The Truth About Who a Strat Is (Really) For!
Summary
TLDRThis video discusses the pros and cons of the Fender Stratocaster guitar, drawing insights from audience feedback. Key pros include its iconic tone, comfortable design with smooth contours, and its ease of modification. The Strat is recognized for its unique sound and aesthetic appeal. However, cons include the placement of the volume knob and middle pickup, which some players find obstructive, as well as issues with the bridge pickup and tremolo system. Ultimately, the Strat is ideal for those seeking its distinct sound and versatile customization options.
Takeaways
- πΈ A Stratocaster guitar has an incredibly unique tone, often used as an adjective to describe other guitar sounds (e.g., 'straty').
- π The Strat's iconic design is widely recognized and frequently replicated, making it a popular choice for guitar enthusiasts.
- πΆ The Strat is known for its comfort, with a contoured body that offers a more rounded and ergonomic design compared to older, boxy guitars.
- π§ One of the Strat's biggest advantages is its ease of modification, allowing users to swap necks, pickups, and other parts with ease.
- π A common complaint about the Strat is the placement of the volume knob and pickup selector, which can interfere with playing.
- π€ Many players find the middle pickup placement and neck joint awkward during play, leading to adjustments in playing style.
- ποΈ The bridge pickup on a Strat is often considered harsh or 'ice-picky,' but wiring the tone knob to it can help balance the sound.
- π The tremolo system is another defining feature of a Strat, but it can cause tuning issues if not properly set up.
- π‘ Despite its versatility, a Strat always retains its distinct tonal character, making it best suited for those who specifically want that 'Strat sound.'
- π The video teases the upcoming announcement of a giveaway winner for a '57 American Vintage II Strat later in the week.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the video?
-The video focuses on discussing who a Stratocaster (Strat) guitar is for, examining its pros and cons, and gathering feedback from viewers on their favorite and least favorite aspects of the guitar.
What are some of the main pros of owning a Strat?
-The main pros of owning a Strat include its iconic tone, comfortable design with rounded contours, its visual appeal, and its ease of modification, thanks to features like the bolt-on neck.
How is the tone of a Strat described in the video?
-The tone of a Strat is described as iconic and foundational. Itβs so distinct that it is often used as a descriptor for other guitars with similar tones, like saying a guitar sounds 'Stratty.'
What makes the Strat comfortable to play?
-The Strat is known for its ergonomic design, including features like rounded edges and a belly cut, which make it more comfortable compared to earlier, boxy designs like the Telecaster and Les Paul.
Why is the Strat considered easy to modify?
-The Strat is considered easy to modify because it has a bolt-on neck and a modular design. You can easily swap out parts like the neck or pickups, and the guitar can be disassembled with basic tools like a screwdriver.
What are some of the common complaints (cons) about the Strat?
-Some common complaints about the Strat include the placement of the volume knob, the middle pickup getting in the way, the neck joint design, and the sharp, ice-pick-like sound of the bridge pickup.
How do players commonly address the issue with the bridge pickup on a Strat?
-Many players find the bridge pickup too harsh, so some wire their tone knob to the bridge pickup to reduce its sharpness. Others might replace the bridge pickup with a humbucker for a warmer sound, though this changes the guitar's character to more of a 'super Strat.'
What is the problem with the volume knob placement on the Strat?
-The volume knob is positioned close to the picking hand, causing some players to accidentally hit it while playing, which can lead to unintended changes in volume. Some players remove the knob entirely to avoid this issue.
Why might the tremolo system be a drawback for some Strat users?
-The Strat's tremolo system can cause tuning instability if not set up properly, which is a drawback for some users. Hardtail models, which donβt have a tremolo system, are available but are less common.
Who is a Stratocaster best suited for, according to the video?
-A Stratocaster is best suited for someone who values comfort and wants a guitar with a distinct, iconic tone. Itβs ideal for players who appreciate the unique 'Strat' sound and are open to customizing their instrument to suit their needs.
Outlines
πΈ Introduction and Overview of Stratocasters
The video begins with an introduction to the topic of who a Stratocaster (Strat) guitar is suited for. The presenter mentions that the content will address pros and cons of Strat guitars based on audience feedback. They encourage viewers to subscribe before diving into the discussion. The Strat's iconic tone is introduced, noting how its sound is so distinctive that it is often used as a descriptive term for other guitars with similar qualities.
π Pros of Stratocasters: Tone, Appearance, and Comfort
This section highlights the key advantages of a Strat. First, its tone is iconic and often used to describe other guitars, making it a desirable feature for many players. Next, the design and appearance of the Strat are discussed, with its silhouette being widely recognized and featured on merchandise like t-shirts. Finally, the comfort of the Strat is praised for its rounded contours and body cut, contrasting with the sharper designs of other guitars like Telecasters and Les Pauls. The Strat is described as hugging the player, offering a comfortable and supportive experience.
