What's Wrong With the Fender Player Acoustasonic Telecaster?

The new(ish) Acoustasonic guitars from Fender have been polarizing from day one-- but surprisingly, the higher priced American version has done much better in the market than the lower priced Player series. Why is that? Take a listen to some of Chris' thoughts.
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[@johnr374]

These guitars look amazing but I've never heard a tone coming out of them that made me even consider spending $2k or even $1k for one.

[@DanielCardin_ATX]

ditto

[@bigbromiki1]

The are Horrible in person, I havent heard a good one out of the 10 Ive played so i quit searching

[@44scoots]

@@bigbromiki1 three very active local musicians each have one and they love them. And they sound fantastic at their shows.🤷🏽‍♂️

[@bigbromiki1]

@@44scoots ive changed my mind, i came acros a lightly used jazzmaster acoustisonic for $1000 and it sounds great conpared to the tele and strat ones i played. So i bought it

[@aluminati9918]

Good points, Chris. I guess from Fender’s pt of view this is not so much a problem. Sell more of the more up-market, high margin version = Win/ win. (In a traditional brand-building perspective ..) I like the style, considering it.

[@shield400]

I need a tone knob! It may sound trivial to some but it's a deal breaker for me. Secondly the multiple guitar voices is cool but I really don't need them all in one guitar. The Godin A6 may not have multi simulated voices but the one it does have just sounds better than the Fender. Ymmv.

[@John-e4p1x]

Yes no tone knob does suck.

[@roberthealy1814]

I was wondering what was wrong with it too. seems like everyone that bought one is turning them back in.

[@keithpierce5264]

I have a Player and love it. I prefer the 9v battery and the smaller number of sound options, and I don't think I would have paid for an American Acoustasonic. It still looks a little weird to me in the mirror, but it is the most comfortable and lightweight guitar I own, so I think I can adjust to the appearance.

[@pdbordelon]

Exactly - less is more on a guitar like this.

[@kdrake777]

The things that cause me to stay away from the American and Player Acoustisonic: 1. Circuit board electronics could be unreliable and expensive to replace. It’s worthless without the electronics. 2. Reports of the tops cracking. 3. It does many things but none of them really well. 4. The bridge pickup looks like a Hitler mustache 🤣.

[@blueveinriver3253]

I’m not going to be able to unsee that now

[@CameraLaw]

Well, I just read through 55 comments and a lot of distain, if not overt anger, seems to be out there towards these Acoustasonic Fenders. I have a Strat and every time I plop it onto my lap, I just grin from ear to ear. It is light, comfortable to hold, and has a lovely unamplified tone, quiet but rich with dark mahogany overtones. And with a Fender Mustang GTX50, I easily get loads of modeled tones that fit well with rock, blues, jazz, and fingerpicking. Here’s a funny note, some players long for an acoustic with a 9.5” radius neck that feels like an electric. This is the opposite with a 12” radius that feels like an acoustic. It’s a crossover, crossing over the other way. No shame in that. Especially if you are used to the feel of an acoustic. So, if it gives you some odd pleasure, feel free to make fun of me and my quirky guitar. But, like Chris, I’m all for quirky, and for the right player out there, it’s a gas.

[@rickhunter-wolff]

I have a Fender Stratacoustic. Made in china, so that says a lot, right there. But with a little tweaking, it sounds great plugged in. Still hasn't fallen apart..

[@jeffd4056]

I have a mia acoustasonic Stratocaster and I love it I don’t understand all the hate with them Mine is a natural and I think it’s beautiful I’ve literally lost hours sitting down to practice for half an hour and the next thing I know it’s five hours later It’s just that enjoyable in my opinion

[@CameraLaw]

Good on us. Still love mine. Had to make a chart of known guitars like a Martin D-28 and Gibson L-00 so I could remember the models better. Used a Yamaha LL-36 for the one with an Englemann top.

[@Phillospillo777]

I bought the player tele acoustasonic the second I saw it coming out. I couldn’t justify the 2000 price tag for the American, so this was perfect for me. I’ve used it all year almost every weekend for my solo acoustic shows and it is FAN-TASTIC! I use an mx5 headrush straight to my pa and it sounds great. If it broke tonight I’d be at the store getting another one tomorrow. They are making a jazz master player acoustasonic and I’ll be the first in line for that. Highly recommended it if you are a solo artist.

[@BuckFlicks]

You hit the nail on the head for me. It's too expensive. If this was at the $800 price point, I'd have been all over it. Make me a deal, and I'm in.

[@rparker7710]

Agree, sub $1000, I'm interested. Also, maybe a professional can appreciate the versatility but for me as a novice it looks like a toy.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Alamo don't play like that...

[@ducdanjou7885]

Lotta used ones listed for under 1k on reverb.

