Hi, I’m Andy Ferris
a YouTuber Guitarist Singer Songwriter Creator

Fender CROSSED THE LINE With the Ultra Luxe Vintage Stratocaster | Guitar Auction Thoughts

Today I want to walk you through my first impressions and full breakdown of the Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Sixties Stratocaster HSS. If you are the kind of person who reads listing details before a Guitar Auction, or you are deciding whether to buy new or wait for a secondhand score, this review will give you the practical, hands-on detail you need. I dug into the pickups, the hardware, the feel, the sound, and yes, the price. And I will be honest: this guitar will make a lot of people rethink what a modern vintage Strat can be.

Table of Contents

• Overview and First Impressions
• Sound: Clean, Surf, and Humbucker Power
• Playability: Neck, Frets, and Contour Heel
• Hardware and Electronics: What Fender Put Under the Hood
• Setup, Tuning Stability, and Weight
• Measured Pickup Readings and What They Mean
• Case, Accessories, and Presentation
• Price, Value, and the Guitar Auction Angle
• Final Thoughts

Overview and First Impressions

Fender have taken a bold route. They have built a sixties-style Strat with heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer that used to be Fiesta Red and now reads as a corally, aged finish. They then added modern playability features: stainless steel frets, a rosewood fingerboard with clay dots, locking tuners, a floating two-point trem, S-1 switching, and a modern Haymaker humbucker in the bridge. On paper it sounds contradictory. In practice it plays like a vintage Strat given modern tools.

The intention is not to replace vintage instruments. Fender say they want to cover the tonal and visual range of the sixties Strat while being reliable enough to work night after night. As someone who has been playing Strats for years, I approached this with skepticism. But when I opened the case I was surprised at how convincingly Fender balanced vintage looks and modern convenience.

Sound: Clean, Surf, and Humbucker Power

I ran clean tests through a Fender Deluxe Reverb and more aggressive tones through a Marshall JTM Studio. The neck and middle single coils are true to the vintage ’61 profile: glassy, articulate, quintessential Strat sparkle. Position one delivers that surf tone with the right bell-like clarity.

The Haymaker humbucker in the bridge is a modern animal. In full humbucker mode it is beefy with noticeable bottom end and fullness. When I engaged the S-1 coil-split via the push in the volume knob, the split did not become anemic the way some split coils do. Instead it turned into a hot single coil character that still had presence and definition. That makes the bridge far more versatile than a conventional HSS setup where the coil split often feels like an afterthought.

On heavier rock settings the Strat remains usable. It can feel a bit brash on its own through a Marshall with lots of presence, but in a mix the humbucker sits neatly. The conventional caveat applies: Strats will never sound like an SG or Les Paul in the low mids, but this one narrows the gap considerably.

Playability: Neck, Frets, and Contour Heel

The neck is what Fender call an augmented D, which is very close to a modern C. Slim but not skinny, satin finished and comfortable. It is not a roasted maple neck. At this price point some players might expect roasted maple, but the neck feels stable and plays like a worked-in guitar.

Fender used stainless steel frets here. The fretwork is stellar: crowned, shiny and rounded, and the fretboard edges are comfortable. That gives the fretboard a “played-in” feel without heavy relicing. Speaking of relicing, the heirloom treatment is subtle. The finish is matte with visible but discreet checking. If you want the feel of a broken-in instrument without full relic theatrics, this hits the sweet spot.

Another welcome modern touch is the contoured or “comfort” heel. It removes the blocky feel around the upper frets and lets you reach higher positions without wrestling your hand. For players who move up the neck, this is a real ergonomic win.

Hardware and Electronics: What Fender Put Under the Hood

Under the pickguard you find top-notch components. The cavity sports an orange drop capacitor and substantial pots. The vintage single coils get vintage-style wiring while the humbucker is wired differently to allow the S-1 split to sound punchy. There is also a practical quick connect on the pickguard wiring. That quick connect makes pickguard removal and servicing much easier than taking multiple solder joints apart.

The trem block is tapered for better break angle and there are black trem springs that match the aged look. Fender did not go for full conductive shielding in the cavity, but noise performance is fine in typical environments. The output jack is standard Fender quality: it will do the job reliably.

