Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Youtube responded to my copyright takedown request of the Guitar Gems with Chase channel, and I wasn’t expecting what they sent back. AI slop is becoming more prevalent on YouTube and I think if they don’t start cracking down on it soon, it could be the beginning of the end for this platform, which would be a huge shame. The issue I’m having here is trying to understand where the line is for copyright protection over my work when it comes to AI impersonation and “creators” ripping off my content for their own gain?
🎸 FRETBOARD FUNDAMENTALS ULTIMATE 52% OFF — my complete guitar theory course. 35 video lessons, 8 studio backing tracks I wrote and produced for the course, plus PDFs and Guitar Pro files for every lesson. There's an entire section on the modes taught exactly this way — and then we go deeper into actually making music with them. Special discount of 52% off only through this link:
👉 rhettshullguitarcourses.com/p/ff-ultimate?coupon_code=YT52&product_id=5977054
Follow me on Instagram @RhettShull
Youtube responded to my copyright takedown request of the Guitar Gems with Chase channel, and I wasn’t expecting what they sent back. AI slop is becoming more prevalent on YouTube and I think if they don’t start cracking down on it soon, it could be the beginning of the end for this platform, which would be a huge shame. The issue I’m having here is trying to understand where the line is for copyright protection over my work when it comes to AI impersonation and “creators” ripping off my content for their own gain?
🎸 FRETBOARD FUNDAMENTALS ULTIMATE 52% OFF — my complete guitar theory course. 35 video lessons, 8 studio backing tracks I wrote and produced for the course, plus PDFs and Guitar Pro files for every lesson. There's an entire section on the modes taught exactly this way — and then we go deeper into actually making music with them. Special discount of 52% off only through this link:
👉 rhettshullguitarcourses.com/p/ff-ultimate?coupon_code=YT52&product_id=5977054
Follow me on Instagram @RhettShull







![Im Done Buying Fender (buy this instead)
🎸 This video isnt sponsored by anybody. Its supported by my course, Fretboard Fundamentals ULTIMATE. 35 video lessons, notated PDFs and Guitar Pro files, and backing tracks I wrote and produced, all built to meet you wherever you are as a player. You can grab it at a special discount right now:
👉 https://rhettshullguitarcourses.com/p/ff-ultimate?coupon_code=YT52&product_id=5977054
If youre as fed up with Fender as I am right now, here are the best Stratocaster alternatives at every price point, none of them made by Fender. These are the guitars Id actually buy instead.
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A couple weeks ago I made a video about the Fender controversy and mentioned I was thinking about covering my favorite alternatives. A lot of you asked for it, so here it is. Every price tier, from a $333 Harley Benton up to a boutique Suhr. I still love plenty of what Fender has done, I just dont think we should reward how theyre treating the smaller builders right now, and the best way to send that message is with our wallets.
🎸 THE GUITARS (some of these are affiliate links, some arent)
Budget: Harley Benton ST Modern Plus – [non affiliate]
https://www.thomannmusic.com/harley_benton_st_modern_plus_mn_hss_sp.htm
Mid: PRS Silver Sky SE – [affiliate link]
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/yZLZ9G
Mid: G&L Tribute Legacy – [non affiliate]
https://reverb.com/p/g-and-l-tribute-series-legacy
American: PRS American Silver Sky – [affiliate link]
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qWNWmg
Boutique: Suhr Classic S Antique – [affiliate link]
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9VQVnE
Boutique: Shabat Lynx – [non affiliate]
https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=shabat%20lynx
⏱ CHAPTERS
0:00 Why Im fed up with Fender
0:47 The rules for this list
1:06 Budget tier: Squier and the $333 Harley Benton
2:46 Mid tier: Player II and Vintera 2
3:21 The PRS Silver Sky SE beats Fender here
5:13 Another mid pick: G&L Tribute Legacy
6:06 American tier: Am Pro 2 GT11 and Am Vintage 2
7:31 The American Silver Sky (and the John Mayer story)
9:09 Fretboard Fundamentals ULTIMATE
10:48 Boutique tier: Fender Custom Shop money
12:03 My top pick: the Suhr Classic S Antique
13:24 Another boutique option: the Shabat Lynx
14:16 Vote with your dollars
15:37 Affiliate links and course
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📚 MORE COURSES & PRESETS
All my guitar courses: https://rhettshullguitarcourses.com
Amp presets & IR packs (Helix, Axe-FX, FM3/FM9, Kemper, Pod Go): https://rhettshull.com
🎧 THE PODCAST
Dipped In Tone, my weekly show with Zach Broyles of Mythos Pedals. New episodes every week wherever you get your podcasts.
📲 FOLLOW ME
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rhettshull
This video was edited by Daniel Moreira @NoiseArcade
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What did I miss? Drop your favorite non-Fender Strat in the comments, and tell me if you want me to do this for Telecasters next.
Thanks for watching. Ill see you on the next one.
— Rhett
#guitar #stratocaster #fender #prs #silversky #suhr #harleybenton #gandl #strat #fenderalternatives #guitargear #guitarist Im Done Buying Fender (buy this instead)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tK32zkbWOMc/mqdefault.jpg)