[@Shamwilder]

Under 1k and I'm all over it 💯

[@treaceeames4697]

Exactly Id pay 8 not 12

[@kevycanavan]

I originally bought the strat version, wasn’t that happy with it and decided to take a punt on the player tele and I have to say I much prefer it. It’s slightly heavier while still being light which I find more reassuring but also the sounds included are far more usable. There’s absolutely no reason why you need to have 6-8 acoustic models. You’re probably going to find one or two that you like and stick with them. The two included in the player (position 3) cover everything. The lo-fi position two sounds are incredibly badly marketed. Really they are the raw piezo sound like on the original stratacoustics with or without overdrive and are really really useful for solos and don’t sound lo fi at all. Having the eq or whatever wizardry they use to model a dread or parlour guitar isn’t appropriate for every gig or pedal/amp situation and having the untreated sound as an option is a real bonus. Far more useful than another rake of models you’ll never use. The electric options in position one are exactly the same. So a no brainier there. The one thing I ran into with all three acoustasonics I have played (tele, strat and player tele) is a problem with the screws inside coming loose and causing buzzing and distortion leading me to sending the strat back for a refund. That’s something fender need to get on top of double quick. The one thing I miss vs the USA model is the body sensor pickup. That was the main reason I went with the USA first but found when I gigged with the guitar it wasn’t something that made me sound better in the context of the band. I would love it in my player tele but turns it it wasn’t a deal breaker. If I want that more natural sound I reach for my anthem equipped real acoustic.

[@andreapasillas5803]

Probably due to the pandemic and out of control inflation. I really like the Fender Player Acoustasonic Telecaster. Might get myself one for my birthday next month. Lots of hate for this guitar already posted. Oh well, haters gotta hate.

[@John-e4p1x]

I have the USA strat, its very futuristic and well built, but also classic. Mahogany.

[@BobPerrone]

I was certainly I interested in the line when introduced. However, I was not particularly impressed with the acoustic modeling. That being said, in a live setting in a band it could be passable. Price is another matter. I think they are overpriced, be it American or imported. For that money you can get a great electric and acoustic guitar.

[@John-e4p1x]

Original comment. You dont have the same exact opinion as 100 million other people.

[@BobPerrone]

@@John-e4p1x which is what makes us all individuals, sorry if I offended your sensibilities for a product....sheesh...

[@glennbarrett5717]

@@BobPerrone 👍

[@waynetozer3881]

I have one and love it! If you pick one up and play it unplugged in a store it will not sound great. BUT - if you plug it in to a decent acoustic amp or PA and you can actually play well, them you will love it. 😍. Now let’s talk about all the acoustic guitars that sound crap when you plug them in… and my god there are a lot of those around. 😱

[@RByrne]

This video could have been 30 seconds long by switching the title to "what we like about the player acoustasonic"

[@ruffryder13]

Why would I want to reduce my amount of gear!? They don't look good They don't sound like a good acoustic or a good electric Being released during the pandemic isn't an excuse at all...there was unprecedented guitar demand at the time, as you noted

[@John-e4p1x]

You need glasses.

[@ruffryder13]

@@John-e4p1x I have glasses

[@JeffWhiting]

I just bought one this morning and it sounds great by itself or through the Mustang modeling amp. The $1200 price was at the top of my budget, so I'm happy with it. It gives me a lot of versatility and didn't break the bank.

[@anthonybizzell3857]

@KevinHedin said it best, "They don't look good. They don't sound like a good acoustic or a good electric."

[@reijerlincoln]

The way it looks. Yuk.

[@6thwatergateplumber]

At $800 bucks I might bite, and opt for one. At $1,200, and just a casual player, I'm not sure I would go that high with it. To me, while I recognize these guitars have their place, I never viewed them as primary band instruments, but something to accompany the primary stuff, and maybe do a song or two with them in your sets. That said, I detected a bit of Gibson-ish sounds there similar to their solid body that you can see Travis Tritt playing with on Tube. So it's a cool instrument with options, but look at what's coming. The competition with these things will keep increasing, and everyone will be looking for that next best more realistic, more featured instrument. They already have effects in them, loopers, it's amazing, and will just get more interesting as they progress.

[@alwoodard2100]

I was really excited about the Acoustatonic Player Tele until I got my hands on one at a local Guitar Center. First it was very light. Almost felt like a toy. Then the action was higher than Willie Nelson as they say. Finally, the sound unplugged was horrible. I'm still going to buy one. Probably this week.

[@flatsixx]

Did you buy it? If so, any regrets?

[@RogerThat902]

It's just too expensive IMO. If I'm going to spend that kind of money you could get 2 very solid used guitars for that price and just bring those to the gig. That's just why I personally wouldn't do it. I thought the beauty of them would be that it allows a working musician to cut down on what you need to bring to the gig...but a working musician probably is attracted to other guitars in that price range. If you are spending 2 grand on the American it's probably a luxury toy for you you can afford. What are the odds that a gigging musician sees this on the wall close by a fender electric or some of the cheaper Martins (you're basically at 000-15 American-made Martin) and says I'll go w/ that thing? I don't know...just not appealing to me.

[@wolfieamadeus]

Shania Twain’s playing one in her new Netflix doc. Maybe it’ll get a boost…🙃

[@dorist7280]

I played it at the guitar store. It produced a very pleasing sound. However, the design shape of the guitar is unattractive. That's my first impression of the guitar. I'd rather spend more money on a Takamine Thinline guitars. They are appealing, elegant and drop-dead gorgeous. And sound rich and beautiful. I like Fender electric guitars, but no Acoustasonic; sorry.