Setup, Tuning Stability, and Weight

One of the first things I test is the trem. This model ships with a floating two-point trem that is set up to be usable right out of the case. A light flick moves it; you can go down and get a semitone up as well. That indicates a well-assembled setup from the factory. Locking tuners help with tuning stability, and the guitar stayed rock solid even after transport and some hard playing.

Weight is about 3.55 kilos which converts to 7 pounds 12 ounces. That is comfortable for long sets and not overly heavy for studio work. The balance is good because the design keeps the guitar from being neck heavy.

Measured Pickup Readings and What They Mean

I measured DC resistance to get a sense of relative output. Here are the numbers I recorded:

• Bridge humbucker: 7.1-7.2
• Position 2: 3.2
• Position 3: 5.9
• Position 4: 2.9
• Position 5: 5.8
• Split humbucker: 3.5
• Split on position 2: 2.2

These figures show the humbucker is hotter than the single coils but not massively so. The split humbucker sits in the hot single coil territory which matches what you hear. Tonally, the transition between humbucker and split modes is useful rather than jarring.

Case, Accessories, and Presentation

The guitar ships in a substantial brown tolex style hard case with gold latches and a bright orange interior. Inside you get a certificate of authenticity, a switching guide for the S-1 functions, strap lock hardware, documentation, and a Fender sticker. There is no strap included which is something Fender does include with some Custom Shop models, so that is a small missed opportunity for extra value.

Price, Value, and the Guitar Auction Angle

This is the top of the range Fender. The name is long: American Ultra Luxe Vintage Sixties Stratocaster HSS. The price reflects the top-tier positioning. If you are thinking of waiting for a bargain at a Guitar Auction, factor in how rare this configuration may be in used markets. People who buy these and keep them as working instruments will not often sell them. If you have a fixed idea that a Guitar Auction will net you a mint example for half price, that is possible but not guaranteed.

If you only need a Strat for occasional fun or you prefer more affordable models, you will not need this one. If you are a working player and you need a single reliable Strat that can cover surf, funk, chunky bridge tones and studio work, this is a compelling option. For many buyers, that reliability and the finish and hardware package will justify the price when compared against chasing multiple guitars or hunting through Guitar Auction listings for the perfect specimen.

When listing or bidding at a Guitar Auction, make sure you examine the finish, verify the serial and build dates, and check for the S-1 switch configuration and the Haymaker humbucker. These are the elements that give this model its identity and resale value.

Final Thoughts

Is this the perfect Strat? I hesitate to use that word, but it is close. Fender have made a guitar that captures the sixties vibe while adding modern staples that make sense on the road. The Haymaker humbucker gives the guitar low end and weight, the split is musical, the neck is comfortable, frets excellent, trem set up from the case, and the case itself is roadworthy.

If you are in the market and you value a single instrument that covers many bases, this should be on your shortlist. If you attended a Guitar Auction and this appeared in the lot list, you would have a strong case for bidding. If you do buy one, expect it to be a frequent player rather than a closet ornament.

FAQ

Does the S-1 split work on all switch positions?

No. The S-1 coil split only affects the bridge humbucker in positions 1 and 2. It does nothing in positions 3, 4 or 5.

Are the neck and middle pickups vintage correct?

Yes. The neck and middle are Fender pure vintage ’61 single coils and sound like what you expect from a sixties-style Strat in those positions.

Will this replace my vintage Strat?

Fender do not intend to replace vintage instruments. This model is designed to be a reliable and versatile working Strat that covers many tones. If you need original vintage mojo for collecting, this is not a direct substitute. If you need performance and flexibility, this could replace several guitars in your case.

Is it worth buying at a Guitar Auction or retail?

Both have pros and cons. A Guitar Auction might yield savings, but availability is unpredictable. Retail gives you immediate warranty support, correct setup, and verified condition. If you find one at a Guitar Auction in excellent condition, it could be a deal, but make sure you inspect S-1 and the humbucker configuration.

How heavy is it and does it stay in tune with heavy trem use?

Weight is about 3.55 kg or 7 pounds 12 ounces. With the locking tuners and the two-point floating trem it stays surprisingly stable for a Strat with a floating system when properly set up.

What would I change if I owned one?

Personal taste varies. I might add a strap and possibly a roasted maple neck option if Fender ever offers one. But the guitar is highly playable as delivered and will satisfy most players without modification.

