Well I agree, the man is righteous indeed. There's no shame in slowing the odd lick from Matthew down on yo screen and nailing it for yourself. Peace! Rock! Lasagne! ✌️🎶😂
Okay. I'm gonna say it. That....was THE best sounding Strat I have ever heard. I listened to the video with my usual headphones on, and each and every nuance of tone, ethereal sound was there. Simply amazing.
Being born in 54 doesn't mean that you are getting older...it just means that you've had more time to practice! I was born in 81 and started playing in 91 or 92...so depending on when you started playing, you probably have over 25 years on me! You must be good! hehe.
@@secretreleases when I got my first strat (squier) haha in 2020 I fell in love wit the neck pickup, then I grew to favor the bridge like he said even though he said vintage bridge sound and beside bridge I like what would it be between the neck and middle, 4 ¿ or 2 ?
@@MatthewScottmusic I can clear up the logic on the raised D pole piece for you, in case nobody has yet - the magnets are sensing the inner steel core of the string, and they are staggered according to those cores. The D string has the thinnest inner steel core of the six strings on an electric guitar, so it needs the magnet to be closest.
Oh my goodness. This is the sound that made me fall in love with Strats back in the late 80s. They became and are still my favourite guitar. When you get a ‘special’ one there is nothing else like them. So organic and harmonically rich. This has inspired me. I think I have got lost the last few years in technology and modernistic approaches to what a guitar should sound like. THIS is what a guitar should sound like! Thank you so much Matthew for giving me this reminder. What a guitar!! 😮
Leo was amazing. What a treat to hear how intonated that thing is... it's a total testimony to his genius. The tones you are getting from this guitar are heavenly. THAT'S what a Strat is supposed to sound like. You're playing is perfect as always!! Nice work, Matthew!! ✌😉🔥
Very true! Most people think Fender strats are supposed to sound naturally quacky, especially by that neck pickup - that type of tone came with surf music and effects and various design/material changes into the 60’s. That wasn’t really Fender’s original vision for his guitars. You’ve only heard a true original Fender strat tone when it’s one of the really early ones like a ‘54. disclaimer: I am NOT saying quackier Fender guitars are a bad thing because amazing music was created with them. I just prefer the original sound and wish Fender would make a line a strats more in line with those early ones. They really need to study a few of those original Fender guitars like Gibson has recently with all sorts of science, tech, and wizardry - problem is, those guitars aren’t really accessible to the average person’s wallet, but I bet Fender can make it more cost-accessible being that the costs and time to produce their simpler and less time consuming guitar making processes are far less than making a Gibson. It’ll never be exactly the same as an early Fender, but they can be made a close second if they really invest in making it happen.
@@MashaT22 The "quack" is really a result of the single coil pickups and placement. The "in between" positions really quack which is why they eventually went to a 5 position switch. Players wanted the quack. As far as the sound of the 50's Strats it must be mostly due to the pickups all else being pretty much equal. Either way the parts alone for a 50's Strat is too much for most never mind a complete example like this one. I need to win the lottery lol.
@@MashaT22 Well said. Makes me wonder if anyone out there knows if any of the third party pickup manufacturers are dabbling in this kind of wizardry? I would easily buy a set that sounded like this guitar. I know Fluence has done some amazing things with their tech. But as good as Greg Koch is sounding this days, it's not even close to Matthew's gift here! 🔥🔥🔥
You're searching has paid off big-time! What a beautiful voice. I would like to see today's guitar manufacturers reverse engineer that guitar to see who does the best. What's missing though is Leo's wood pile.
Beautiful Strat and playing. I thoroughly enjoy watching you play. I started in '67 but have lost most of my chops to rheumatoid arthritis. Play like there's no tomorrow, someday it will begin to slowly slip away.
I had the pleasure of dragging the bow across the strings of a real Stradivarius when I was working at a local shop 10 years ago. I dont play the violin, and this particular instrument was in very rough condition, (I found out later that the owner spent over $20,00 to restore it). But it was the real deal, the label was dated 1702, and was signed by Signore' Antonio himself. I tuned it to pitch and I heard the sweetest "A" that I ever heard in my life. So what? Who cares? That guitar remimds me of that Stradivarius. Some instruments just knock the wind right out of you, and you never forget them, even if you only play them for a few minutes.i
@@MatthewScottmusic when you have the opportunity to handle and play and hear some of those kind of instruments, it changes your awareness of what is actually possible, and you say "Oh, OK, now I see what all the fuss is about." You have ecperienced this yourself, many times. "For those whp unnderstand, no explamation is nrvessary. For those who don't, none is possible." --------- Lao Tzu
@@jackpeters9349 obviously im not matt lol but im pretty sure it looked like he was plugged into his fender blackface super reverb. Knowing his taste in vintage gear its probably a real mid/lateish 60's super reverb
Saw the Andy Timmons and Tommy Katona video, and your solo just blew me away. IMHO you are one of the most soulful players alive. We could debate about who was the luckier: you for the privilege of playing this guitar; or the guitar for getting into the hands of an amazing player.