[@thomasnowicki5844]

I think the best point he made was near the end when he said that it simply might be a case of market saturation. Everybody who wanted one bought one. Happens with a lot of products, especially niche market items like this guitar. Remember the AMC Pacer? it sold well when it first came out but sales fell off considerably after that. Everybody who wanted one bought one, there weren't any repeat buyers.

[@davidmahony4421]

I have one and love it. I’m using a katana mk|| 100w amp. I can gently finger pick in a band and not be drowned out by lead guitars

[@maxherron1376]

I wanted a JazzMaster, but couldn't justify the price. I jumped on the Player (black) when it was announced. It is very well made, plays great, the 3 way switch is easier to use, the 9v battery is a better design and it still comes with that terrific case. Yes, it could be less expensive. Yes, it could have better colors in my opinion. I love mine. I play every week in our Worship band with another acoustic player and it can fit into any sonic area that I want to use.

[@elmoblatch9787]

A worship band? What a waste for an instrument designed to play the devil's music.

[@andresgonzalezmaya9750]

How do you amplify the guitar when acoustic?

[@5skdm]

I dont know how but here in Indonesia the acoustasonic is rare, but they sell them for like 200$ here (for some reason the listings only pop up from my city, specifically a big instrument shop nearby who gets guitars from all over the place locally and imports outside guitars as well) and the reviews are decent. Pretty sure its a fake made by a local factory but the people who bought it only found minor cosmetic defects on it

[@gerimayawhyte154]

​@@andresgonzalezmaya9750It's meant to be played through an uncolored flat PA speaker due to the emulation.

[@gerimayawhyte154]

Is yours the American made or the Mexican made? I'm trying to figure out which one has the 9 volt power supply

[@danielhurley7247]

I bought one of these when they first hit the market in late 2021- I actually love the sunburst I chose. I'm an acoustic-first player with 5 Taylors and a Bourgeois and I was admittedly enamored with the idea of having that electric versatility within the same guitar. It doesn't have a full-throated electric sound but it's adequate. I'm not a professional musician so I haven't yet found where it fits in my portfolio...It is incredibly comfortable to play and the construction is indistinguishable (IMO) from the American counterpart. That said, for someone who often plays for an audience of only my ears in my living room, the tone is just a bit hollow. However, After viewing this I have been motivated to pull this out of my guitar cabinet today and take it for a spin.

[@tokairic3925]

I have both acoustic and electric. I bought one of these and found it didn't do either satisfactorily even though the emulation electronics are supposed to be the best. Sold it on, as it didn't seem to fit well in either camp.

[@johnd942]

@@tokairic3925 Thank you for this 'important' imput. It's an early warning indeed.

[@uzimorales4469]

Versatile enough that you can can sound horrible across all genres 👍🏼

[@andolf1686]

Yup

[@CFChristian]

😂

[@thomasnowicki5844]

I agree that might be the biggest problem with the Acoustisonic generally, it does a lot of things "so-so", but nothing particularly well.

[@markpell8979]

Ditto.

[@peterpresutti4064]

I agree

[@shawnhuff3920]

The material is to light and brittle if feels like it going to brake in your hands while playing it I have one they should have used thicker hevey wood and made it more solid and durable... that is why it doesn't sell well

[@tokairic3925]

I had one. Its well made and very well set up and comfortable to play. My problem was that it didn't seem to emulate an acoustic well enough. The blend between the two acoustic settings doesn't do justice to either of the acoustic sounds. I have 000 Martin and J-45 Gibson which are the two ends of the spectrum this is supposed to emulate. Not even close. The best acoustic sound to me was about half way blended. The only sound which was close was on the tele pickup set to a gain position, but again not too impressive. Mine whether played through an acoustic or electric amp didn't have the gain sound of the one in the video. I couldn't bond with it and it had to be sold. Better off having a good acoustic (eg Martin) and a fairly good tele. (Anything reasonably good not necessarily Fender). Another small point - the gig bag is really good, however it is too big for the guitar which slides around inside it - shame, and the hardcase available is very expensive.

[@John-e4p1x]

My perception of the Acoustasonic Strat is that its the most "American" and technologically advanced, while still being classic, guitar ever for our "era." While its not perfect, (mini usb thing), I will be upset if they relase a mexican one that looks like the usa strat. I feel it would devalue mine.

[@TheWorshipperofGod]

My biggest problem with the player is that it doesn't have the body sensing pickup and that is really important to me. (I also prefer the jazzmaster shape) I would consider buying it if it had that feature.

[@alfredosierra2612]

The body pickup is neccesary for percussive techniques right?

[@TheWorshipperofGod]

@@alfredosierra2612 yes

[@cebrinpitts]

Bingo. If I'm going to pay 2k for that feature, I might as well buy a Maton or Cole Clark, and call it a day.

[@ConditionZero76]

​@@cebrinpittsthe 2 thousand dollar version has it, the MIM $1,200 dollar version doesn't

[@cebrinpitts]

@ConditionZero76 That's what I said. If I'm going to pay 2k to have that feature, I'd buy a Cole Clark and skip this creation entirely. Just my preference.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

They need to cut the price down & besides the Thinner Body makes it more comfortable. It sounds a bit like the Iconic Martin Backpacker Guitar but more refined.

