Fender Highway Series Acoustic Guitar - First Impressions!
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2024
- The Fender Highway Series Dreadnought and Parlor Acoustic guitars are reminiscent of the old Gibson Chet Atkins SSTs Dave Matthews used to play, so I was STOKED to check them out.
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00:00 Intro
01:11 The Neck
01:55 The Body
03:15 Electronics and Tone
06:22 What I Would Change
07:56 Would I Recommend?
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![Fender Acoustasonic Reviewed [honestly] by an Acoustic Guitarist](/img/n.gif)
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I really don't understand all the hate for this guitar. I bought one about a month ago. I saw it in store and spent about 30 minutes with it and decided I had to have it. I came home, played it for a couple days and started watching videos online. Everyone was bashing it lol. I own a couple full size acoustic guitars as well and did a little experiment. I invited friends and family over individually. Some play guitar. Some do not. I would go into another room and would play one guitar and play another guitar. I asked which sound they preferred? On a blind test everyone thought this guitar sounded better😂 for the ones that do play a guitar they hated it before ever hearing it. I would let them try it after having them. Guess which one they like better. And most would agree, it is more pleasant to play than a full-size guitar. But to each their own I guess.
Well, as my thumbnail suggests, I wanted to be a hater lol. However, the unplugged tone and feel/build quality was a very pleasant surprise. I wouldn’t use it on stage, but it’s a great home/living room guitar, in my opinion. The pickup is my biggest hurdle, followed by the headstock. Which version did you get?
Good review. I like the headstock. It reminds of the mid sixties country stars with their Fender acoustics. If I were in the market for an acoustic, I would consider this one. Great gigging guitar.
Great review. I like your suggestions, including the headstock (and especially the under-saddle pickup).
Appreciate you watching!
Really nice review man
Thank you, Chris!
I agree with your company about the headstock. I feel the same way about the meteora series.
Ia agree with the headstock, BUT the in-line tunners really help with tunning!
You mean you don’t want that G string to always be going crazy?! 😂 good point! Although, there are companies who’ve done it right.
You make a lot of sense with your suggestions for modifications. All good ideas in my opinion. I think it would look better with some burst finishes. Or a black top or other stain choice. It’s a bit boring looking to me. The top might be too thick for the Baggs HiFi, but maybe the Anthem SL would fit.
I agree it’s pretty plain, but I sort of liked that about it. I could definitely seen them offering more finishes in the future. As far as those Baggs pickups, their strengths would probably be a weakness in this guitar. They reproduce too much of the acoustic tone (normally a good thing), so that’s where an undersaddle would be better, I think. I have to imagine Fender/Fishman explored that. I’d be really curious to know what made them go magnetic, ultimately.
@@TomButwin Good points.
That tone knob is sweet!
Caught me off guard. It’s subtle, but more useful than a typical tone control!
@@TomButwin could you play ping pong with the guitar? Honest question
@SteveSterlacci You’d have to be making mostly, if not all, two handed shots and serves…but yes, it could be done.
Great review. Much appreciated.
Thanks, Elmo!
thanks Tom i didn't even know they had brought these out its sounds really nice as allot electro acoustics (with in certain price point) sound awful. never understood that type of head stock on an acoustic as well. some of them they make have the standard head stock on.
They’re worth checking out. Maybe not for everyone, or every application, but definitely some positives.
Good to see you Tom.
Go red hawks
Great review Tom, good suggestions that you made. Did you try it with a range of amps to see where it really shines?
I tried it through my studio monitors (Yamaha HS8s) and an older Fishman Loudbox Performer amp. As with all acoustic pickups that aren't mic-based, a full range speaker or amp helps the sound immensely. I didn't get to try it out live with a legit PA, but I'm sure that helps it too. Regardless of amp/speaker, I'm still just not a fan of magnetic acoustic pickups. Matter of personal taste! Appreciate you watching.
I have the American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster and the Ibanez TOD10N and this seems to be the sweet spot dead center of the two. Might have to check out.
Right on! Worth checking out if you’re into these types of guitars, I think.
imo these new highway series sound quite a bit better than the one you have.
Spot on with your assessment on the application of this. Would make a great home/travel guitar. But you're right about that headstock. Shallow I know, but its the only thing putting me off trying one.😂
Change it - Warmoth makes paddle headstocks.
So you listened to what he said, but not the SOUND of this piece of garbage?
Love the Fender headstock...just not on acoustics.
For some reason i really really like it
That's kind of how I felt when I took it out of the case. Didn't expect to like it at all, but I do!
So odd and strange but i really like it, an acoustic and electric had a baby?🎸
Good ,fair video. As to tuners? Do you think you would use locking tuners ? What type would you put on this guitar?
I’ve never thought about locking tuners on an acoustic, but then again…this isn’t a typical acoustic. I’m not sure what type of tuner I’d like better on it, honestly. I think it’s the right tuner for the headstock and guitar…but the guitar might just not be for me, ultimately.
