The comparison video totally reflects my experience with HD 2.0 models vs. 1.9 -- most notably the Spank models. I have played Strats onstage and in the studio for more than 30 years. I've owned more Strats than I care to remember, with both maple and rosewood fingerboards, ash and alder bodies, stock alnico/DiMarzio/Vintage Noiseless/EMG/Texas Special pickups, classic vibrato/American Deluxe vibrato/Kahler vibrato/hardtail. I have built a couple of custom Franken-Strats as well. I also own a Variax 600, 300, 700 Acoustic, JTV-69, and JTV-89. And a Pod HD500 that I'm just getting into. I like my Variaxes for the versatility I can have at a gig or in the studio. But for sheer playing joy, I love my Strats. That being said...
The HD 2.0 Spank models do not sound like any Strat I have ever played or owned. The 1.9 models are far more accurate in recreating the Strat tones I rely on. As I mentioned before, the video is only a confirmation of my actual experience with the new HD models, and why I downgraded back to 1.9.
And I certainly agree with what many have posted about the 335 models... what happened there? :unsure:
Yes, tone is a subjective thing, YMMV, etc. But take people who have played Strats for years, decades -- and have them do a blind test on 1.9 vs. 2.0. I bet at least 9 out of 10 will prefer 1.9. HD Spank ≠Strat.
Looking forward to HD Version 2.x...
;)