Love your playing dude..... melodic.....old school....nice..,i,m 71 years old...been playing since i was ten years old.....i know quality you got it.....much respect too young man......
Hi, Man you just brought back some wonderful memories. My first memory of hearing an electric guitar was in 1962, when a friend played in a high school talent show. The song was Stick Shift w/vibrato. It was magic! He had the exact Stratocaster you are playing in this video. He started me on a lifelong musical carrerr. Sadly, he passed away two years ago. In 1963 my dad surprised me with a Fender Jaguar. Like I said....MAGIC! Shalom/gw
I am familiar with the Strat sound, and this guitar is very different. It has a more dark timbre. (It's a good thing! I LOVE IT!) I think, as you said, that is due to the different pickups. Of course, that is just my opinion as to tone. Others may hear it differently. Since it is a first year Strat, I'm sure there were variations with every guitar that was made. The wood used for the neck was also a bonus. WOW. As for issues, this was a guitar that was played, yet kept in good shape. A refret would've been necessary, and also the fretboard sanding. Let's be real, ok? Leo Fender didn't make guitars just so 70 years later people would collect them and worry about what changes were made. Leo made guitars for WORKING musicians. I would expect a 54 Strat that has been played to have some changes. Leo meant for his guitars to be easily worked on, modified and in the end.......to keep on going. In other words, he got it right from the beginning. This guitar is still around, and it is still amazing. The sounds coming from the highly skilled fingers of Matthew.......this would have made Leo happy. I know I feel that way. (I own a strat, so I am biased. bla.)
I have a 50th anniversary deluxe with gold hardware..I'm 76 and have been playing for 60 yrs. And have owned a gazillion guitars over the years. My 50th anniversary model is the best sounding strat I have ever heard. They are truly magical.
This is one stunning guitar and as always great playing Matthew. To answer your question on why the D Pole magnet was raised. The ability for a magnet to transfer the energy is based on the mass of the string and the distance between the string and the pole. Although the D appears to be fairly thick, it's a wound string. With energy transfer it's not the diameter of the wound string but the diameter of the core of the string (the string that runs the length) that matters, making the D string one of the thinnest strings on the guitar, hence a very low output string. Raising the pole of that string helps to keep the overall volume of the strings more even. Staggered Poles are still evident on many pick up designs today, for the very same reason. Thanks for the great videos and keep it up! Cheers
You are correct about the relationship of the thickness of the thinnest wound string and pole height, but in 1954 the thinnest wound string was the third string (G) consequently the G pole was always the highest, you always get anomalies but all three pickups are the same. These pickups may have been rewound or the poles may have been tapped down as it will really show their unevenness through certain amps that have less compression than others as the strongest output is always from your thickest plain string. Always enjoy your vids Matt 😊
You made me love watching videos about vintage guitars. Your touching words: "Unfortunately, this guitar does not beling to me", made me feel that I should write a comment to support you. Great job overal with sharing your love to guitarsband music in general. Always watch your videos with interest. Good luck!
I was about to say congrats Matt. Beautiful guitar. Sounds amazing. There are currently 3 listed on Reverb right now. $53,000, $93,000 and $250,000. Good luck.
Matthew, that presentation was beautiful! I've been a fan of the '54 since I was a teenager, having learned that my new favorite, Laurie Wisefield of Wishbone Ash, played one. Incredible, emotive tone.
The guitar sounds great! Thanks Rich for letting Matthew play your wonderful guitar and to make some videos of it. I think it's really important to hear such guitars through vintage equipment, document what they sound like, and remind us why they became so iconic. Matthew, could you post some information on the settings you were using on the Amp/Make/Model/Year, and were you using the pots wide open? It will make trying to replicate that vintage full sound on my gear a bit easier. I'm really looking forward to seeing more videos featuring this guitar. 👍😎👌
Once again, thank you for gracing us with your extensive knowledge on the history of these guitars and what I now regard as the epitome of tone for any piece of gear. Most of us will not ever see these in real life, let alone hear them. My most humble thanks is extended towards you for what you have done for the guitar-lovers. Like a ray of sunshine, or a good cup of coffee, sometimes the greatest pleasures come from the simplest of things, presented in the kindest and most perfect of ways.
