My Guitar Only Has 4 Strings?!? | 2019 Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele | Review + Demo

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🐕 Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro - Check the Links in the Description!
0:12 - Fender Alternate Reality Series
0:45 - What is a Tenor Guitar?
1:55 - Current Day Tenor Guitars
2:20 - Size Comparisons
2:42 - Vintage Gibson Tenors
3:29 - First Impressions
4:15 - Inside Look
10:03 - Tone Demo
13:54 - Final Thoughts
15:18 - Blacklight Test
15:37 - Soft Case
📚 Description: Today we are going to talk about 4 string electric guitars - the Tenor Tele! This was a limited edition guitar in 2019 as part of Fender Alternate Reality series that was made in Mexico. They didn't make a whole bunch of these and even when they were new, they would sell out nearly instantly online. On the used market, it is not uncommon to see them sell for more than they did new. These are future collectibles for sure!
In today's episode, we will gather my first impressions of the tenor tele as well as discuss the history and uses on a 4-string, short scaled guitar. We will also compare the Tenor Tele to the size of a regular Telecaster AND a Baritone Guitar!
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Guitar + Recording:
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[@Trog]

What a fun, goofy guitar! I would definitely suggest any serious musician have a tenor guitar in their arsenal. 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/item/35629645?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly 💰New to Reverb? Get $10 on Me ➡️ reverb.grsm.io/earn10 ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/ 🎸New Guitar Day Program: troglysguitarshow.com/ngd/ 👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211

[@Jack-ic1kb]

Hi trogly, me and my dad have been subbed for almost three years and love your content, thanks so much for the helpful info on everything. Hope you have a great life (after 2020 of course cuz thus year kinda sucked for everyone) and thank you again

[@hkguitar1984]

The Trogly's Guitar Show great review and thank you. Yeah, I think it wise that you keep this one.

[@pissonguitarcenter8204]

but does it cause cancer?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

What a Tenor Telecaster. It's played like a Tenor Banjo but sounds like a Telecaster. The reason a Tenor Guitar is a hybrid is because it came from (& is played like) a Tenor Banjo. Tenor Guitars were used as an add on for the Tenor Banjo in Dixieland Jazz because they sound special.

[@TroyPosey]

Hey Austin... If you really wanted to have fun with that Tenor Tele, I bet if you took the top 4 bass strings from a set of Ernie Ball Mammoth Slinkies, and put them on there, and tuned to Drop-C you could make some badass sounds! I'd love to see a video where someone did that. It would also be cool to have a custom set of hot pickups made for it, maybe a custom No-Caster style neck (with the cover, like you mentioned), and a custom humbucker like a SD Invader, and humbucker bridge plate for it. 🤘🏻

[@D-Man_Jam]

Dude just described 4 strings as _"Beginner."_ I'm mad and I'm not even a bassist.

[@gooseman7522]

I’m a bassist and I can also say I’m mad

[@D-Man_Jam]

@@gooseman7522 lol

[@ava_3230]

Dude I'm a metal player, that thing scares me

[@rapscallionrobby]

I’m a tenor player and I’m mad

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@rapscallionrobby Relax everyone, not everybody has to start on this instrument. Electric Guitars are easier to play than Acoustic Guitars physically

[@slammermcsulluvin1212]

I don’t think people recognize how hard he works He uploads a video about 6 days a week, so that’s filming time+editing Keep it up, man!

[@_dmfd]

He's made a few videos going over his process. Definitely is a grind for sure. Pays off well tho combining it with his Reverb shop. He's bought and traded at least $100,000 in guitars this year alone. Probably more tbh. Makes me kinda jealous 😂😂🤣🤣

[@gabrielvelloso9834]

He is a very hard working man, on top of all of that, there's the time he spends reaserching

[@drcks]

He is probably one of the KZbinrs with the best work ethic I have ever seen.

[@vapporiesat3125]

dont forget he really improves his playing recently. he must be praticing the rest of the day

[@jenritutuyu]

I will love to see Samurai Guitarist playing this

[@davidozab2753]

Since he can 'fake' mandolin, he could play a tenor too.