[@Thomas-bb5et]

Hey Chris... Love your channel. I suspect that the majority of guitar players are traditionalists, and are somewhat skeptical about hybrid guitars. I, for one, prefer to modify my sound (be it acoustic or electric) with outboard gear, as there is a plethora of fantastic pedals, processors, and modeling amps out there that enable a guitarist to do so. Granted, having the ability to modify one’s sound directly with a hybrid guitar such as the Fender Acoustisonic may seem compelling at first, however I think that the novelty of this may wear off rather quickly. One could argue that, currently, outboard gear would give a guitarist as much or more versatility than onboard modeling technology. More importantly, it’s likely that in 10 years or so, a hybrid instrument like the Acoustisonic will be somewhat obsolete due to advancing technology, and the cost of replacing failed components (like the internal circuit board) will equal or exceed the used value of the instrument. One needs to look no further than the keyboard synthesizer industry to realize this fact. Proprietary components, no standardization of parts, non-user serviceability, no long term product support, and a paucity of service centers and/or technicians willing or able to repair these instruments. It’s called planned obsolescence. One of the great thing about guitars (acoustic and electric) has always been that none of the aforementioned points holds true. Until now, that is... Do you need a new nut and saddle for your 1939 Martin acoustic ? No problem. Bone, Tusq...? You got it. Do you want to replace the pickups and machine heads on your 1980 Ibanez solid body electric ? The options are practically endless. And with a little knowledge, you can do these things yourself. These attributes are what people have always loved about guitars. Good luck replacing the internal circuit board on a Fender Acoustisonic if and when it fails in 10-20 years. It’s doubtful that you’ll be able to obtain one from Fender at that time. If you are able to obtain one on the internet, what do you think the repair cost will be in comparison to the used value of the instrument ? I’d be leery about buying a hybrid guitar.

[@RobertFisher1969]

I bought my Acoustasonic before the Player model was out. But if it had been out, I think I probably still would’ve gotten the USA model. But I’m not sure. The price of the Player is too high to make it an easy decision. If the Player model had been around, I might still be stuck in indecision and not have either yet.

[@rexrathtar3893]

Combo of mkt saturation, bit too pricey and a clear case of getting a lesser product than with the American. I think for a regular MIM strat or tele, the customer is getting something that is basically the same thing as the US. Your MIM tele has everything you want from a Fender tele. Two pickups with the familiar three-way selector. With the acoustasonic, you are getting sonically short-changed with one pickup fewer, a three-way switch instead of a five-way switch and significantly fewer tone settings available. The selling point is versatility and the US version is much more versatile for not all that much more money.

[@kk-GUK]

I don’t think there was ever really a need for this type of hybrid. Just a gimmick that people are beginning to realise is not that good. I also wondered why you were doing a vid on this guitar but you answered my thought at the end of the vid, you have some in stock. You could buy a cheap acoustic plus cheap electric and 6 or so pedals for way less money than this guitar and have all the crappy sounds that you want.

[@robertdunling9983]

Over priced not worth the money, a A Taylor T5 would be better

[@SuperEdge67]

@@robertdunling9983 I was just about to type the same comment. I really like the T5Z .

[@paulshepherd1805]

I think many folk are missing the point… It’s designed as a hybrid to produce a multitude of sounds in one ‘box’ . It’s a pricey ‘home’ guitar for fun, not necessarily a pro or gig guitar. PLUS you don’t need to buy & carry a mix of several cheaper guitars & pedals to haul about! Its an all in one package, it’s not meant to replace any one single guitar !!

[@pauljenkins2501]

I am not in the market for this type of guitar. But if I were, I surely would NOT like one with a rechargeable built in battery, for fear of it crapping out on me in the middle of a performance. One of the things that I like about my Yamaha Transacoustic guitar is that it takes 2 x AA batteries, which are easily obtainable and can be swopped over in seconds. I have the same thought about the Mexican variant of this Fender.

[@JTB--]

Just snagged that same ButterScotch Blonde Player Telecaster for $500 in Mint condition on Reverb. I chose the Player model for the 9 Volt

[@dlux703]

Very good breakdown of the features and comparison to the other model. IMO they are both overpriced and that is hurting the sales, (I think they should make them overseas and price the models at $8 & 12 hundred) but for someone who wants to "travel light" to gigs, I can see the appeal, at whatever cost. I'm going to need more than one guitar in any case, so I would just as soon take the gear that will 'actually' make me happy with my presentation.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

Can someone confirm if a Acoustasonic Tele neck will fit a regular Tele body

[@andolf1686]

Chris, I appreciate your arguments, but IMO, they are overpriced and don't sound very good. Moreover, they are simply ugly.

[@davidriccitelli9528]

Guess you don't like elegant great sounding guitars. Play it bet you haven't played it.

[@stephanematis]

I own an early Godin Acousticaster and have always scratched my head why so many folks discounted their existence. The initial wave of Acoustasonic and the success of them in North America surprised me. Maybe a little bemused and bitter that Fender got more instant recognition on this front then Godin. I have no idea why the more gig worker priced version Tele didn't sell. IMO, this is a buskers perfect instrument, though the price might still be higher then the market will bear.

[@BobPerrone]

Agreed, I thought much better executed. I had one for a few years

[@threefirstnamegodsquared8836]

Those look pretty cool! Idk if it's the same model but there's a south paw one on reverb for 600$ or so and it has a Big Gangsta Clown Head on the body. Makes me laugh every time.