From the handful of genuine 50s-60s vintage Strats (in good playing shape) I've played, my best way of describing the difference between those and today's Strats is that with the vintage ones, everything is there at your command. You want it bright, you can make it bright...you want it full and rich, you can make it full and rich. You're not forced to compensate or work around anything, especially that steely brightness and attack that so many modern Strat have, even vintage reissues. It feels like there's nothing that the guitar can't do, and that opens you up completely. It may sound like hyperbole or magic, but it's really quite simple....it makes playing feel easy, especially when it comes to dynamics. My favorites were a '54 hardtail and a '65 veneer-board. Amp didn't matter it was all good...Deluxe Reverb, Bassman, Super, Champ. This guitar sounds like one of those guitars. Every pickup position is golden....it sounds like you can do anything with it. Even the bridge which is usually the weakest...it sounds better than all my Gibsons. Probably the best sounding Strat I've heard in youtube videos.
My boy its been some time since i have seen you ......what a amazing girl you have acquired , my honest thought .... the girl has found her true custodian , again i cant tell you enough how you inspire a old death metal guitarist ..........buts its great that we share a a community as lovers of truly great instruments again > Matthew great work and Luv from AUS \M/
That guitar has been here to witness the birth of all major rock and metal hits It witness bbking it witness Hendrix it witnessed led zeppelin and much more And it's still here to tell the tale xd
Matthew that guitar simply oozes the sound and tone that makes fender unique. Love this kind of demo most of these are out of circulation and many of us have never heard a 54. Thanks
Great video and awesome playing. I didn't notice any single coil hum coming from this guitar even when overdriven. The hum was definitely more noticeable on the Mary Kaye Strat.
Great playing there Matt, I had a Fender Japan 54 Strat I saved from a pawnshop about 13 years ago. It hung there in the shop pretty dirty with no strings. - After buying it I took it home and cleaned it up installed a new set of klusons and gave it a fret dress. Turned out to be one of the best strats I've owned.
I'm a Fender guy myself. My band back in the 60's had ALL Fender gear, and both guitarists lived on that bridge pickup. I would love to know what amp you matched with that guitar. Glorious tone and great playing. Been following you from the beginning. I remember how blown away you were when you reached 5K subscribers.
Thanks so much for following that long. I was using 2 amps, a 1959 Bassman and a 1964 Super Reverb. I dont normally do that. It may have contributed to the sound.
I think this guitar sound this way because of the early Alnico 3 pickups, which are darker, flater sounding, has a mid bite that goes especially well with overdrives. That said, what an AMAZING GUITAR!
Most people will have no clue what I'm about to say. I'm the guy who goes into a guitar store and walks around plucking strings and " listening" to a guitars true "voice".Its not so very often it happens when one can stop me in my tracks. Whoever owns that strat,do not sell it. EVER . That voice that girl has is priceless. She whispers quiet yet screams passionately.And will take the backseat to none. Freaking awesome guitar. Thanks for sharing her with me.:)
Great video - hopefully soon you'll be uploading a video after you add one to your collection! I imagine they are extremely tough to find for sale at all, let alone in decent shape like the one shown here?
Wow Matthew that's a beauty! I was born in May 1954 and I have to admit that that guitar, with all of it's dings, burns and just plain wear it has acquired through its journey in life looks a whole hell of a lot better than yours truly. It also performs a whole lot better too. Thanks for sharing, you're a lucky guy - talented too.
Hi I was born on may 3 1954 and I play a Korean 1993 strat that has a fantastic one piece maple neck and it sounds alot like this strat ,when I bought it from a guy on Craig's list I payed 100 bucks for it and it was never played so I got it home put my setup on it and I'm blown away how freakin fantastic it plays n sounds so look for the early Korean strats they are some of the best strats the Asians made I just sold my mim strat cause this one played and sounds better
I was born in July of 1954 and always wanted to buy a Strat from that year. Unfortunately I could buy a house for less money so I will have to be satisfied with a reissue of some sort.
I’ve worked with many different woods as a furniture maker. I never knew swamp ash was much lighter than a northern ash. That’s really interesting and something I didn’t know. 👍
”Ash; Northern Hard This stuff is very hard and heavy. A Strat body will weigh from 5 lbs. and up. With its density, the tone is very bright with a long sustain. Its color is creamy, but also tends to have heartwood of pink to brown tints. The grain is open and takes lots of finish to fill up. Hard Ash is popular for its bright, long sustain. Ash; Southern Soft (Ash; Swamp) Southern Soft or Swamp Ash is a prized wood for many reasons. This is the wood many 50's Fenders were made of. It is easily distinguishable from Northern Ash by weight. A Strat body will be light. This is a very musical wood offering a very nice balance of brightness and warmth with lots of "pop". The grain is open and creamy - a nice choice for clear finishes. Light weight American wood, has a distinct ringing tone [when used as body material]. This wood works well with spring tremolo systems and single coil pickups to produce a transparent timbre with bell-like overtones. Medium weight bodies yield the best tonal balance and sustain. Extremely light bodies have a weak bottom end and sound thin. Popular in the 50's for electric guitars this wood is alive and light weight. Swamp ash just wants to vibrate. Bright and sweet at the same time, excellent grain pattern, all transparent finishes look great on Swamp Ash.”