If you want to dive deeper, check the links in the description where the guitar is available new. If you are scanning Guitar Auction listings, use the features and specs I have listed as a checklist to quickly evaluate any lot. Let me know what you think and whether you would bid at a Guitar Auction for one of these. I will meet you in the comments if you want to discuss setup, mods, or tone choices.

This Guitar is Going to Cause BIG Problems: A Deep Dive into the Baum Leaper Melody Vega

Hey there, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to dive deep into a unique piece of new guitar gear that I recently got my hands on. Spoiler alert: there’s only one of these in the world, and somehow, it’s here with me! Yes, you guessed it—it’s the Baum Leaper Melody Vega prototype, and let me tell you, it’s as stunning as it sounds.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Gold Sparkle

As I pulled this beauty out of the box, the first thing that struck me was its color. Sparkly Inca Gold! Now, I’m no fashion expert, but this guitar looks like it belongs on a stage with a gold suit. Seriously, if I ever get the chance to perform in Vegas, this is the guitar I’d want by my side.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is a prototype, which means it doesn’t have a pickup system yet. That’s right—no gimmicks, just pure craftsmanship and soul. And boy, does it feel light! For an acoustic guitar, it’s definitely lighter than your average solid body electric. You know what they say, lighter means you can play it longer, or at least that’s what I tell myself!

Sound Check: Can It Hold Its Own?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Andy, how does it sound?” Well, let’s set up a mic and find out! I used my trusty Lewitt 540 S condenser mic, along with some other mics to capture the sound in all its glory. Since this prototype doesn’t have a pickup, I had to get a bit creative with my mic setup.

First up, I recorded some low-end riffing and medium-strength strumming. The sound? Oh, it was warm and balanced. Honestly, it felt bigger than it looked and sounded. You know how some guitars feel squeaky and new right out of the box? This one didn’t. It felt like I’d been playing it for years, which is a testament to its build quality.

Fingerpicking and Strumming: A Versatile Companion

Let’s talk about playability. I grabbed it for some fingerpicking, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It covered all the bases for what I want from an acoustic guitar. Open chords strummed beautifully, and it felt comfortable in my hands. But there was a little ringing behind the nut, which is pretty normal. Just a little finger placement behind the nut, and voilà, problem solved. Clean golden acoustic sound achieved!

Taking It Outside: A Bonding Experience

On a whim, I decided to take this beauty outside. The sunlight was glorious, and I wanted to see that sparkly gold in all its glory. Let me tell you, the rainbow sparkle that popped out was simply breathtaking. It’s not just a flat gold; it’s a universe of colors!

But it’s not all about looks. So, let’s get into the specs, shall we?

Specs and Materials: What Makes It Tick

The Melody Lipa Vega features a Sitka spruce top with mahogany veneer back and sides. The neck is also mahogany, and the fretboard is rosewood. The bridge plate is maple, while the bridge itself is ebony, and the pins are ebony with an abalone inlay. The rosette? Tortoise shell, which is just gorgeous.

Now, up at the fretboard, you’ll find mother of pearl butterfly inlays. Seriously, these details make the guitar feel like a work of art. The nut is ox bone, and we’ve got a rosewood veneer on the headstock. As for the tuners, they’re open-back vintage-style and, you guessed it, they look the part. The wheels on the back? Gold, of course, matching the front.

The Build Quality: Flawless and Premium

Let’s talk about build quality. This guitar is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. I’ve played guitars that cost twice this one, and they don’t even come close in terms of quality. Everything is flawless, and it screams premium. By the way, if the gold is too much for you, it also comes in Nordic green and pearl black. But let’s be real—gold is where it’s at!

Playability: A Joy to Play

Now, I’ve had a chance to really bond with this guitar. It’s comfortable, and it sits nicely in your hands. Even though I typically prefer thicker necks, this one felt just right. If Baum can do this with every guitar they produce, they’re onto something special. I can’t wait to try out their full-fat version!

Capo Test: Does It Hold Up?

One of the tests I always do is the capo test. Many acoustics fail when you stick a capo on the higher frets, but this one? It passed with flying colors! I slapped the capo on the seventh fret, strummed a chord, and it sounded beautiful. That’s what I like to hear!

