Fender American Special Tele

[ste_blue]

http://www.dv247.com/guitars/fender-ame ... ite--70611

Anyone had an opportunity to try one of these yet?

Just wondering how they compare to the American standard models.

Ste.

[JD23USA]

Seen em. Haven't played through one.

[lowenzz]

Actually I just picked up a 2TSB American Special Strat, as I just moved my Tele. I was waiting to take some pics and get a good feel for it before I posted, but anyways here it goes. It is honestly my first real traditional strat so I will refrain from any overhyped comparisons. I had a couple Jacksons and Charvels back in the 80's, but never a boring old single coil strat. I normally play 25" & 24 5/8" scale guitars so this is a change for me.

It is a bit boring visually but still nice. no finish flaws. Great fretwork for the price range, this was the thing that impressed me the most. The Texas special pickups seem nice to me right now, but I have very little to compare it too. The strat world is a bit different for me, but I am enjoying it more than I thought I would. I like the neck profile enough, just seemed like the generic C profile, not too thick or thin IMO. The satin finish feels real nice. I hated the overthick poly finish on the neck of my Baja Tele. It was just ridiculous. (loved the V profile though)

I honestly liked it better than the next level up American standard. I did not compare it to the American deluxe model as I did not care for them personaly, especially for their going prices.

The American special series is a very solid Strat, Seems allmost like a leftover parts model as the details and features seem to be taken from all over the Fender map. I'm learning to live with the big headstock. I would recommend to anyone interested.

[MikeR]

I have played the american special tele pretty extensively, and actually have one in white on layaway. I am just looking to sell an old wireless unit of mine before i pick it up. I would def recommend this guitar if you are a tele fan. I already own an american standard in natural ash with a rosewood board, so this special with alder body and maple board will be the perfect companion. I had played it a couple different times, prob for 2 hrs total, and from what I can tell, the fit and finish was great. Just like my american standard. A few differences to point out as far as playing feel goes though: the special has jumbo fretwire, a good thing or bad thing pending on your taste ( i don't mind it, and it suits a light touch very well), it has the old style 3 saddle bridge but with the raised sides like on the old ones that came with a cover, which can alter your right hand technique, pending on playing style ( I did not like this, and plan on putting on a gotoh 6 saddle after i pick it up ). It also comes with texas specials in it, which i thought sounded pretty cool ( i have Dimarzio area t set in my american standard ). So all in all, i do think its a really a steal for the money. if you like a good tele, check one out, you won't be disappointed!

[ste_blue]

Thanks for the replys guys. Hopefully Ill get to try one out over the next week or so. I'm still unsure what guitar to get as im looking at the PRS SE Custom Semi Hollow aswell.

Tbh though I love a guitar hunt :)