[@clebo99]

I have a Godin Acousticaster as well. I’m thinking about getting this fender. Do you think I would really need both? I do gig a lot and I would be using this for live shows.

[@bigbromiki1]

@@clebo99 Godin sounds hands down better in person

[@clebo99]

@@bigbromiki1 thanks. I’ll stick with that then.

[@tomthumb1322]

It's the price, I got a Blacktop Strat MiM in 2011 new for around 500 and I love it and play it often. It was the best guitar I could afford at the time and it was the best one at that price pt. If the MiM prices have gone up that much in the last 11 years means I cannot afford that line anymore either. I would pay 5 or 600 for even this lower quality example. I have never been well off enough to get any instrument over 500 dollars, and I knew I would never own an Am Strat, but it was OK cause Mexico had my back. Now, 1200 is way out of my league for this even though I would love to have one.

[@cmkelly1965]

I'm a gigging musician that was looking for a Swiss-army knife style guitar as my reliable Taylor was digging into my arm after three hours. I was excited when Fender introduced the Mexican version but right before I pulled the trigger, they lowered the price of the American version to $1600 for a short time in December 2021. That was a no brainer so I bought the American version. It's not perfect but for particular venues (outdoors mainly) it's pretty close. I also bought a Builder's Edition Taylor with a body contour that allows me to play it for hours but it was expensive and outdoor gigs near the ocean have me leaving it home and bringing the Fender. All in all the Fender is an excellent guitar, provides all the tones I need and can easily be played for hours.

[@positivelynegative9149]

I love the look of all the Acoustasonics. 🤣

[@qrptedmac]

I saw online DEF Leappard was playing an acoustasonic live.

[@conradmadden9107]

I bought one for £900 pounds, I love it,

[@betzalelholzer6930]

I have the American with acoustic strings and the Mexican with electric strings

[@jessekitts3976]

I think it has to do with the fact that every single one that i have played in store has the sharpest frets of ANY guitar that I have ever played. I refuse to pay the $1,299 price tag for a guitar than I will immediately have to dump an extra $75 to $100 for setup and fret dress.

[@mcdingus5081]

It seems like any time Fender or Gibson go outside the box- it's usually met with skepticism and disdain for a certain period of time. I'm surprised that Fender has committed a lot of capital into a dedicated facility in Ensenada for this. I just don't think they are going to sell well right now. But, wait a few years after their discontinued and let's see what happens. Personally, as a person that doesn't play a lot of acoustic- this is a very good option. I use it for my home recording- but optimally anyone that does small gigs, busks, etc. should find value in something like this. Maybe Fender should work on endorsing some street musicians and marketing it towards them. As far as it sounding bad- I think a lot of people don't get it. It sounds pretty damn convincing as an acoustic, and it has the potential to sound great on the electric side as well. I especially think the lo-fi setting is pretty cool- and with the help of a few effects you can make it sound however you want. There are a lot of clever musicians that are going to find ways of taking advantage of what it can do. That's why I love it when guitar companies come out with something different, it tends to lead to new ideas in music.

[@user-kc1cc5tt9l]

Oh my god... its... intelligence... !

[@SteveOLive88]

I bought the Mexican one

[@brandon_.]

For me it came down to the body pickup in the American version which IMO provides a more natural acoustic sound, along with the additional blending options.

[@concob]

I didn't know that Fender came out with a Player version of the Acoustic! So, I agree with Chris that it's a combination of 1.) It slipped under most people's radar due to the pandemic. 2.) The relatively narrow $800 price difference and I think a big reason is the three-way switch on the player version versus the five way switch on the American version was a mistake on fenders part, because although the three position switch offers a lot of versatility, I think a lot of players want the full versatility of the five-way switch for only $800 more so that they can get the maximum versatility from these amazing instruments. Thanks for the video Chris I love your videos!

[@peterhovestad4654]

The main negative I have with these (I have an American tele) is that if you want to enjoy the tones you need the crank up the amp loud enough to drown out the sound coming out of the sound hole. Not an issue if you’re performing but for noodling on the couch it’s not ideal.

[@sprugian]

I own one,it's Amazing,i have the Player,love the sounds but never really liked the look of it,that hole just reminds me of a toilet or something,maybe that's another reason.....:)

[@musiqueurbaine]

Don’t mind the look of all of them. My fav is the Telecaster! The only thing I do not like on them is the acoustic type bridges. I’d love to see a 6 Saddle metal plate bridge with the same type of electronics.

[@zibbezabba2491]

It needs the acoustic bridge for the transducer. Otherwise it's just modelled guitar sounds.

[@sboy1955]

I never see these out in the wild, so where are they being used?

[@John-e4p1x]

Sting, Pete Thorn, Def Lepperd. Pete just used it live at the Hollywood Bowl a month back.

[@handlewithcare1234]

I love the versatility. Really attracted to it. I think it might suit my needs and interests well. I think I have been put off by issues like what amplification maximizes the range of options on this guitar? Do I have to invest in a new amp as well? Having that versatility and unique sound, knowing me, it would take me a good while to really explore before finding my sweet spots .....or not...:( Doubly confusing needing to learn both Player and American models to see what it is I would be missing with the player, or with the American, if I really need to spend the extra money for options i would rarely or ever use. Thanks to this video I am a little closer to looking into it.

