SAME GUITAR, 4 BUDGETS! (Can you hear the difference?)

In this episode we're looking at 4 different levels of basically the same guitar!

▶TABS AVAILABLE ON PATREON◀

▶FOLLOW ME◀

▶MY COURSES◀

▶GUITARS◀
Squier Classic Vibe
Fender American Vintage II
Fender Custom Shop Cunetto Relic
Fender 1962 Stratocaster

0:00 Intro Loop
1:13 Contender 1
1:53 Contender 2
2:33 Contender 3
3:35 Contender 4
4:23 Pre-CBS
5:02 Comparisons (tabs on Patreon)
6:03 The mythical early 60's Strat
9:00 $400 vs $60,000 guitar
10:23 $2000 vs $60,000 guitar
12:59 $5,000 vs $60,000 guitar
14:22 Electric Elevation
15:46 Conclusion

Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on YouTube.

Thank you for watching!
Paul

Below is the gear and services I use to make these videos. They redirect to websites and provide me with a small kickback should purchase any of these things.

▶GEAR LIST◀

▶SFX & Background music◀

▶MICS◀

▶SOUND◀

▶VIDEO GEAR◀
50mm:

[emre_]

This man is the definition of the Obi Wan Kenobi for guitars. He is wise and skillful.

[comedykennedys]

While there is a noticeable difference in tonal clarity between the classic vibe and the vintage '62, these guitars are so close together that i would never be able to tell them apart if you were to blindfold me and play them side by side.

[sbrave]

The Squier with upgraded electronics and pickups is a great guitar. Doubtful most people would be able to tell the difference in a mix.

[Moth_On_Fire]

I have legit problems making it past your intro loops. 2 minutes in and I got up and played guitar myself. You make me play more. Thank you

[OperationBlueprint]

The funniest thing about this video is that during the comparison with the Squier, they literally sounded near identical. So much so that when discussing the guitars the only criticism you could give it was the build quality when the topic of discussion is how they sound. Credit to Squier for building a nice tone machine for the masses.

[brucechavez]

5 years ago, I've bought a used $150-dollar Strat from a pawnshop. This Strat is 2003 Fender Standard Strat SSS, and Made in Mexico. I have done some modification on it such as changing the pickups to Seymour Duncan SSL-1 (neck, and middle) and SSL-5 (bridge).
Then I also changed the tuning machine to Fender locking tuners, and I've also put on some Graph Tech string tree. The wirings were modified as well to Mojotone solderless wiring harness.
And finally I've also change the saddles to Graph Tech String saver saddles.
Now, I can honestly and proudly say that this Strat is even "better-sounding" (at least to my ears) than the original stock Fender American Standard Strat. My main point about this is, I did not have to spend a FORTUNE to own, play, and experience a good-sounding, original Fender Strat. I've only spent less than $500 for everything....😂😅😊

[tomf]

Nope I must be deaf, can't hear 60k difference

[thewoodster]

Paul’s incredible skill is a great reminder that it’s not about the guitar, it’s all about the player.

[RaveyDavey]

The cheap one sounded pretty similar and still pretty good. Amazing value in the scheme of things. A bit of EQ and would be hard to tell in a blind test

[flightmaster]

Every time I watch one of your videos, it makes me pick up my guitar and attempt to make it make the same noises you make, and it’s so awesome to come even a little close. Thanks for the beautiful tones❤️

[QuickSticks]

All I know for sure is the tone coming from your fingers is priceless!!

[PaulDavids]

Update/corrections:
I mentioned the nut of the Squier being plastic. Apparently it is made of bone! Interesting, because it surely looks more on the plasticy side, especially compared to the other Strats. Maybe it's different kinds of bone they use? No idea.

[dragons_red]

The only things that matter with a guitar are:
1. Stays in tune and well setup/intonated
2. How it feels in your hands (personal preference)
3. Pickups

[_InTheBin]

Paul, you are a true inspiration! Two days after watching your video, I accidentally came across a Squier Strat Fiesta Red that looks exactly like the one you showed, and at an absolutely affordable price, and I just had to jump at the chance and am so happy that I now own one myself. I'm actually a drummer, but the first instrument I ever owned was an acoustic guitar and now I'm back at it with my Squier. I am so happy. Thank you, Sir!

[RudyVisuals]

This was a brilliant watch Paul! I honestly could not tell the difference in sound. Though I always appreciate how much better more expensive guitars feel in the hands and how they feel to play. Always thought that around 2000 was the sweet spot but wow that classic vibe strat sounds great for the price. As always your playing is exquisite!

[rickywriterone]

Great video. The 2k strat sounded absolutely magnificent to me.

[JRQTV]

The Squier strat is the best guitar ever built. I’ve toured with them and cut records with them. They are wonderful. And after shows you can give them to kids in the audience to carry the guitar legacy.

[CyclistTy]

Yes i want to see that video! I would love to see you work out how to modify ans upgrade a squire in pursuit of the sound qualities found in the '62!

[druber]

Great information! I have my 60s Classic Vibe and live it. Great playing as well. I love your tones

[iandodd]

As a Squier owner (and late life beginning guitarist), I’d be interested in seeing @PaulDavids do a video on upgrading the budget guitar with after market hardware. I took a workshop where I learned to do a proper set up on the Squier and it mad a big difference, particularly in stability and holding tune. I’m not ready to spend $60K, or even $2k. But I would be willing to invest a few hundred to see just how much better I could make it.