I've had my Telecaster Acoustasonic for a year and I use it for open mic performances with a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ. It's consistent and sounds great. I bought a set of Elixir 10s which I will try sometime to see how string bending feels with them. The electronics are doing the heavy lifting so you don't need big strings to get the top moving as you would do with a standard acoustic mic'd up.
Excellent review of this guitar and I agree with your point of view. I have been playing the American Acoustasonic since it came out and for me it is a great tool. I am not an acoustic guitar player although I have always owned one and had it at arms reach for those times when needed. With this guitar it checks a lot of boxes in the studio. I have used it in some live situations but mainly for recording and just having it handy in the studio. It's a good grab and play guitar. I have enjoyed having it and it is indeed a conversation piece. Fender and Fishman did a great job in designing this guitar. As you have stated the Mexican version is more streamlined and less expensive if you do not require the many settings that the American version offers. I just heard from Fenders CEO that an Indonesian version is in the works to further bring down the price and get this concept into more players hands. Overall I think it is a needed item. Thanks !
Hey Jack, was silently hoping you would do a review on the Acoustasonic. Asking someone to review a product seems self serving and can possibly influence what may come out. Saw the Acoustasonic on its introduction at NAMM a few years ago. Must admit first look from a distance didn't impress me. Once I had hands on it , sparked my interest. Heard a full on demo and was impressed. Enough that spending a few hours playing it at NAMM experimenting was a surprise when there's so much more I wanted to see. Thought about it for a day and purchased one of the first ones. Also did the Fender Corona tour, saw they were making them (at that point) in a small area with specially trained employees right across from the Custom Shop). Hearing these folks were hands on learning the build to supervise the new part of the factory to build them, figured the early ones should be very good and QC excellent. How right I was. A few years later must say I Love my Tele Acoustasonic. The mahogany and top have aged beautifully. Body and neck went from a lighter color to a very rich looking natural dark mahogany. The guitar acoustically has changed quite a bit, much more resonant than ever expected while to tone has mellowed, becoming louder, while being warm. Plugged in this has also had a positive effect sounding much more natural through its "engine", most noticable in positions 1-3. Neck feels great and now worked in even better. Do wish I could send you a few pics to show how it's aged. A couple of tips, a string-tree (from a an Elite or Ultra series Strat) really helps as the high E can pop out of the nut slot with heavy strumming. My friend has the Limited Run Cocobolo which has the same string tree right from the factory. Using acoustic strings on the lower E, A, D. Then installing electric non wound on the G, B, E sounds and works great if you want to do a bit more bending and soloing on the higher strings. Also if a Hard Shell Case is needed, these fit very well in the G&G style Fender Jaguar Cases. As far as "are they worth it"? Which does seem to be the biggest question regarding this series. We purchase ass sorts of different varieties of Tele's, Strats, Les Paul's etc. Yet never really hear from the masses 'are they worth it, do I need it, etc'. Simply another tool in the box. Yet one that can do much more than most. The plethora of uses, from being on stage and swapping between acoustic or electric. Ability to create writing IMO is huge , do find it inspires in some ways while writing and recording. Of course all this has been said over and over. Will add one of the simplest and best reasons, at times ya wanna pick up the guitar, noodle while watching tv, sittings with the family. This is perfect, can hear everything going on while not bothering others around you, while also being very light and very comfy to play. Those times when volume is a concern while practicing yet you want more volume than an unplugged electric. Know a few folks with these that find whole at home it's perfect to grab and play for these reasons. I'm a fan, if someone lets it, can be so inspiring to experiment and play. Cheers my friend. Great work as always
I will often play my Taylor acoustic directly into an AC15 which sounds great. The Reverb and Tremolo add a lot so my hunch is that this guitar would work well with a VOX amp. I've contemplated buying the new MIM version of this model or the offset style.
Great video Jack. I did give one of these a moments consideration, but no it's not for me. I can defo see what a useful tool this could be and that is why I considered getting one, but I'll stick to electrics.
I write a lot of originals songs and do covers of folk/rock/blues. Im considering this for the versatility switching between acoustic to an acoustic-electric sound. Going to the store today, this is all dependent on how that acoustic sounds through a good amp
My problem with the acoustasonic was that the sound was not as deep as a natural acoustic. Going to try one today, think maybe adding reverb would fix that?
I've been looking for some alternatives to this to try. I tried the Taylor T5z, the Godin G tour(nylon), the ibanez Tim Henson nylon, and both Acousticasonic MIA and MiM. The godin was my favorite, but i dont want nylon. The MIM was great, but the MIA was better all around. I'll likely go with that if i ever see a sale or deal on it. It works great for unplugged practice, too.
I have been really wanting one of these for ages but they are so expensive (especially here in Australia). Now that there is a Mexican version, I’m definitely going to get one!