[@nedludd3641]

Has Fender laid-off staff? If so, why? I've got an Ultra Plus on order and the ETA is late Spring. What's going on? Has the amazing success of the PRS Silver Sky SE had an impact maybe?

[@chriscoats6508]

I own this model and am very happy with the purchase. Versatile instrument

[@briancoyne6700]

Are you telling me that the tone quality in the MIM is equal to that of the American? Same electronic components and quality inside?

[@jimmyj4811]

I recently purchased a new Player Acoustasonic. I liked it until the rearward switch position (noisless) developed an intermittant short. It will work sometimes, and then no sound. But the other two positions still work. I have had it at two repair shops and no one can figure it out. It's under warranty, but there are no authorized repair shops any closer than a ful day's drive from where I live. I am really sorry that I bought it!

[@jjjddd231]

I'd stay well clear of these given that when the electronics fail they will become un-repairable junk. Couple that with mediocre acoustic and electric sounds. If you're an electric player that just wants an acoustic sound for a few songs, a pedal will get you there at a much cheaper price. Purchase a classic vibe telecaster for your electric sound and a $400-$500 acoustic guitar and you're much better off in terms of both cost and sound quality.

[@MattSwain1]

I think you’re right about the release being during the pandemic. Given that it’s a different type of guitar, I think I’d want to try one in a guitar shop before buying whereas something like a Telecaster which is a more known quantity I’d feel more comfortable ordering online. $1200 is quite a lot for a guitar that you might not be sure if it’s for you or not

[@officialWWM]

It $1800 here in Australia :/ I sill want one though 😂

[@officialWWM]

But instrument sales went through the roof during the pandemic 🤔

[@watersnortmoment3734]

@@officialWWM People were just picking up guitar for the first time, they weren't buying 1200 dollar guitars that don't have very many reviews lmfao.

[@officialWWM]

@@watersnortmoment3734 not here in Australia! It was all the expensive “brand name” guitars that were flying off the shelves! The cheap stuff that comes out of Asia wasn’t available.

[@daveshepard9154]

I love mine - LOVE it. I have a buddy who has one each of the American Acoustasonics. They are great. Mine is wonderful, lower priced, sounds amazing, the 9v battery does not quit and - ehhh... - I'm fine with two fewer noodling settings. As a gigging musician, I usually will only make one or two adjustments. I have a row of Teles, Strats, Les Paul. But this is starting to take the place of my trusty Breedlove in a live situation.

[@justsomeguy1074]

The cost!

[@andolf1686]

Ya, it's preposterous expensive, and they sound horrible.

[@davidherringgo]

I bought one today looks pretty cool to me . Thanks for the review.

[@carlmalone4011]

I love my American acoustasonic tele. All 5 switch positions are useful. The internal battery is a much better than a 9v battery. Just add a USB charger to your rig and charge it on the stand. It's ideal for a looping because of it's versatility.

[@estenray6685]

I think that they are a bit pricey but if your going to spend $1200.00 on an acoustisonic then why not get the full deal and pay the extra $800.00 to get the better one? At that price point I’d go all in or try and find a used one for a better deal.

[@bigbromiki1]

they all sound BAD

[@josegilbert3189]

I think everyone is just waiting for the player jazz master since it’s predictable

[@angelamiroforidou9453]

That's music to my ears. I am hesitant to buy the US Jazzmaster because I don't want to charge it... But I would buy the player Jazzmaster immediately.

[@globalnova]

@@angelamiroforidou9453 you charge your phone every day right? What’s the issue?

[@angelamiroforidou9453]

@@globalnova I change my mobile phone every 2-3 years, but I want to keep my guitar forever.... Great news the Mexican Jazzmaster is finally available with 9V ...saved my day

[@globalnova]

@@angelamiroforidou9453 I’m sure a replacement battery will be available when they get to the end of their lifespan.

[@sansei56]

Let’s not forget that the same man that was the head of Taylor’s design of the T5 is the same man that designed the Acoustasonic line…

[@Frednsue77]

I am still waiting for an Acoustisonic Jazzmaster Player!

[@gkott78]

The American ones are now easily obtained at what the player series was priced at. I picked up the US tele acoustasonic today for half of the original price brand new. It goes to show these were over priced and the market responded. I'm happy with my 1k purchase of the US version and see the players ones selling for 600 or so now.

[@metalmover]

I’d buy one just to have....to plug in and record. The Mexican guitar slowed my purchase....if it was cheaper, I would have got it. For $800 more, I’d buy the American....it’s left me in the middle of a purchase

[@John-e4p1x]

I hearby promise I will watch every second of any video you make about acoustasonics. I own one too and its polarizing me thought i vehemetly defend it...

[@SMCarignan]

This video basically informed me that there even WAS a player Acoustasonic. I was looking at the American ones before I ended up getting a strat, but I also think that the price difference is an impact, if I’m saving for a 1,200 guitar, I could wait a little longer and get the better features one for 2K.

[@trout3685]

i think the whole point of the video is to advertise that there IS a player Acoustasonic. Idk why anyone wants to spend the money for one of these personally. american or otherwise

[@SMCarignan]

@@trout3685 that’s a very good point you being up, I see the value in having this guitar as a practice guitar so you can play around with a wide range of tones as you dial in a particular sound. Does it do either in a performance worthy way? Is it worth it for a musician just starting and unable to afford multiple guitars or would it be better to buy a mid range electric and a mid range acoustic for the same price?