Price vs. Value: Is It Worth It?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. At $1,599 for this model, it might seem steep. But having played it, I can confidently say it competes with guitars that cost $2,500 or more. It’s not just about the price; it’s about what you’re getting. A premium sound, build quality, and playability that’s hard to beat.

Some might argue that their $300 guitar sounds just as good, but let me tell you, they might be listening through a tin can. With over a thousand guitars played, this one stands out as one of the best.

Final Thoughts: A Magical Experience

So, to wrap it all up, the Baum Leaper Melody Vega is an incredible piece of new guitar gear. It’s not just a guitar; it’s a magical experience. The looks, the sound, the build quality—it all comes together to create something special. If you’re in the market for a new acoustic, I highly recommend checking it out.

And remember, you can only buy this beauty directly from Baum. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, hit the link in the description. You won’t regret it!

That’s all for today, folks! I hope you enjoyed this little journey into the world of the Baum Leaper Melody Vega. Until next time, keep strumming, and I’ll see you in the next video!

The Week in Gear 78 | The Week Guitar Logic Broke

Prepare to get GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) because this week, we’re diving deep into some truly exciting new guitar gear. Sparkle finishes, multi-scale guitars, and possibly the deepest reverb pedal I’ve ever seen are all on the menu. Buckle up, folks, because we’re in for a wild ride!

Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Sparkle Jet FT

First up, let’s talk about the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Sparkle Jet FT. Yes, it’s a long name, almost like something Ibanez would come up with! This beauty features a single cut chambered mahogany body with a maple top, topped off with a finish that looks like someone spilled a disco ball all over it.

Available in both silver and gold sparkle, this guitar definitely shines! But it’s not just about the glitter; it packs two Filtertron FT5E humbuckers which are modern yet still carry that classic Gretsch vibe. The controls may seem a bit confusing initially (welcome to the Gretsch dance), but once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the individual volume for each pickup, master tone, and master volume with a treble bleed.

And let’s not forget about the Bigsby B50 vibrato, which is perfect for those gentle warbles. However, if you’re looking to dive bomb, you might want to reconsider. The neck is a thin hue set mahogany with a Laurel fingerboard, a twelve-inch radius, and medium jumbo frets. The only downside? Those tuners look a bit cheap. But hey, you either love sparkly finishes or you don’t!

I personally am all about sparkle, especially the silver. It reminds me of Sheryl Crow’s second album cover that’s been stuck in my head for ages. If you’re into Les Pauls but want something a bit showier, this could be the guitar for you. Prices vary worldwide, but you can expect it to be around seven hundred notes. Check the links in the description for the most accurate pricing.

On the gasometer, this one is firmly in wishlist territory. If sparkle finishes are your thing, I think this guitar will find its way into your shopping cart.

Cort KX507MS Pale Moon

Next up is the Cort KX507MS Pale Moon. If the Gretsch is like a wild night in Vegas, this guitar feels like a sci-fi metal cathedral. Seriously, it looks like it was carved out of some alien tree—and I’m totally here for it!

This guitar features a pale moon ebony top, roasted maple, and purple heart neck, along with individual hardtail string-through bridges. But here’s the kicker: it’s a multi-scale seven-string guitar. This means longer scale on the bass side and shorter on the treble side, which keeps the tension nice and tight for chugging while allowing for easy bends on the high strings.

Now, I know some of you might be zoning out right now, but bear with me. Cort produces a lot of Indonesian-made guitars, and they’re known for delivering recognizable quality at a lower price point. So if this seven-string doesn’t excite you, I encourage you to check out their other models because they offer excellent bang for your buck.

This guitar comes equipped with Fishman Fluence modern humbuckers—ceramic bridge and Alnico neck—with three voicings selected via push-pull pots. You get everything from high-gain brutality to single-coil sparkle. The neck is a bolt-on five-piece speed machine, probably with a D-shaped profile, and it has twenty-four stainless steel frets.

Although I’m not completely sold on the finish, it’s definitely more on the “yum” side of my yum-to-yuck spectrum. The price? Expect to pay around one thousand notes. If this guitar had a different brand name, you’d likely be looking at a much higher price. On the gasometer, I’d say it’s firmly in the “borrow one to try” category, but if you’re in the market for a seven-string, it could easily squeeze its way into your cart.