[@maanjezus8622]

As a bass player, I can see myself buying this little freak of nature.

[@hisham_hm]

This was probably your best playing demo ever, Trogly! This guitar suits you! KEEP IT!

[@FrazySting]

Congrats on the 150k subs, Trogly!

[@_dmfd]

I'ma be honest man, I think you found your calling.. You need to be a full time tenor guitarist! Some of the vibes your playing was giving off really sounded great. You definitely need to keep this one.

[@ZackRamsey14]

Man I agree Trogly, I can tell there's a unique connection with your playing and this instrument

[@0000song0000]

agree. sometimes in the mix we fight the bass and guitar frequencies, but keeping the guitar just on the higher register, eliminates that problem!

[@Smackheem1991]

Hope you find your calling!!!

[@gordonpenny1842]

Congratulations on passing the 150,000 subscribers Austin! Great job keep on truckin’. 😀😁😃👍

[@Flamewalk]

These overdriven tones were actually pretty sick. I was kinda sceptical about tenor guitars before, but your review made me reconsider that:)

[@elijacub99]

I’ve waited 2 days for this thank you trogly

[@doogallas]

I don't usually watch the whole playing demo but I did for this one. You sounded good and your riffs were interesting. I hope you spend some more time playing this thing.

[@geneahart5607]

Very cool, the possibilities are endless. And it sounds good!

[@slammermcsulluvin1212]

3:05 not only an SG tenor But it has the vibrola!

[@GetStabby]

That turned out way cooler than I thought! You can get some really cool sounds out of that instrument with clean or distorted sounds.

[@marshxox5150]

When I heard you talk about the viola tuning my face lit up lol

[@travisguide4516]

I like how much fun it looked like he was having definitely adds to the impression

[@kirkscobey3031]

Really enjoyed that Mid-eastern style of playing you did!

[@charliefahy634]

Yes got the lake placid blue a couple of weeks ago, tuned it to GDAE and having so much fun re-learning how to play a guitar!

[@Kabayoth]

I've played a Gibson ETG-150. Comes with a 4 pole P90. Total BEAST of a guitar. Nothing sounds bad on it. I suggest a future review of one.

[@nedzet4299]

this is your best playing demo man

[@clarkbabin9799]

Having not been familiar with you and your show I might've balked at that tenor tele but I decided to give it a listen. You sure played a rang of styles on it. Starting with what could've been considered hippie music to what sounded like 50s or 40s style pop to what sounded like alternative. I'm sold . Don't know if I'll ever own a tenor but who knows. That's why I like to watch your show. You can teach old dogs new tricks.

[@RoyceWiz]

This is the best demo you've ever made.. So fucking good! I wish you added drums and bass to some of your demos =)

[@weesoomy]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on one back in February and I have not stopped playing it ever since !!!

[@DC-jj7ug]

Welcome back trogoglolidites to a guitar u have never heard or will ever seen in your life lets jump in But love ur vids i love seeing new things ive never have before

[@buaidhnobas1ify]

I just finished Zep 2 and I have to say, I hear a little "Page" on you. Nice work.

[@MiguelFerreira-lg4gf]

That buckethead looks crazy!

[@W4Wumbo069]

Man I would love to see Fender make a tenor Stratocaster... damn that would be cool

[@GoAmerica]

I'll raise you, a Tenor Jaguar or Jazzmaster

[@OkonkwoPlaysBass]

Tenor jaguar with all the chrome fixings

[@W4Wumbo069]

Now you’re making me think of what if they made the original Starcaster as a tenor

[@Wyatt42069]

GoAmerica offsets are ugly

[@Floortile83]

Or a tenor jazz bass

[@Pluck.play1992]

I have the fiesta red version. I love it so much to. Sounds incredible good and plays like a dream. I'm so happy that you found the tenor to! Looking forward to see some videos of eastwood tenors! Give it a try, eastwood also making very good tenors. They are kind of diffrent in compare with the fender tenor Tele.