Pfew, that neck is a beauty! 🎸
Hey Paul!
My favorite guitar is 1958 lespaul bec. its holy grails but this Strat 1954 omg
No words 😍😱
What profile is that? Boatneck?
@@RideAcrossTheRiver Just a really full C or D shape.
I love it when actual players get their hands on these instruments...and play them.
Yeah, actually play them, not just case them up, and jerk off over money they will make
Friendship ended with 59 strat. 54 strat is my best friend now.
Mmmm
Excelente!
@@stuartgreen7809 Grande maestro! Obrigado pela partilha
@@stuartgreen7809 Obrigado, Grande Mestre pela partilha! Fantástico
Amazing! She is beautiful!
That dream will live through this flirtatious moment. Your dream guitar only exists in the future.
Man that thing is amazing. And your playing is smokin!
Well I agree, the man is righteous indeed. There's no shame in slowing the odd lick from Matthew down on yo screen and nailing it for yourself. Peace! Rock! Lasagne! ✌️🎶😂
My thoughts exactly!!
you have a nice strat dude too
Thank you Robert Baker! 🙏🏻🤘🏻
No shit... His playing is right up there.. WAY.
That guitar is a ringer, great playing as always man!
Thanks always Rhett🙏🏻🤘🏻
Ringer in England literally means fake @Rhett
@@RyRch and Rhett is not from England.
@@slavrisa4173 Really???
It’s the next dream guitar
Okay. I'm gonna say it. That....was THE best sounding Strat I have ever heard. I listened to the video with my usual headphones on, and each and every nuance of tone, ethereal sound was there. Simply amazing.
Real sweet I thought it was a custom shop but the sound is so pretty .I like refrets on fenders sweet as the sunrise.
Wake up with that at first light would be something it's a gift it's the heart of Leo.
It seems like it is just nothing better than the original vintage pickups.
Thanks Bill. It's a good guitar.
I💯 agree best sounding strat I’ve ever heard along with some great playing your friend should let you keep it
I'm a 1954 model as well. I wish I had lasted as well as this guitar 🎸
Being born in 54 doesn't mean that you are getting older...it just means that you've had more time to practice! I was born in 81 and started playing in 91 or 92...so depending on when you started playing, you probably have over 25 years on me! You must be good! hehe.
YES, you and that guitar are made for each other. What a tone out of that neck pickup. Blown away by you both.
Agree! Neck PU is also my favourite sound in general, and this recording here is just tone heaven
@@secretreleases when I got my first strat (squier) haha in 2020 I fell in love wit the neck pickup, then I grew to favor the bridge like he said even though he said vintage bridge sound and beside bridge I like what would it be between the neck and middle, 4 ¿ or 2 ?
@@brickdinero5468 the standard way is 1-bridge to 5-neck
Thank you kindly. Maybe my friend will let me hold onto a bit longer 😄👍🏻
@@MatthewScottmusic I can clear up the logic on the raised D pole piece for you, in case nobody has yet - the magnets are sensing the inner steel core of the string, and they are staggered according to those cores. The D string has the thinnest inner steel core of the six strings on an electric guitar, so it needs the magnet to be closest.
Oh my goodness. This is the sound that made me fall in love with Strats back in the late 80s. They became and are still my favourite guitar. When you get a ‘special’ one there is nothing else like them. So organic and harmonically rich. This has inspired me. I think I have got lost the last few years in technology and modernistic approaches to what a guitar should sound like. THIS is what a guitar should sound like!
Thank you so much Matthew for giving me this reminder.
What a guitar!! 😮
Leo was amazing. What a treat to hear how intonated that thing is... it's a total testimony to his genius. The tones you are getting from this guitar are heavenly. THAT'S what a Strat is supposed to sound like. You're playing is perfect as always!! Nice work, Matthew!! ✌😉🔥
TOTALLY AGREE!
Very true! Most people think Fender strats are supposed to sound naturally quacky, especially by that neck pickup - that type of tone came with surf music and effects and various design/material changes into the 60’s. That wasn’t really Fender’s original vision for his guitars. You’ve only heard a true original Fender strat tone when it’s one of the really early ones like a ‘54.
disclaimer: I am NOT saying quackier Fender guitars are a bad thing because amazing music was created with them.