I like the idea but think they could do it much better. A better pickup system with a better EQ and this would kill. Maybe an under bridge, the fishman and a pickup on the underside of the top for the tapping with a 3 band eq.
Totally agree that a different style pickup could make this thing really, really cool.
Where the cutout to reach the upper frets? I’ll wait.
What type of amplifier do you use with the Fender Highway. An acoustic amp or an electric amp ?
In the video, you’re hearing a direct recording of the guitar. If I were to use this live, I’d suggest an acoustic amp or going direct to the PA via a direct box. An electric guitar amp will make it louder, but I don’t think you’ll like the tone. As always, though, experiment!
Just got one and ready to dive in. Regarding the neck, why not swap out since it’s a bolt on?
The bolt pattern and neck pocket size look pretty specific to this guitar, so I’m not sure there’s anything out there that’d fit.
@@TomButwin The bolt pattern is no prob since you can order necks without pre-drilled holes. I’ll try one of my tele necks later this week and report back.
@christhompson5553 this is why I don’t work on my own guitars 😂 Bold experiment! Keep me posted.
5:48 iam sorry but I don't hear a difference between the knobs one way or another. And i totally agree with what you say about the head stock because on the bigger acoustic guitars the head shape sucks
As I’ve listened back, I can’t either. I could definitely hear it in my studio through my Yamaha monitors, but in the video on a phone/TV, I hear no difference.
Nice#1🔊🎼🎶🎸
people ALWAYS hate new stuff. they cant process that time moves forward, innovation will follow..
Jimi thing opener 😊
Nice catch!
I'm with you with the headstock on Fender acoustics. I'm a Fender guy on electric, all the way, but when it comes to acoustic I simply can't, I prefer go to Guild if I have to, but being honest I'm very happy with my Taylor right now.
If someone at Fender read this comments section please I'm totally agree with Tom when he says that you have done interesting things in the acoustic realm but the headstock is a downer , a big big downer that drives away potential customers.
I know it’s shallow of me, but I can’t get past it lol.
@@TomButwin Sorry, I forget something.
Where is it made?
Mexico!
Like playing my electric without an amp 🤔, or a tinny acoustic guitar.
Hummm 😊 i like it!
Fender acoustics should ONLY have the Fender headstock! 😎🎸
An argument could be made for that…they just need a different Fender headstock!😂
When you play looks cool..
Well, thanks.
And how much is this free guitar?
Yes, have some.
Interested. But at 60 and (I guess?) my hearing not being what it once was.... could tell almost no difference as you turned the tone knob haha. Still, can't wait to check these out! Agreed on the headstock, goofy looking.
It’s really, really subtle with that tone knob. So much so I actually thought it was broken at first haha! Through full range speakers/monitors/PA the difference is a little more noticeable, but not much.
My hearing is fine and even through decent headphones I could not hear much of a difference at all.
I agree. I could hear no difference. The feel in the hands is what I'll be interested in.
@@elmoblatch9787 Hi, the feel is great (tried one out at Guitar Center). The unplugged tone was pretty bad to my ears. Probably sounds great amplified.
@@TomButwinso why did you emphasis on how they are totally different EQ profiles? You didn't say you can barely hear a difference
it sounds great but your are a great player i i guess you can get everything sounds great
Thanks, Richard!
I’ll see your “but it doesn’t sound bad” and raise you a “yes it sounds bad”
😂😂😂
I tried one at Guitar Center yesterday, the dreadnought version. I did not plug it in, as I didn't have much time and was really mostly interested in the acoustic/unplugged tone. I was very disappointed. It was a bit louder than I would have anticipated, but I thought the sound was pretty bad. Did not sound at all like a good quality solid top guitar, and REALLY did not sound like a dreadnought--not at all. I picked up a cheap Ibanez small bodied solid top next to it. That thing sound far better unplugged, and was $350. I had high hopes for this Fender, but the unplugged tone just doesn't do it for me. I be live, it'd be great. But I am mostly a porch strummer.
Well, to be fair, if you’re looking to play unplugged mostly, this would definitely not be the guitar for you. I think the unplugged tone is surprisingly good for what it is…which is still terrible compared to an actual acoustic guitar. It’s just an added point of versatility for a guitar that’s meant to be plugged in. The plugged in tone is a different conversation entirely. Appreciate the comment!
After all these weeks after release, I still cannot understand how Fender finally designed the Acoustasonic body so many of us have wanted for years... and didn't make it an Acoustasonic. Looks beautiful; sounds like garbage.
I like it because it is so wierd looking😎
Why would you want to hate a guitar?
I’m not sure how to answer this other than watch the video, I guess? Lol
I’m sorry to say that the tones are nowhere near my Martin HD-28V or any of the acoustic guitars I own.