Mooer MSC50 Pro

Now let’s talk about the Mooer MSC50 Pro. This is a higher-end affordable S-style electric guitar that’s packed with features. If you thought the Cort was too boring, strap in for this one.

With an older body, roasted maple neck, and a twelve-inch radius rosewood fretboard, this guitar comes with locking tuners, a two-point tremolo, and an HSS pickup layout with a coil split on the bridge humbucker. That’s more premium features than some guitars priced twice as high!

The sparkly finish is called “magic crystal.” Yes, it looks like a glitter bomb exploded in the factory, but in a tasteful way. The see-through pickguards are a fantastic design choice, allowing you to see everything happening inside the guitar. However, I have to admit that after seeing high-resolution photos, I’m not as fond of the pickguard as I initially was.

Nothing about this guitar screams budget! It even comes with a bone nut and that push-pull coil split, which is usually reserved for much more expensive guitars. So, let’s place some bets on the price. If you guessed around four hundred notes, then congratulations—you win seventeen internet points! This is a lot of guitar for a very reasonable price.

However, I do think it’s a bit odd that it’s only available in a sparkle finish, which might not be for everyone. Still, this should definitely put Mooer on the map when compared to brands like Squier and Harley Benton. On the gasometer, this one is another firm add to cart, with only the finish holding it back in my humble opinion.

EHX Ocean’s Abyss

I don’t usually need scuba gear to explore a reverb pedal, but the EHX Ocean’s Abyss is deep—like Mariana Trench deep! Imagine if Electro-Harmonix took their amazing Ocean’s Eleven reverb pedal and cranked it up to eleven. Well, that’s exactly what they did!

The Ocean’s Abyss isn’t just a reverb pedal; it’s a full stereo reverb workstation. With dual stereo reverb engines, you can have two stereo reverbs running simultaneously, and you can even place each one independently in the stereo field. There are ten reverb types, including shimmer, dynamic, polyphonic, auto infinite, and even resined reverb. And that’s just scratching the surface!

They’ve packed in eight effect blocks, including delay, EQ, chorus, bit crush, and tremolo, which you can arrange in any order you like. It’s also got MIDI, USB-C, one hundred and twenty-eight presets, expression and footswitch inputs, and an editable tails mode per preset. It’s absurd!

This pedal is not just about slapping reverb onto your signal; it’s about sculpting the very space your sound exists in. It could easily become a lost evening or weekend rabbit hole in the best possible way. But all this fun comes at a price, and it’s not going to leave you with much change out of five hundred notes. So, if you’re a casual reverb user, I’d recommend starting with the Ocean’s Eleven. But if you live inside your reverb trails, this might be your new command center!

According to the gasometer, this one is definitely an add to cart. Just be prepared for the price tag.

Andy’s Pick of the Week

Now, let’s move on to my pick of the week, which happens to be two pedals—the Thermion Power Trem and Power Vibe. These beautifully built analog pedals from Spain are worth your attention.

The Power Trem pays homage to vintage amp tremolos, like the brown face Fender harmonic trem and classic optical trem circuits. The Power Vibe is a modern take on the Uni Vibe, boasting separate chorus and vibe modes along with a full analog signal path. If you’ve ever wanted to float above your amp, these pedals might get you there!

Here’s the exciting part: both are priced at just one hundred and twenty-five euros. In a world where pedals around a hundred notes are usually made in factories across Asia, Thermion is taking a different path. I’ve played a lot of their products, and everything has been fantastic so far. These pedals sound amazing in the demo videos and offer great value.

According to the gasometer, these are firmly in the buy-it-now territory. They might not set my wallet on fire, but they should give you quality pedals for your board while supporting a great business. Plus, I’ve been told that Thermion will be rolling out a whole range of effects in the PowerBolt series, so keep an eye out for more!

Support the Channel

Before I wrap things up, I want to extend my gratitude to the wonderful people who support this show on Patreon. Your names are up on screen, and I genuinely appreciate each and every one of you. If you’d like your name in lights, consider clicking the join button or visiting my Patreon link in the description.

If you have thoughts on this week’s gear, let me know in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to check out the affiliate links in the description to support the show. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you in the next one!

And remember, the washing machine is going up, so I might need to buy a new one!