[@TheOtteroo]

You sound really good on that thing

[@jeffwyatt7199]

Holy mumford and sons batman... i love it. Great review of an oddball guitar.

[@MMauricette]

I have nerve damage in my index finger and upper part of my palm and so playing a tenor guitar is my favorite and I love it!

[@westfakia]

Cigar box guitars are also set up this way, I’ve built dozens of them.

[@knedy]

As an old banjo player I love tenor guitars! I wish they were more popular.

[@telly9004]

Fantastic review mines on order England UK

[@kimsfishing9816]

Love it!❤️

[@deussery]

GREAT! Now I want one.

[@craigbrowning9448]

Somewhere online, I saw an advertisement for a Tenor Gretsch Jet from the 1950s.

[@eljoel89]

High strung guitars kind of have a similar thing going on where you can't rely on the low strings. It's an easy way to add a chorus effect in the studio or just have something to break habits.

[@peyotepete4903]

Because it's fun! I'd rock it!

[@epic6903]

anyone else sorta dig these pups? also i like how you snuck good day in to your demo. lmao.

[@KansaiSamurai]

Hey Trogly. I am surprised you didn't have your sister rock it with the ukulele tuning!

[@I-LOG]

I just recently got a Risa Electric Tenor Scale Ukulele, similar concept (It's in a tele style too! Gorgeous seafoam green body with a white pearl pick guard) Honestly I wish fender would jump on the electric Uke market full time, instead of those electro-acoustic fullerton Ukes they make that sound less than great.

[@davestambaugh7282]

Tenor ukulele is a seventeen inch scale where baratone uke is closer to a tenor banjo or guitar but not quite at twenty inches.

[@sonijam]

@@davestambaugh7282 It's spelled baritone, not "baratone."

[@davestambaugh7282]

@@sonijam But you were still able to figure it out any way. RIGHT?

[@stkeeley]

you should upload a quick video! id love to see it!

[@I-LOG]

@@stkeeley I might do that soon

[@kugelsicher5721]

Use the four middle strings out of a pack of mediums of your choice. Mine is an acoustic, so I use Martin Mediums. Tune it to DADF# (Low to High) with that low D at 1 full step below the normal low 6-string E. Man, you can wail on that thing and get some great full low end for chords and some pretty decent high end for lead on that high F# string. Super fun and easy to play, plus you can get some really amazing, unexpected tone stacks out it. Enjoy!

[@bernardosantos8020]

Wow, what a dope falcetto bass

[@maldenfoster]

I love how it sounds when you get a trio one with a tenor one with a standard then one with a 12 string there is a lot of fun things you can do with just those three guitars

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Because I play Mandolin, I'd actually convert it into an 8 String Tenor Tele w/ 4 pairs of Strings to get a brighter sound. Now take the DGBE tuning and drop it down a whole step to CFAD which is the same as the top 4 strings of a Guitar in D Standard which might make it easier to sing the higher notes w/o hurting yourself (if you can also sing), plus it's the same tuning as a Bouzouki. If you tune the Tenor Tele CFAD (Chicago Tuning down a step) you can be the next Manolis Chitois & you can now play greek music plus you can add a bit of Rock n Roll to the mix and sound like Jimmy Hendrix too.

[@bipbipletucha]

Keep it Austin! It likes you :)

[@Greg-vd5om]

Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!

[@tjzambonischwartz]

I wish I could have snagged one of these. I'm primarily a tenor player, tuned GDAE. My main instrument is an Eastwood Warren Ellis tenor and it's fantastic, but I'd love a Fender tenor tele because I love telecasters.

[@pdoucet]

That thing is amazing!! I'm curious how this thing would sound if you tried to get some bass strings on this thing.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Hey it's like a mini Keef 5 with another tooth* missing. I think Trogly just boosted the market on these things. Nice playing dude! * ( or, " wif anoffer toof " ? )

[@gregrule6459]

Thanks for this informative video! Is the tweed case pictured in the intro actually sized to fit the Fender Tenor Tele and, if so, where can I order one?