I just prefer the original sound and wish Fender would make a line a strats more in line with those early ones. They really need to study a few of those original Fender guitars like Gibson has recently with all sorts of science, tech, and wizardry - problem is, those guitars aren’t really accessible to the average person’s wallet, but I bet Fender can make it more cost-accessible being that the costs and time to produce their simpler and less time consuming guitar making processes are far less than making a Gibson. It’ll never be exactly the same as an early Fender, but they can be made a close second if they really invest in making it happen.
@@MashaT22 The "quack" is really a result of the single coil pickups and placement. The "in between" positions really quack which is why they eventually went to a 5 position switch. Players wanted the quack. As far as the sound of the 50's Strats it must be mostly due to the pickups all else being pretty much equal. Either way the parts alone for a 50's Strat is too much for most never mind a complete example like this one. I need to win the lottery lol.
@@MashaT22 Well said. Makes me wonder if anyone out there knows if any of the third party pickup manufacturers are dabbling in this kind of wizardry? I would easily buy a set that sounded like this guitar. I know Fluence has done some amazing things with their tech. But as good as Greg Koch is sounding this days, it's not even close to Matthew's gift here! 🔥🔥🔥
You're searching has paid off big-time! What a beautiful voice.
I would like to see today's guitar manufacturers reverse engineer that guitar to see who does the best. What's missing though is Leo's wood pile.
Beautiful Strat and playing. I thoroughly enjoy watching you play. I started in '67 but have lost most of my chops to rheumatoid arthritis. Play like there's no tomorrow, someday it will begin to slowly slip away.
I had the pleasure of dragging the bow across the strings of a real Stradivarius when I was working at a local shop 10 years ago. I dont play the violin, and this particular instrument was in very rough condition, (I found out later that the owner spent over $20,00 to restore it).
But it was the real deal, the label was dated 1702, and was signed by Signore' Antonio himself. I tuned it to pitch and I heard the sweetest "A" that I ever heard in my life.
So what?
Who cares?
That guitar remimds me of that Stradivarius.
Some instruments just
knock the wind right out of you, and you never forget them, even if you only play them for a few minutes.i
What a story! ✌🏻
@@MatthewScottmusic when you have the opportunity to handle and play and hear some of those kind of instruments, it changes your awareness of what is actually possible, and you say "Oh, OK, now I see what all the fuss is about."
You have ecperienced this yourself, many times.
"For those whp unnderstand, no explamation is nrvessary. For those who don't, none is possible."
--------- Lao Tzu
Gorgeous instrument.
That outro has some zep’s ten years gone vibe. Such a dream tone man!
I spot that too
WOW. just WOW
Your playing lately has been unbelievable man. Truly an inspiration to my own playing. Thank you!🙏🏼
That means very much thank you Matt.
A super reverb im guessing. And settings
Could listen to this strat for hours.. this guitar is simply Amazing what an history
54 has a lot of stories to tell..... but still for me, your 59 is the coolest looking strat I've ever seen.
And I love that vintage hum
What amp r u using with that cool cool guitar?
@@jackpeters9349 obviously im not matt lol but im pretty sure it looked like he was plugged into his fender blackface super reverb. Knowing his taste in vintage gear its probably a real mid/lateish 60's super reverb
Thank you. I can't argue with that🤘🏻
What a beautiful sound. Thank you for the opportunity to hear it.
I think that is probably the best video you have ever done, really enjoyed it. My heart broke when you said it wasn't actually yours.
Sweet mother of pearl … what a totally amazing Strat … sweetest tone I’ve ever heard 😲
Its crazy how I get so happy for you when you find these gems. Keep up the wonderful vids Matthew
yeah Matthew is the Man
The benefits of having a Rich friend. Thanks for sharing,Rich, and Matthew.
Saw the Andy Timmons and Tommy Katona video, and your solo just blew me away. IMHO you are one of the most soulful players alive. We could debate about who was the luckier: you for the privilege of playing this guitar; or the guitar for getting into the hands of an amazing player.
Well said, I too saw the same video. A whole lot of awesome on that stage. Matthew definitely stood out as the most tasteful player, imo
@@kkramp1984 ua-cam.com/video/z6v7n0fNqPI/v-deo.html Enjoy!
This 100%
Thanks! That was an incredible opportunity. Had to say, it was tough battling with those guys!
I’m all about that Ten Years Gone jam at the end. Beautiful guitar.
YOU Matthew are an exceptional “Axe-Man”, and I literally got goose bumps from the tone you evoked from this Strat…wow!
Thank you Steve.
Really is the perfect sounding strat. The bridge tone is to die for. A true tone beast. Love it.
That's what I noticed, the bridge sounds massive(100k pots)?
The clarity and sustain on that guitar is insane, I like the twang you can get out of it too.
It's remarkable.
Love your playing dude..... melodic.....old school....nice..,i,m 71 years old...been playing since i was ten years old.....i know quality you got it.....much respect too young man......