π§ Modifiability: A Key Feature of Stratocasters
One of the biggest advantages of the Strat is its ease of modification. The presenter emphasizes how easily different parts of the guitar can be swapped, such as changing the neck or adding humbuckers. The Stratβs bolt-on neck design allows for quick disassembly and reassembly, making it highly customizable compared to other guitar models. This flexibility is a standout feature that attracts many players who enjoy personalizing their instruments.
π Cons of Stratocasters: Control Placement and Bridge Pickup
This section covers some common complaints about the Strat. The placement of the volume knob, pickup selector, and middle pickup is often inconvenient for players, causing them to accidentally hit these controls while playing. Despite modern improvements, these design elements remain unchanged, which can frustrate some guitarists. The presenter admits to removing the volume knob entirely to avoid issues. The bridge pickup is another point of contention, with many players finding it too sharp or 'ice-picky' in tone. Wiring the tone knob to the bridge pickup is suggested as a potential fix, though the presenter still prefers the tone of a Telecaster.
πΆ Tremolo System: A Defining but Polarizing Feature
The Strat's tremolo system is discussed, both as a defining feature and a potential source of frustration. While it contributes to the guitar's signature sound, it can cause tuning issues if not set up properly. Players who dislike tremolo systems may prefer hardtail versions of the Strat, though these are less common. The presenter concludes by summarizing that a Strat is best for players who value comfort and its unique tone, but it may not satisfy those seeking the sound of other guitars like a Les Paul.
π€ Conclusion: Who Should Play a Strat?
In the closing segment, the presenter reflects on the type of player who would appreciate a Strat. They emphasize that the guitar is for someone who prioritizes comfort and its distinctive tone. The Strat excels at sounding like itself, but it wonβt replicate the sound of other guitars, even when modified with humbuckers. The presenter wraps up by teasing the announcement of a giveaway for a '57 American Vintage II Strat, and finishes the video with a 'bluesy Strat style' jam.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Strat
π‘Tone
π‘Modifiability
π‘Comfort
π‘Volume knob placement
π‘Middle pickup
π‘Bridge pickup
π‘Tremolo system
π‘Selector switch
π‘Humbucker
Highlights
The Strat has a unique, iconic tone, often described as 'straty' when referring to single-coil guitars.
The Strat is one of the most recognizable guitars in the world, with its silhouette appearing on t-shirts and other merchandise.
Comfort is a major advantage of the Strat, thanks to its contoured body design, belly cut, and smooth edges compared to boxier guitars like the Telecaster and Les Paul.
One of the biggest advantages of the Strat is its modularity and ease of modification, allowing users to swap necks, pickups, or even add a Floyd Rose with minimal effort.
Volume knob placement is a common complaint, as many players find it too close to the playing area, often accidentally adjusting it during play.
The middle pickup is another common annoyance for Strat players, often getting in the way of picking.
The bridge pickup on a Strat is known for being too 'bitey' or 'ice-picky' for many players, though some alleviate this by wiring the tone knob to the bridge.
The Strat's tremolo system can lead to tuning issues if not set up properly, and while there are hardtail options, they are less common.
Despite the challenges, the Strat's tonal versatility and iconic sound make it appealing to many players, especially those who seek the classic 'Strat sound.'
Many players modify their Strat's electronics, such as adding humbuckers, but doing so often transforms the guitar into what's considered a 'super Strat.'
The Stratocaster's bolt-on neck makes it highly customizable, allowing for easy swaps and repairs compared to set-neck guitars.
Players mention that adjusting their playing style is necessary to adapt to the Strat's control layout, including the pickup selector placement.
One of the Strat's standout features is its rich history and cultural significance, with countless players using it across genres, cementing its legacy.
The Strat's design innovation lies in its user-friendly approach, allowing players to easily dismantle and reassemble it with a simple screwdriver.
Ultimately, the Strat is best suited for players who want a guitar with a distinct tone and comfortable playability, but not for those looking to replicate other guitar sounds like the Les Paul's.