I'll be buying the Mexican version. Because it's cheaper and simpler. Though I must say I'm sorry I'll miss the body sensor... not to mention the looks of the all-mahogany bourbon burst (the best looking Acoustasonic IMVHO). But the MIM being cheaper, it can also be a travel guitar that you are not as worried about as you'd be about the American version or your pride-and-joy high quality acoustic. It's the perfect quieter practice tool, good enough for recording on the fly while travelling and for impromptu plugged-in gigs. In other words, yes, it's indeed the jack of all trades, but master of none, but considering the laws of physics and the current state of digital technology, I can't see how it could be any better than what it is - it has no real competition. And I'm perfectly fine with this - I know precisely what I'll be buying.
I am wondering if it is easier to play than a normal western guitar and if playing long hours is just less painful for my fingers. That would be great!
I like the idea. But I believe it’s powered by a loaded circuit board, which scares me a bit (will break someday). I think I’ve concluded that the magnetic pickup electric guitar is what an amplified acoustic is supposed to be. 🤪🎸
Great timing Jack. I was just asking myself if I "need" an Acoustasonic. I know that I "want" one! After I watched and listened, I love it. If I start playing out more again with my acoustic string band, this would amplify better and sound better in more situations. It would also be easier play fast rhythm, changing chords often, like twice a measure, and using bar chords. Am I right that it is easier to play, like an electric? My regular acoustics are nice with good setups, but they let me down when the bar chords get fast and furious. Great demo. I'm an older guy, BTW.
Me llama la atención lo cómoda qué se ve que es la guitarra. Actualmente toco la guitarra eléctrica, pero siempre me gusta tener una acústica en casa, qué tenga buen sonido y que esté cómoda de tocar. Mi pregunta es: ¿esta guitarra puede sustituirme una guitarra electroacústica y también una guitarra telecaster y ahorrarme comprar dos por separado?
I really like your channel. You play great. You offer thoughtful insights. No gimmicks, just useful content.
I've had my Telecaster Acoustasonic for a year and I use it for open mic performances with a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ. It's consistent and sounds great. I bought a set of Elixir 10s which I will try sometime to see how string bending feels with them. The electronics are doing the heavy lifting so you don't need big strings to get the top moving as you would do with a standard acoustic mic'd up.
Excellent review of this guitar and I agree with your point of view. I have been playing the American Acoustasonic since it came out and for me it is a great tool. I am not an acoustic guitar player although I have always owned one and had it at arms reach for those times when needed. With this guitar it checks a lot of boxes in the studio. I have used it in some live situations but mainly for recording and just having it handy in the studio. It's a good grab and play guitar. I have enjoyed having it and it is indeed a conversation piece. Fender and Fishman did a great job in designing this guitar. As you have stated the Mexican version is more streamlined and less expensive if you do not require the many settings that the American version offers. I just heard from Fenders CEO that an Indonesian version is in the works to further bring down the price and get this concept into more players hands. Overall I think it is a needed item. Thanks !
Nice guitar with some great tones. Good review with some well reasoned reflection on it's applications. Thanks.
Get the Player over the USA version for the 9 Volt battery on the Player version. The Lithium Battery on the USA could be a problem playing live
Hey Jack, was silently hoping you would do a review on the Acoustasonic. Asking someone to review a product seems self serving and can possibly influence what may come out.
Saw the Acoustasonic on its introduction at NAMM a few years ago. Must admit first look from a distance didn't impress me. Once I had hands on it , sparked my interest. Heard a full on demo and was impressed. Enough that spending a few hours playing it at NAMM experimenting was a surprise when there's so much more I wanted to see. Thought about it for a day and purchased one of the first ones. Also did the Fender Corona tour, saw they were making them (at that point) in a small area with specially trained employees right across from the Custom Shop). Hearing these folks were hands on learning the build to supervise the new part of the factory to build them, figured the early ones should be very good and QC excellent. How right I was.
A few years later must say I Love my Tele Acoustasonic. The mahogany and top have aged beautifully. Body and neck went from a lighter color to a very rich looking natural dark mahogany. The guitar acoustically has changed quite a bit, much more resonant than ever expected while to tone has mellowed, becoming louder, while being warm. Plugged in this has also had a positive effect sounding much more natural through its "engine", most noticable in positions 1-3. Neck feels great and now worked in even better. Do wish I could send you a few pics to show how it's aged.
A couple of tips, a string-tree (from a an Elite or Ultra series Strat) really helps as the high E can pop out of the nut slot with heavy strumming. My friend has the Limited Run Cocobolo which has the same string tree right from the factory.
Using acoustic strings on the lower E, A, D. Then installing electric non wound on the G, B, E sounds and works great if you want to do a bit more bending and soloing on the higher strings. Also if a Hard Shell Case is needed, these fit very well in the G&G style Fender Jaguar Cases.