Wow is all I can say. Something about a vintage strat tuned to Eb through a vintage fender tube amp. The pick response is phenomenal
Ten years gone. So good! Thank you so much for sharing this guitar Matt!
What a beautiful and rare guitar - and how lucky we are that you played for us so we can all hear how amazing it sounds. Well done.
THE best sounding Strat I have ever heard.
Awesome playing Matthew, love the guitar!
I'd buy a ticket just to sit in the garden for an afternoon and listen to an a hour or two of Matt and a '54 Strat!
That Zeppelin meets Hendrix outro is amazing! 🤩🤩🤩
Hi, Man you just brought back some wonderful memories. My first memory of hearing an electric guitar was in 1962, when a friend played in a high school talent show. The song was Stick Shift w/vibrato. It was magic! He had the exact Stratocaster you are playing in this video. He started me on a lifelong musical carrerr. Sadly, he passed away two years ago. In 1963 my dad surprised me with a Fender Jaguar. Like I said....MAGIC! Shalom/gw
you are a legend sir.🎸🎵🎵🎸🎸🎵🎵🎵
A Wonderful '54 Fender Strat, .. & a Fantastic Playing, as Usual!!! .. 🤩
Wow, I am blown away. That tone is insane! Great playing as always. 🔥🔥🔥
I am familiar with the Strat sound, and this guitar is very different. It has a more dark timbre. (It's a good thing! I LOVE IT!) I think, as you said, that is due to the different pickups. Of course, that is just my opinion as to tone. Others may hear it differently. Since it is a first year Strat, I'm sure there were variations with every guitar that was made. The wood used for the neck was also a bonus. WOW. As for issues, this was a guitar that was played, yet kept in good shape. A refret would've been necessary, and also the fretboard sanding. Let's be real, ok? Leo Fender didn't make guitars just so 70 years later people would collect them and worry about what changes were made. Leo made guitars for WORKING musicians. I would expect a 54 Strat that has been played to have some changes. Leo meant for his guitars to be easily worked on, modified and in the end.......to keep on going. In other words, he got it right from the beginning. This guitar is still around, and it is still amazing. The sounds coming from the highly skilled fingers of Matthew.......this would have made Leo happy. I know I feel that way. (I own a strat, so I am biased. bla.)
She sounds awesome . Love that "dark" tone a lot . Are there pickups out there for sale , with a tone like that ?
Wow…I absolutely LOVE that guitar. It’s the stuff of dreams. Thanks for sharing, and tasteful playing, my friend.
That bridge pickup howls cries and screams like it's alive. Very sweet.
That tone at 2:10 is some of the best I've ever heard. That, to me, is much more of a "holy grail" tone.
Exactly. Just the right amount of twang and bubbly sound. The slight gain sounds great as well
It’s so crazy to think about; Leo Fender nailed it, right out of the box. 70 years later and this is still as good as it gets.
Fellow strat player here.... I am drooling over this '54...awesome tone and great playing and feel man...love it..:)
Awesome start. One piece body, flamed neck, light as a feather... Just wow. The perfect combo, on a 1954 it's just a dream.
That strat has the magic!!!
I have a 50th anniversary deluxe with gold hardware..I'm 76 and have been playing for 60 yrs. And have owned a gazillion guitars over the years. My 50th anniversary model is the best sounding strat I have ever heard. They are truly magical.
This is one stunning guitar and as always great playing Matthew.
To answer your question on why the D Pole magnet was raised. The ability for a magnet to transfer the energy is based on the mass of the string and the distance between the string and the pole. Although the D appears to be fairly thick, it's a wound string. With energy transfer it's not the diameter of the wound string but the diameter of the core of the string (the string that runs the length) that matters, making the D string one of the thinnest strings on the guitar, hence a very low output string. Raising the pole of that string helps to keep the overall volume of the strings more even. Staggered Poles are still evident on many pick up designs today, for the very same reason.
Thanks for the great videos and keep it up!
Cheers
You are correct about the relationship of the thickness of the thinnest wound string and pole height, but in 1954 the thinnest wound string was the third string (G) consequently the G pole was always the highest, you always get anomalies but all three pickups are the same. These pickups may have been rewound or the poles may have been tapped down as it will really show their unevenness through certain amps that have less compression than others as the strongest output is always from your thickest plain string. Always enjoy your vids Matt 😊
That thing's alive. It's telling a story for sure. Thanks for playing it for us
You made me love watching videos about vintage guitars. Your touching words: "Unfortunately, this guitar does not beling to me", made me feel that I should write a comment to support you.
Great job overal with sharing your love to guitarsband music in general. Always watch your videos with interest.
Good luck!