Well, to be fair, I don’t think this is meant to replace a true dreadnought acoustic, so I’m not surprised by that.
Good review. But errr - NO. If this guitar were mine, I would NOT want to put a piezo under saddle pickup in - because for me the tone is always far too brittle and not at all pleasant. What I WOULD do would be to have a K&K contact pickup system put in. THAT would sound better than ANY piezo pickup by ANY manufacturer.
I don't know if the top is moving enough on this thing for that to sound good, honestly. It's quirky/quacky, but I love the sound of the LB6 and the undersaddles! Probably from all of the Dave Matthews live records I listen to lol
@@TomButwin The REASON why no piezo pickups sound good to me are that it is the quivalent or plucking/strumming RIGHT NEXT to the bridge. As you well know, when playing acoustically, the tone gets more mellow when you pluck/strum over the soundhole. And that is why I always prefer to use the neck pickup on an electric guitar to using the brige pickup. Same principle.
@timelwell7002 neck pickup all day for me too. Have a listen to Dave Matthews Band’s Live in Chicago record from 1998 or Live at Red Rocks. It’s not good acoustic tone, if you want it to sound like a mic’ed guitar, but it’s a guitar tone that heavily influenced me.
@@TomButwin Why would the top not move enough? According to Fender it has a 'floating' top with a 'floating X-brace.' Whilst I'm not sure precisely what they mean by the term 'floating,' it does give the impression of a top which gives rise to a reasonably responsive one, which vibrates freely.
Therefore a contact pickup should work well with this guitar.
And how many magnets does Taylor Swift have in her?
I’m contractually forbidden from commenting on this matter.
while no where near dreadnaut sound, way better than the jazzzmaster series.
Oh yeah. Dreadnought in name only.
So you hate the sound of acoustic AND electric guitars? Fender has you covered with a magnetic PU that sounds like a bad piezo! How inspiring.
I'll let them know they can use that as an ad tagline, if they're looking for one lol
It produces the real sound of a "really bad" plastic guitar.
@@zorglubmagnus455 I have a prewar plastic Martin, a priceless collector's item that I'd NEVER take on tour. Thank God I don't have to.
Interesting. Does it sound good? I'll amend my comment to "a really bad plastic guitar" @@JohannesLabusch
Oh, I was being sarcastic ... 😁@@zorglubmagnus455
Why use an electric neck and a thin body and then not give the guitar a cutaway for upper fret access lol
Gibson Chet Atkins SST is your guitar! Check it out. They don't make them anymore, unfortunately.
@@TomButwin really cool guitars!! The price though!! 😂 people want 3k plus
might be cool for practice/writing/throwing in the car, but it just sounds comprimised on every dimension
The build quality and playing experience is actually pretty good. Much better than I expected. The pickup, being magnetic, is really not my favorite, but with the EQ/tone knob rolled back, it’s not terrible.
nice review but dude like millions of guitars have the same headstock a little flavor in life aint a bad thing. highway doesn't sound as good as a standard acoustic. even plugged in, there is barley any bass and little mids. just sounds like strings. acoustasonic is so much better as a plugged in acoustic guitar. if highway gets DSP or even player acoustasonic pickups AND a cutawy I might be out some cash.
This one is not for me. Thanks for the demo!
Totally understand that. It’s a very odd guitar, that’s for sure! I liked it a lot more than I thought I would, though. Appreciate you watching as always.
The headstock look isn't good. I actually own another type of acoustic Fender, and it has that headstock too. I dislike it still, after all these years. Acoustics can look so very nice with a good-looking headstock, and Fender is doing it wrong here.
There’s little to no difference on the tone
Sounds way better than acoustasonic
Boxy sound
Nah I’m trying to like but I can’t. It’s like a blend of a thin acoustic and a electric guitar direct input
You just described the magnetic acoustic pickup to a T😂
At a thousand bucks and made in Mexico “ the sound is just not inspiring for stage use . I pass
Agree on the pass for stage use, but the build quality, regardless of where its was made, was actually very good on this. Good couch/bedroom/hotel guitar, but I can't get down with the magnetic pickup and headstock.
Sounds like a cheap acoustic. I’d never play it on stage.
For a travel/bedroom guitar it's pretty solid!
Terrible sound
I'm not a fan of magnetic acoustic pickups either.
God I hate the way this sounds.
I’m not a fan of magnetic acoustic pickups either. Would have loved to see this available with a different pickup.
sounds horrible. honky and boxy. Just not a pleasant sound.
It sounds as good (or bad) as any other magnetic acoustic guitar pickup! Lol
To my ears, it sounds about as good as any under-saddle piezo pickup ever heard. I agree that’s a pretty low bar, but it seems like a reasonable benchmark.
It sounds terrible and out of tune. Sorry
If it was out of tune, that’s on me…I think. Maybe not.
Sounds like poop.
Oh. Ok. 💩
It doesn't actually sound good at all..