report

The Fender Stratocaster comes in many forms, and guitarists of all skill sets may wonder how much they should spend on the model. Luckily, Andy's here to run through the benefits of these ubiquitous axes at five different price points so you can decide which one makes the most sense for you.

[Dodo-fwud]

01:09 Squier
02:39 Mexican
04:03 American
05:18 Custom Shop
06:35 Vintage

[komimakojaketu]

Vintage Strat by far the best, but I've noticed they added more reverb to it to make it sound nicer. That isn't exactly fair play.

[harryhirsch]

Someone already took timestamps, but here you really compare them back to back:
1:22 Squier Vintage Modified
2:49 Made in Mexico (not Player!)
4:20 American Standard
5:25 Custom Shop
6:35 Vintage 60's

[davidf]

This is a great illustration of how there's almost literally no difference between collections of bits of wood and magnets made by the same manufacturer in different factories for different labour costs.

[TheMasterMacc]

Why was the reverb cranked highest on the Vintage Fender and not so hard on the rest?

[alelollipop]

You know, after having spent a lot of money on gear I didn't really need, and settling with the cheapest guitar I've ever owned, I've come to the conclusion that what makes a great guitar is the history behind how that instrument came into your hands. The right one chooses you, not the other way around.

[starphaser]

Woah, the vintage one sounds so much better than the other ones; full, rich and deep tones. Love it.

[יהבמזרחי-זמ]

I mean you can put a pickup on a potato and it will sound good Through a 68 deluxe

[gertikatro]

Should have included Made in Japan series.

[TheToneLounge]

You guys are really knocking these videos out of the park! I love these more nerdy videos, which answers a ton of questions for most of us. Keep them coming!

[psychomaxx]

should have done a honnest comparison, the amp tone is different each time, and the vintage have the reverb cranked on

[mypal]

The strat is a jack of all trade guitars despite the price points. A squier strat isn't bad as people say they are.

[filipputschogl]

What makes the guitar unique and worth of spending some money is the feel and the vibe that inspire you to play. That's what you can't find out online, you have to try out.

[oskarkacin]

Where can i get a custom shop strat for 1400$

[hezz]

Great vid andy🤟

To compare Strats is to take a trip down the rabbit hole....so many models, options, specs, series, price points, factories etc etc.
The only thing we can agree on is that we all love em and there's one to suit all tastes.

Defo more reverb on the 63

[thebreakfastmenu]

VM and CV Squiers are really getting their due recognition. I've played 3 grand Strats and honestly... they're "nicer" but not so nice you can't upgrade your Squier to match it. CV Strats use solid Alder. The 50s Tele is solid pine. Tuners are easily the best on any of the 20 something guitars I've owned. Pickups are Toneriders. Only complaint is the pots did eventually crap out.

[binface]

Really impressed by the pickups on the Squier. The AlNiCo magnets make them actually sound like a Strat and not a generic single-coil guitar as those of old with ceramic pickups. (I'm not being snobby about ceramic pickups, there's a time and a place for them.)

[j.rozman]

I have Fender CS postmodern journeyman relic (rosewood fretboard, Ancho Poblano PUs) in daphne blue. Upgraded the saddles to Highwood's (for even better playability) and whole guitar went through CRYO tuning: plays and sounds amazing. Like a real (vintage) deal. Recommending!!

[cashgardner]

MIM are my personal favorite, love my Mexican Strat and tele

[paulmearing]

Bought my American Standard in 1987 when they first came out after CBS era.
Hundreds of gigs and BKP Irish tours installed it's still a superb instrument and a worthy investment.
Strats are the go to guitar to cover all bases but the last few years I've been hammering a Tele I put together myself and it's a keeper.
Just enjoy it.