Thank you. I've enjoyed the time with the guitar at least🙏🏻
Am i the only person in awe of his playing
Im going through all his videos learning what he plays
Matthew, you did that front pickup justice and more. I could listen to you play it all day!!
Wow. 1954 with not much signs of aging on the body (for the most part). Almost perfectly clean and intriguing guitar. Wish you well!
what a dreamboat. It reminds me of Otis Rush's strat on the Cobra recordings. Thanks for sharing Matthew
always glad to see sick guitars go to actual players instead of rich collectors - rip that thing up man
I'm not really a strat guy ngl, but that sounds amazing, Truly a one of a kind magical beast. Really enjoy the content keep up the good work.
I love how you threw in that little Zepplin in at the end around 14:55. Sweet sound on that strat :0)
I died and went to single coil heaven when you started playing that neck pickup dude.
One of the best tones you have ever posted. Great playing as usual.
I was about to say congrats Matt. Beautiful guitar. Sounds amazing. There are currently 3 listed on Reverb right now. $53,000, $93,000 and $250,000. Good luck.
My favorite guitar is the one I have in my hands! Love the tone that this one has!
That neck pickup sound was incredible. Love that flamey neck! A gem indeed.
Matthew, that presentation was beautiful! I've been a fan of the '54 since I was a teenager, having learned that my new favorite, Laurie Wisefield of Wishbone Ash, played one. Incredible, emotive tone.
Man, I need to work, but I can't stop watching this man's videos. The best channel I've found in recent times. Very good!
It's got a very nice thump to each note.
lovely guitar simply amazing
The guitar sounds great! Thanks Rich for letting Matthew play your wonderful guitar and to make some videos of it. I think it's really important to hear such guitars through vintage equipment, document what they sound like, and remind us why they became so iconic.
Matthew, could you post some information on the settings you were using on the Amp/Make/Model/Year, and were you using the pots wide open? It will make trying to replicate that vintage full sound on my gear a bit easier. I'm really looking forward to seeing more videos featuring this guitar. 👍😎👌
Omg this is the Best strat i've ever ever heard, she's from an another world !!
The tone is.... i have no words 🤯
Once again, thank you for gracing us with your extensive knowledge on the history of these guitars and what I now regard as the epitome of tone for any piece of gear. Most of us will not ever see these in real life, let alone hear them. My most humble thanks is extended towards you for what you have done for the guitar-lovers. Like a ray of sunshine, or a good cup of coffee, sometimes the greatest pleasures come from the simplest of things, presented in the kindest and most perfect of ways.
From the handful of genuine 50s-60s vintage Strats (in good playing shape) I've played, my best way of describing the difference between those and today's Strats is that with the vintage ones, everything is there at your command. You want it bright, you can make it bright...you want it full and rich, you can make it full and rich. You're not forced to compensate or work around anything, especially that steely brightness and attack that so many modern Strat have, even vintage reissues. It feels like there's nothing that the guitar can't do, and that opens you up completely.
It may sound like hyperbole or magic, but it's really quite simple....it makes playing feel easy, especially when it comes to dynamics. My favorites were a '54 hardtail and a '65 veneer-board. Amp didn't matter it was all good...Deluxe Reverb, Bassman, Super, Champ. This guitar sounds like one of those guitars. Every pickup position is golden....it sounds like you can do anything with it. Even the bridge which is usually the weakest...it sounds better than all my Gibsons. Probably the best sounding Strat I've heard in youtube videos.
You just made my day!! Thanks for sharing your incredible guitar story and playing.
My boy its been some time since i have seen you ......what a amazing girl you have acquired , my honest thought .... the girl has found her true custodian , again i cant tell you enough how you inspire a old death metal guitarist ..........buts its great that we share a a community as lovers of truly great instruments again > Matthew great work and Luv from AUS \M/
That guitar has been here to witness the birth of all major rock and metal hits
It witness bbking it witness Hendrix it witnessed led zeppelin and much more
And it's still here to tell the tale xd
Matthew that guitar simply oozes the sound and tone that makes fender unique. Love this kind of demo most of these are out of circulation and many of us have never heard a 54. Thanks
Certainly an exceptional guitar! Wonderfully ably demonstrated as ever.
Man that tone is unbelievable. I love it .
Great video and awesome playing. I didn't notice any single coil hum coming from this guitar even when overdriven. The hum was definitely more noticeable on the Mary Kaye Strat.
Great playing there Matt, I had a Fender Japan 54 Strat I saved from a pawnshop about 13 years ago. It hung there in the shop pretty dirty with no strings. - After buying it I took it home and cleaned it up installed a new set of klusons and gave it a fret dress. Turned out to be one of the best strats I've owned.