[@demongodjr]

Hey! I watch all your videos, and i wanted to recommend checking out a Squier classic vibe Starcaster! I played one at sam ash today and loved it! I wanna know what you think about it if you get your hands on one

[@solar80]

GCEA ukulele tuning... I wonder what string gauges did you use? Thank you, greetings from Serbia and keep up the great work. Btw, since today, I am a proud owner of this beauty. Butterscotch blonde.

[@Aaron_French]

The distorted demo had some cool mastodon vibes

[@sassycat]

Cigar box Tele - neat!

[@chrishopkins209]

You could always string it with high E/A/D/G and fit it with a graphtec piezo ghost system with the 13 pin Roland GK socket to do bass synthesis

[@EFRANEED]

I think it sounds pretty good

[@mikeroeder]

I'm a fan of drone strings and it seems like this little guy has some cool tones in that regard.

[@xxtwnz2919]

Amanda Shires (Mrs. Jason Isbell) plays a Gibson LP Special tenor. Her main instrument is fiddle/violin so I assume she tunes to match the 4 strings of the violin.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

An octave lower but yeah she can now add a bit of rock n roll to the mix.

[@freddyheadbite3084]

WOW!! I want one of those.

[@DobDog151]

I’ve been hoping to get one in Canada, but I’ve not seen one come here that I’ve been able to find. I love my Gibson 1963 tenor acoustic

[@surrealestate06]

Don't know where in Canada you are but one just came up on Kajiji in Hamilton for $600. FYI

[@bernardwelsh1877]

I hope this bring this back, or make a mustang/duo sonic version.

[@MichaelStoneham]

You have it in Baritone ukulele DGBE (same as guitar) tuning. Note you are allowed to keep some to add to your collection.

[@pipzilla9819]

This looks very interesting guitar

[@eduardo0796]

That is a weird looking bass.

[@Uber_Versace]

@Carter Buske nah fam it's just piccolo strings

[@MrClassicmetal]

It is beyond redemption....

[@judehastings2643]

J Beatty please shut up

[@n.schwefel2899]

Slap now

[@mightyV444]

And yes, those tuners aren't bad; I had the same ones on my MIA 'Highway One' Strat :-)

[@guitarzzzz1]

Would love to have one of these

[@theberryfx5986]

There is an original tenor les Paul special tv yellow in hanks guitars in Denmark street London and it rocked

[@clarkbabin9799]

I see it in your future. Next year Fender is going to produce a signature Tenor Tele maybe even a strat too. Complete with all the specs you think it should have with pickups wired out of phase. Itll be called Trogley's Tenor Tele.

[@alwayslearning8365]

This looks like a good tool for teaching guitar to kids. I will build one as a cigar box guitar.

[@bipbipletucha]

Ooh that sounds fun

[@darylfish5686]

speaking of eastwood and tenors, itd be awesome if you could check out the warren ellis signature tenor or the 'mandostang'. i know youve got your hands full with 6 string variants, but these oddities and unconventional instruments were always really interesting to me

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

A local shop on Denmark street in London has a les paul special tenor from the 50’s, it def looks weird but cool

[@joermnyc]

Lake Placid Blue is a really nice color... I can see why they’re hard to find. I’d like to see them trying this on other models, Tenor Duo-Sonic? If they can shrink the trem, Tenor Jaguar?

[@bipbipletucha]

Eastwood does Tenor Mustangs. I might have to pick one up

[@BensUkeTutes]

Ha! it's like my RISA tele ukulele, but with a giraffe neck. And a single coil above the bridge. I wonder how much that changes the sound from a humbucker there.

[@MrWumbologist]

Also if you liked the Fender tenor tele would love to see you check out an Eastwood Tenorcaster or Eastwood Classic

[@HhhHh-cg3cu]

You got everything trog..

[@mightyV444]

By the way, baritone ukuleles usually *are* tuned D-G-B-E, too! The distorted demo sounds *rad* ! :-)

[@Arahansannihilation]

Finally! They made a guitar sized Uke!

[@geotechmore8855]

Really nice sounding! I play Bass guitar old school 4 string.. MMM.. Maybe I would dig this?!