Transcripts
[Music]
foreign
[Music]
[Music]
[Music]
[Music]
foreign
foreign
[Music]
so who is a strat actually for that is
what we're going to be answering today I
posted a question for you guys a little
bit ago asking what was your favorite
thing and least favorite thing about a
strat so all the stuff we're going to
talk about comes from you guys and we're
going to hopefully paint the picture of
who a strat's really for now before we
get into all of that stuff hit the
Subscribe button come hang out with me
and let's get into the strap video
foreign
[Music]
so let's do a pros and cons so let's
start with the pros here and one of the
biggest things that kept coming up with
you guys was tone obviously a strat has
an incredibly unique tone that's one of
its best assets is that it's kind of one
of those foundational tones that people
use as an adjective now when you hear a
guitar with single coils a lot of times
it's described as being oh that's very
straty you know literally the type of
guitar is used as the descriptive word
for the tone so right off the bat you've
got one of the most iconic tones in your
hands
foreign
[Music]
to the looks now the looks of a strat is
something that you can see everywhere
look at most t-shirts that feature a
guitar it's probably got a silhouette of
a strap somewhere in it it is just one
of the most iconic looking guitars ever
think about how many versions and copies
of a strat there are out there so if you
like the way it looks that's obviously
going to be a huge selling point if you
don't you're probably turned off from
strats right from the get-go and you
don't even need the other reasons now
the comfort of a strat is kind of Second
To None before a strat everything was
very boxed you think about a Telecaster
very just kind of sharp edges Les Paul
sharp edges just this very boxy approach
to guitars the Strat was the one that
came out with all these Contours this
very rounded approach to to it I mean
it's got the belly cut all kinds of
stuff so when it comes to comfort that
is a huge Pro for a strap because it's
the one that kind of started all this
stuff they just hug you when you're
playing you're you know having a bad day
playing your Strat and strat's like dude
I got you it just hugs you and that's
what strikes do one of the coolest
things about a strat by far is how easy
it is to modify you can change a strat
in so many ways that you can't other
guitars for one it's a bolt-on neck so
oh you've got a Rosewood fingerboard and
you don't want that anymore boom take
the neck off put a maple neck on there
oh I'm sorry you want two humbuckers
boom get a new Pickard double humbuckers
you can literally change
pretty much every aspect of the guitar
you could route it for a Floyd Rose you
can do whatever you want to these things
and the whole concept behind the Strat
was you should be able to take it apart
with a screwdriver you could disassemble
this entire guitar probably I'm like you
know five six minutes and you can modify
it just as easily
[Music]
now let's move to the other side the
cons because there were a few that came
up in almost every comment first one
volume knob placement bro why are you in
my way oh I'm sorry middle pickup bro
why you in my way neck joint
actually no no bro why are you in my way
so a lot of the controls of a strat are
very close together there's a lot going
on in this little area here if you're
like me I I do both I play with both my
hand closed and my fingers kind of
fanned
for when you smack the pickup selector
all the time you know I've really had to
adjust the way that I play for a strat
because of all the controls the volume
knob I had the hardest time forever
hitting the volume up and rolling it
down eventually at one point I started
just popping the volume knob off
whenever I would play that way it just
stayed on 10 all the time because what's
more rock and roll than 10 all the time
you just kind of you get used to it you
know it's definitely something that
there have been a lot of modern
improvements on the neck joint but this
stuff it's funny nothing has really been
changed here you know there are some
guitars that have two why just one
volume and one tone that definitely
clears up some space here but the
selector switch placement like it's it's
always there no one has changed that I
don't have a better solution for it to
be honest but
it's always right there and that was
just something I kept seeing people talk
about selector switch volume knob and
then the neck joint and the middle
pickup always in the way I wind my
middle pickup all the way down
[Music]
[Music]
[Applause]
and the final couple here are things
that kind of just make a strat in my
opinion but also
aren't always the favorite now the
bridge pickup is a huge issue for a lot
of people myself included I've never
really loved the bridge pickup on a
strat until I wired my toe knob to it
the bridge pickups were always very very
bitey kind of like just ice picky didn't
like them I wished it was a Telly every
time I played it if you wire your tone
knob to it it solves a lot of that it's
still not my favorite Bridge sound for
sure I love a Telecaster quite a bit
more but there are some solutions
obviously you could put a humbucker in
there and that is a whole different
beast and that to me that's not a strat
anymore that's a super Strat at that
point but the bridge pickup was just a
lot of people said you know they love
the neck they love the in-between
positions don't love the bridge pickup
so I totally can relate to that one and
then the other one was of course people
talking about the tremolo system and
that is something that makes a strat a
strat you can kind of find hardtails
every once in a while they're not real
common but
you know if kind of the tremolo system
is just not your thing you know you
might be better off looking for
something that is that is hardtail and
not a traditional Strat because it can
have tuning issues if you don't set it
up the right way if you don't you know
dock it and lock it there's all kinds of
things that can go wrong with it so
those are just some other components
oh
[Music]
so let's wrap this all up who is a strap
for I think a strat is for someone who
wants for one a very comfortable guitar
to play but also someone who wants a
guitar that has a very unique sound you
know a strat can do a lot of things but
the thing it does best is sound like a
strat so if you want it to sound like a
Les Paul it's not going to really get
you there you know you want to make sure
that you want that Strat sound because
even with humbuckers there's this
underlying stradiness that's just always
there so got two of the strats were in
my opinion let me know what you guys
think Down Below in the comment section
we will be announcing the winner of the
57 American Vintage two I forgot the
name of the Strat the 57 American
Vintage two Strat later this week so I'm
sure some of you are going to ask me
about that and uh other than that I'm
just going to go ahead and end it bluesy
Strat style which means double stops SRV
cords and Jimi Hendrix bins
[Music]
thank you
[Music]
Browse More Related Video
when strat players discover Ibanez
Do NOT Buy A Fender Player Strat Until You Watch This
Headphone amps - Boss Katana:Go vs Fender Mustang Micro vs Vox Amplug vs NUX Mighty | Better Music
β TOP 5 Camping Chairs For Big Guys 2024
What Is Online proctoring & How Does It Work?
I tried using a Mac for 2 years. Hereβs my review
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)