[@trout3685]

​@@SMCarignan I think cheap acoustics and cheap electric guitars are perfectly fine these days. This guitar is for specialized markets imo. it's not meant to satisfy a person who wants and acoustic and electric guitar. I mean for one it's not an acoustic if you ask me. Plugged in it might have good acoustic tone but unless you plan on playing plugged in all the time i would just get a regular acoustic. And as far as electrics go, a tele or strat would be all you really need. even squires aren't bad. Buying them individually will give you way more bang for your buck and allow you to play all sorts of music. To me this guitar is very specialized for someone who does lots of live shows or something and needs that specific tone. If I were reccomending a new person a guitar I'd say a taylor 110e and maybe a 600 dollar strat or something. You can even get a less expensive acoustic or electric if you need to budget more. Squires are not bad i've heard some really good players play squires and make them sound killer.

[@GrafitiWall]

I was very tempted to get one of these to begin with. In the end though, while I quite liked the acoustic sounds, I was really unconvinced by the electric sounds. All you’re getting is a pretty thin sounding Tele bridge pickup, and to that end you may as well get a decent Tele instead. That said, I can still see the appeal of this guitar and who it might cater to more. But I certainly wouldn’t say there’s nothing wrong with it.

[@trout3685]

I can't see the appeal but i see a lot of people do

[@rexgotaguitar]

I just started playing guitar - and just bought one of these. Loving the heck out of it so far!

[@magic2506]

Fender should stay out of anything acoustic. Love my Stratocasters. These Acoustasonics have very thin sound, no body. Fail.

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I'm shopping these vs something like the Godin A6 Ultra Extreme and Taylor T5 and for the price of one of these, I can just about get a used American one in excellent condition. No reason I'd want a new player series and lose the extra sounds that the American version has. I don't care about the piezo or electric pickup. I want a killer plugged in full size acoustic sound without the bulk of a full size acoustic and the extra sound options of the american version is much more appealing. Edit: I dont think lowering the price of the player series would change my mind either. At this price, they should put the american series electronics in it.

[@dukeofearl4117]

I waited until the Acoustasonic Jazzmaster and I believe it’s worth the price I paid for it . I believe the Mexican version is a good instrument also. Like you said there’s nothing wrong with it.

[@kdrake777]

You can get a used American version for the price of the Player .

[@ktblue2bass]

Dude...these are GREAT, INNOVATIVE guitars. They are not selling because for the most part.......THEY UGLY.

[@officialWWM]

The Mexican models are made in Mexico by Mexicans. The American models are made in America by Mexicans and cost twice as much… I bought one of these and I love it. It’s perfect for solo or duo gigs. For playing country music, for sitting in and jamming, for recording and songwriting and it’s great as a couch guitar! Here in Australia, the price difference between the us and Mexican models is closer to 2k, so the Mexican model is a no brainer!

[@OssianEMills]

I own a Mexican Acoustasonic Tele and bought it when they came out. I am a Worship Director and play acoustic guitar every week. I could play my Taylor, one of three Martins, an Alvarez Yairi, or any number of electircs I own, but every Sunday I go to the Tele Acoustasonic. Acoustic sounds only for me; and I only use the volume knob). I have it strung with acoustic strings and run through an acoustic pre-amp/DI. With the compressor, EQ, and reverb dialed in for this guitar, it just can't be beat on sound and playability. It's a rock solid instrument with a sound comparable to those several times its pricepoint. I watched your video because I am thinking of trading some stuff to get the American Acoustasonic Tele.

[@markpell8979]

At about 8:30 in you hit the nail on the head. One (US) is about $1800, the other (MEX, factory just cross from San Diego) is about $1200. Problem? Simple- both are overpriced. Fender, WTH? They even sell several pretty nice in-house single-cut acoustic-electrics that come in at about half the price of this one, whose main drawing point is it looks a lot like a Tele. Note to Fender: most of us are not rich, or stupid, or stupidly rich. I would honestly love to have an Acoustasonic but an Ibanez Talman will do the job plugged in for a fraction of the price. The high-end brands need to drop the idea that their farts smell better than the rest.

[@user-kc1cc5tt9l]

But this one smells like Mahogany.

[@shawnhuff3920]

I bought one today that same one and color from guitar center the American one felt smoother and the action was better than the Mexican one the guitar shop luther set it up for me adjusting the micro tilt and turning the truss rod to take out the bow in the neck now it it fine I made a video on my channel playing acoustic not plugged in

[@garethmurphy8235]