I'm a Fender guy myself. My band back in the 60's had ALL Fender gear, and both guitarists lived on that bridge pickup. I would love to know what amp you matched with that guitar. Glorious tone and great playing. Been following you from the beginning. I remember how blown away you were when you reached 5K subscribers.
Thanks so much for following that long. I was using 2 amps, a 1959 Bassman and a 1964 Super Reverb. I dont normally do that. It may have contributed to the sound.
That guitar is Magic You Belong Together
The person who assembled this in '54 must have been thinking, "Sheeeeeesh, this one is special!"
The tone at all pickup positions sounds so much bite yet meaty. Super.
A marvel ! In a pretty good shape. Buddy Holly's strat had the plastic of the neck pickup broken, and this one no, after more than 60 years !
Man, you can play... And your guitar sounds like from way back in the old times. I am impressed.👌
I think this guitar sound this way because of the early Alnico 3 pickups, which are darker, flater sounding, has a mid bite that goes especially well with overdrives.
That said, what an AMAZING GUITAR!
Blown away is the only comment. A beautiful instrument to hear especially with someone as passionate as you playing it-
Man you were made for demoing rare instruments. Glad you found your calling.
you're right .. that strat doesn't sound like any other strat I've ever heard . what a beauty .. and you did it justice as well .
That might be the best sounding strat I've ever seen. Blown away by you both
Best sounding strat you have ever seen? You mean heard?
absolutely magical bold as love improvisation in the beginning man.
Most people will have no clue what I'm about to say. I'm the guy who goes into a guitar store and walks around plucking strings and " listening" to a guitars true "voice".Its not so very often it happens when one can stop me in my tracks. Whoever owns that strat,do not sell it. EVER . That voice that girl has is priceless. She whispers quiet yet screams passionately.And will take the backseat to none. Freaking awesome guitar. Thanks for sharing her with me.:)
That things fell into the right hands. The sound you pushed out of it was incredible Congrats! (that neck flame.. good lord..)
Great video - hopefully soon you'll be uploading a video after you add one to your collection! I imagine they are extremely tough to find for sale at all, let alone in decent shape like the one shown here?
Sublime, The Guitar and the playing. Even the cigarette burns are classic.
Wow Matthew that's a beauty! I was born in May 1954 and I have to admit that that guitar, with all of it's dings, burns and just plain wear it has acquired through its journey in life looks a whole hell of a lot better than yours truly. It also performs a whole lot better too. Thanks for sharing, you're a lucky guy - talented too.
Hi I was born on may 3 1954 and I play a Korean 1993 strat that has a fantastic one piece maple neck and it sounds alot like this strat ,when I bought it from a guy on Craig's list I payed 100 bucks for it and it was never played so I got it home put my setup on it and I'm blown away how freakin fantastic it plays n sounds so look for the early Korean strats they are some of the best strats the Asians made I just sold my mim strat cause this one played and sounds better
I was born in July of 1954 and always wanted to buy a Strat from that year. Unfortunately I could buy a house for less money so I will have to be satisfied with a reissue of some sort.
Some of those reissues are sick man.I doubt you’d be unhappy with one😊
playing the right guitar through the right amp. she is a beauty.
Ash bodies are usually some of the heaviest. Weird that it weighs so little.
Ash can be really heavy and really light. This is swamp ash. Much lighter.
I’ve worked with many different woods as a furniture maker. I never knew swamp ash was much lighter than a northern ash. That’s really interesting and something I didn’t know. 👍
”Ash; Northern Hard
This stuff is very hard and heavy. A Strat body will weigh from 5 lbs. and up. With its density, the tone is very bright with a long sustain. Its color is creamy, but also tends to have heartwood of pink to brown tints. The grain is open and takes lots of finish to fill up. Hard Ash is popular for its bright, long sustain.
Ash; Southern Soft (Ash; Swamp)
Southern Soft or Swamp Ash is a prized wood for many reasons. This is the wood many 50's Fenders were made of. It is easily distinguishable from Northern Ash by weight. A Strat body will be light. This is a very musical wood offering a very nice balance of brightness and warmth with lots of "pop". The grain is open and creamy - a nice choice for clear finishes.
Light weight American wood, has a distinct ringing tone [when used as body material]. This wood works well with spring tremolo systems and single coil pickups to produce a transparent timbre with bell-like overtones. Medium weight bodies yield the best tonal balance and sustain. Extremely light bodies have a weak bottom end and sound thin.
Popular in the 50's for electric guitars this wood is alive and light weight. Swamp ash just wants to vibrate. Bright and sweet at the same time, excellent grain pattern, all transparent finishes look great on Swamp Ash.”
The ash was really inconsistent in the 1950s. I've seen some 54s that weigh nearly 10 lbs.
@@MatthewScottmusic Wow! 😱