[@mightyV444]

LOL! Since that one guy was complaining about you saying "Shtratocaster", I've totally been picking up on that part of your dialect, Austin! :-)) "Inshtruments", "shtrings" ... But I'm totally fine with it and actually enjoy listening to different kinds of English accents, with English not being my First Language :-) I still wonder why *all* the World now says "shtrong", though!?

[@adamd.6698]

Yoooooo what's up with that Buckethead with the new Steve Vai DiMarzio's?!?

[@0000song0000]

power chord player's dream 😎

[@Uber_Versace]

I'm always early also hi @Lawyer Morty

[@jeroentenberg3791]

Hi Trogly, could you feature the Great Guitar Build Off guitars on a WYRON episode? I have followed the builds and am very curious what an expert like yourself thinks of the guitars, especially those made by Matt & Chris from Texas Toast and by Ben from Crimson Guitars. (I think that both made not guitars, but works of art...) There are now five Great Guitar Build Off guitars listed on ebay, the other three should also be listed soon (although one of them made a bass instead of a guitar...). So please feature them? 🙏🏻

[@nicholasmanupella3475]

Cool little fun strummer

[@loomer3473]

I’ve been playing in a band with 2 keyboards, 2 guitars, a bass and drum with my Fender Sixty-six lately. And because of that we keep getting in the way of each other. I’ve tried playing in a baritone tuning and there’re already the bass player and one of the keyboards in that range. Playing in the normal guitar range and... BAMM! Smashed into the other guitar and the other keys. So, I was forced to go up to a higher range, which means I don’t really need the low strings. Maybe this guitar could be the answer, due to the tuning flexibility and it’s range.

[@eljoel89]

Try DiMarzio EXL150H strings maybe? High strung set will make 2 guitars sound like a 12 string.

[@Rachels123]

Natchpong Banduwong watch Willy Tea Taylor play his 4 string.

[@Josh-mm4iw]

so many strings in that band, have you thought of playing extra percussion to add to the drums?

[@markanderson1041]

Tenor tuned to GDAE or CGDA would probably work for ya. This and Eastwood guitars have great reputations for dependability

[@nickyd9361]

Great, so now i'm looking at one next city over.....

[@nankypooh655]

I have four Eastwood Astrojet guitars. Two are in "Arkansas" tuning (G D A E) and two are in "Chicago" tuning. (E B G D ) They're a lot of fun.

[@chaklawson7539]

Please do a dual single coil pu melody maker. Not the p90-esque. I have seen and enjoyed those few you reviewed

[@bonerjamz9125]

really wanted one. wonder if they will produce it again

[@manbearpig2164]

Sounds really good though

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

If you want to play around with pickups for this type of guitar, you could always check out CBGitty or some other place that works with Cigar Box Guitar parts. Most of those are 4-string instruments, and there's many makers doing all sorts of pickups in the perfect size for Tenor instruments!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Well you can expand the catalogue with 5 & 6 String versions. With a 5 String Fretted CBG now you're playing just like Keith Richards on a Cigar Box Guitar.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

You know, In the renaissance period, guitars were smaller 4 string instruments tuned to GCEA? Did you arrange the strings B, D, G, e?

[@wanton_chips3638]

Can you do a video on electric solid or semi hollow baritone ukuleles compared to this model?

[@iwaspaidtoflywithyoubatman]

Oh crap now I need to consider buying a tenor guitar!

[@tjzambonischwartz]

IWasPaidToFlyWithYouBatman DO IT! I have an Eastwood Warren Ellis and it's my favorite instrument.

[@Christian-my4dp]

As a mandolin/mandola and irish tenor player, I highly recommend! Tune it CGDA and it sounds GREAT for Irish music and jazz!

[@paulypoobrain2929]

That neck pickup sounded like it was worth the wait.

[@alexandblaise]

Good video

[@timort2260]

Quick tip for adjusting the noobs use a business card or a few sheets of paper loosen the noob slid it the paper then let the noob rest on the paper and tighten it up. Gets you really close to the body without hitting anything. Not sure if I'm about 4 strings but could be fun to have around.