I know why this guitar isn't selling..I usually only buy US versions of Fender guitars. It has been my experience that if you want to get an excellent Fender instrument it usually needs to be a US one. Just my humble opinion. This was vehemently reinforced when I went to multiple stores to play these doing research before buying one. I played at least a half dozen, all Mexican versions, because the US ones were out of stock. In every single case the setups were some of the worst I have ever seen. Truly offensive string height and intonation in every single case. Very close to unplayable in at least half those cases. I took one of those guitars to the techs at Buckdancers Choice in Portland, ME because it was so bad I figured I should let someone know.. I thought someone had intentionally damaged the guitar. The tech took the guitar, looked at it for one second and immediately put it on the bench and started working on it. I asked him what he thought happened and he said "nothing it had come in from Fender the day before". These setups were so bad that it completely turned me off from buying an American one. I had played so many I was convinced it was just inherent to the design. Months went by and then I finally found a used US one in a store. I figured I'd see if there was any difference but, I didn't really expect there would be. Holy sh!t was I wrong. Floored. The US one was just a joy to play. Every single thing about the feel and playability was the complete opposite from the Mex ones I had played. The US one hanging on a wall at a guitar store had a better setup then my Strat I play every day. I was absolutely gobsmacked, shocked at the difference. The US one instantly felt like a fine instrument where the Player versions I played were like toys. I think the possible small lack of attention to detail and QC coming out of the Mexican factory is making a massive difference here. I'm sure this isn't the case in every situation but I can tell you without a doubt it was the difference for me.. It's in the case in my bedroom right now. Play it almost everyday. These guitars need attention and adjustment to get anywhere near their potential. See for yourself...

[@billa6348]

I was attracted by the novelty and appearance of the Acoustasonics so I bought a Jazz Master when they were first released I eventually sold it because I absolutely HATED having to plug it in. HATED IT!!! Terrible idea. I didn't think it would be a big deal. Wrong!!! Exactly how does that work when it's in a case? Also, it was extremely neck heavy--something that just annoyed me until I'd had enough and sold it. It sounded "okay," for an acoustic modeler and looked great, in an endearingly grotesque, melted strat sort of way.

[@CarsFoodWeed]

you know the economy is jacked up when 1200 is the budget option

[@jeffty60]

I had an Acoustasonic Player Tele for a year or so...try as I may I couldn't warm up to it. It looked good on paper but it felt, for lack of a better word, insubstantial. My biggest disappointment with that guitar is that the different pickup positions all had a similar timbre. IMHO there simply wasn't enough contrast in the tones. Also the magnetic pup was really prone to single coil noise making it less useful in a small production studio with all the EMF bouncing around. I also think they are overpriced for what they are, especially the American versions. I don't miss it...

[@thisisgoingtohurt147]

They are just too expensive. Even with great acoustic guitar electronics and a great noiseless pickup they should be $600 max. Nothing is special except the hollow body, that really doesn’t cost fender much money at all. It’s not like it’s a German carved top guitar: it’s an ugly over priced very simple guitar. The squier jaguar is way more complex and it’s affordable.

[@aa.mirezZ]

The guitar center near me has some how took to trolling all its customers, and has the more expensive and lower priced point acoustsonic guitars lining up their acoustic room. It’s literally an unnecessary amount of these useless things taking up their acoustic room space and I don’t know why.

[@splashfreelance2376]

Wow. I had no idea the more expensive guitars had a Lithium Ion battery. That's a huge downgrade for me, they have a limited number of recharge cycles (around 1,000 as a rule of thumb) and sure, if Fender plays nice you _should_ always be able to get a replacement but I'd much rather use a standard 9v battery. My acoustic-electric, a George Washburn from about 1988 uses a 9v battery and I have yet to have a problem replacing the battery!

[@paul479]

I tried one in a shop and enjoyed it but a few things put me off buying (I'm prob about beginner-intermediate guitarist). But I liked how small and easy to pick up it was and would love to have one lying around. Can anyone recommend a cheaper alternative to one of these please?

[@chiefkikyerass7188]

The reason it doesn't sell..there are so many better options for the $$$$ fact...it sux acoustically

[@gitaarmanad3048]

I see many reasons why people don't want to buy a guitar like this. Maybe I can adress a few. First of all, the sound has no focus point in the sound's frequency spectrum. When you play a guitar like this, you're kind of in everybody else's way. The frequencies jump around all over the place. That makes it hard to mix the voice of a singer on top of it. Accompanying instruments like the guitar should be modest in presence. This is obtained by dampening the upper frequencies. The guitar you're showing here simply has the wrong frequencies, in my preception. Next thing is, guitarists are very conservative people, most of the time. Mostly purists, that hate batteries, especially inside a guitar. A battery in a guitar is suggesting that the instrument can't do it on its own. That it's lacking quality. And in a way it is. Besides this, I want to run away from the idea of a hybrid instrument. Musicians want to make statements with their music, not compromises. When I see an artist playing a guitar like this, the intuïtion jumps on me that he/she are scared to make a statement. Anyway, this is how I feel about it. Either you play an accoustic guitar, or you play an electric, or even a hollow body electric. But an accoustic solid plank with battery circuit, that's just a bridge too far, if you ask me.

[@liamartinproductions]

Mexico is already too expensive of a labor cost center. The overall problem with Mexican Fenders are that they are too expensive compared to Indonesian imports which are frequently higher quality. Now Mexican guitars occupy an ambiguous space that is neither cheap nor highest quality.

[@MAVIEGUITARS]

I've got an American made one. Love the small body, light weight (4.75 lbs,) easy to play...but there is a huge problem with this line of guitar: the intonation. So bad, it's 0 of 6 strings that are accurate. I have three Godin guitars and the intonation is 100% with compatible prices. Fender dropped the ball big time!