As far as "are they worth it"? Which does seem to be the biggest question regarding this series. We purchase ass sorts of different varieties of Tele's, Strats, Les Paul's etc. Yet never really hear from the masses 'are they worth it, do I need it, etc'. Simply another tool in the box. Yet one that can do much more than most. The plethora of uses, from being on stage and swapping between acoustic or electric. Ability to create writing IMO is huge , do find it inspires in some ways while writing and recording. Of course all this has been said over and over. Will add one of the simplest and best reasons, at times ya wanna pick up the guitar, noodle while watching tv, sittings with the family. This is perfect, can hear everything going on while not bothering others around you, while also being very light and very comfy to play. Those times when volume is a concern while practicing yet you want more volume than an unplugged electric. Know a few folks with these that find whole at home it's perfect to grab and play for these reasons.
I'm a fan, if someone lets it, can be so inspiring to experiment and play.
Cheers my friend. Great work as always
I will often play my Taylor acoustic directly into an AC15 which sounds great. The Reverb and Tremolo add a lot so my hunch is that this guitar would work well with a VOX amp. I've contemplated buying the new MIM version of this model or the offset style.
Very tasty playing, excellent review.
Great video Jack. I did give one of these a moments consideration, but no it's not for me. I can defo see what a useful tool this could be and that is why I considered getting one, but I'll stick to electrics.
I don’t know if I need one but I sure as hell want one!
They need to ink up that macassar ebony fretboard like other companies do and make it evenly black-brown.
I write a lot of originals songs and do covers of folk/rock/blues. Im considering this for the versatility switching between acoustic to an acoustic-electric sound. Going to the store today, this is all dependent on how that acoustic sounds through a good amp
I'd try flat wounds on it and I don't know but you could probably put a sound hole neck pickup in that if you wanted one..
My problem with the acoustasonic was that the sound was not as deep as a natural acoustic. Going to try one today, think maybe adding reverb would fix that?
I'm going to say does it come in Black? I like it.
just picked one up very happy with it
I've been looking for some alternatives to this to try. I tried the Taylor T5z, the Godin G tour(nylon), the ibanez Tim Henson nylon, and both Acousticasonic MIA and MiM. The godin was my favorite, but i dont want nylon. The MIM was great, but the MIA was better all around. I'll likely go with that if i ever see a sale or deal on it. It works great for unplugged practice, too.
Godin makes the A6 too which from what I understand is a great guitar
I have been really wanting one of these for ages but they are so expensive (especially here in Australia). Now that there is a Mexican version, I’m definitely going to get one!
I'll be buying the Mexican version. Because it's cheaper and simpler. Though I must say I'm sorry I'll miss the body sensor... not to mention the looks of the all-mahogany bourbon burst (the best looking Acoustasonic IMVHO). But the MIM being cheaper, it can also be a travel guitar that you are not as worried about as you'd be about the American version or your pride-and-joy high quality acoustic. It's the perfect quieter practice tool, good enough for recording on the fly while travelling and for impromptu plugged-in gigs. In other words, yes, it's indeed the jack of all trades, but master of none, but considering the laws of physics and the current state of digital technology, I can't see how it could be any better than what it is - it has no real competition. And I'm perfectly fine with this - I know precisely what I'll be buying.
I am wondering if it is easier to play than a normal western guitar and if playing long hours is just less painful for my fingers. That would be great!
I like the idea. But I believe it’s powered by a loaded circuit board, which scares me a bit (will break someday). I think I’ve concluded that the magnetic pickup electric guitar is what an amplified acoustic is supposed to be. 🤪🎸
Great timing Jack. I was just asking myself if I "need" an Acoustasonic. I know that I "want" one!
After I watched and listened, I love it. If I start playing out more again with my acoustic string band, this would amplify better and sound better in more situations. It would also be easier play fast rhythm, changing chords often, like twice a measure, and using bar chords. Am I right that it is easier to play, like an electric? My regular acoustics are nice with good setups, but they let me down when the bar chords get fast and furious. Great demo. I'm an older guy, BTW.
I am thinking in buying 1 for worship music.
Needs a bigger pickguard.
Me llama la atención lo cómoda qué se ve que es la guitarra. Actualmente toco la guitarra eléctrica, pero siempre me gusta tener una acústica en casa, qué tenga buen sonido y que esté cómoda de tocar. Mi pregunta es: ¿esta guitarra puede sustituirme una guitarra electroacústica y también una guitarra telecaster y ahorrarme comprar dos por separado?
Nice instrument!
Hello, Jack. Great review, as always 👍🏽 I was wondering if there is any chance that you will make a review on Reverend Club King?)
Possibly! If I can get my hands on one I certainly will.
@@JackFossett I'm about to buy one) Your review would definitely be useful✊🏽
Love the sound but the look is not for me. I’m sure it’s awesome but I’ll make do with a normal tele and a Martin.
"the 'njuns got the DAW, Paw!"
Exactly
I rather have a fork in my eye
So you're on the fence then?
@@JackFossett Is that your catchphrase?
@@jhs564 I only get one?
@@JackFossett thats your other phrase right there, for when you talk to Fender etc.
@@jhs564 ZING! Well I do love to to post that first one time to time.