Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster Review – The Hybrid Guitar You Didn't Know You Needed
Let’s be honest—this isn’t a guitar for everyone. If you’re the type of player who says, “Why not just buy a great acoustic and a great electric?”, then fair enough. The Fender Acoustasonic probably isn’t trying to win you over. But for a lot of us—especially those who spend time moving between acoustic and electric playing—it might just be the guitar we didn’t know we needed.
The new Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster is the latest incarnation of the Acoustasonic series, and this time it’s made in Indonesia. Unlike its American and Mexican-made siblings, the Standard model is simplified—offering one acoustic tone and one electric tone. That might sound limiting on paper, but in practice it keeps things streamlined, intuitive, and effective.
It’s a continuation of Fender’s bold experiment to reimagine what a guitar can be. It’s not a gimmick. It’s not a toy. It’s a serious, well-made instrument with a dual personality that makes it incredibly versatile.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself sitting on the couch playing an acoustic, only to get the urge to play something a little more electric—maybe a riff, maybe a lead line. With the Acoustasonic, there’s no need to swap guitars. You just flick the blend knob, and suddenly you’re in that electric zone. It makes spontaneous playing more seamless—and honestly, more fun.
Acoustically, it’s not quite the same as a full-bodied dreadnought or concert acoustic—but it’s more than enough for home playing, songwriting, or relaxed jamming. Through an amp, though, the acoustic tones are surprisingly full and natural. Fender and Fishman have done a great job with the electronics. The under-saddle transducer handles the acoustic tones with warmth, while the Acoustasonic Shawbucker pickup gives you fat electric tones that still feel distinctly Tele.
The guitar itself feels great in hand. The neck is familiar and comfortable, especially if you’re used to playing Fenders. The nyatoh body and neck, along with the solid Sitka spruce top and chambered construction, make it light and resonant. And it just looks cool. The style is modern but still undeniably Fender. It’s the kind of guitar that invites questions and double takes—in a good way.
Here’s what you’re getting with the Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster:
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Two pickup systems: a Fender Acoustasonic Shawbucker and a Fishman Under-Saddle Transducer
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Master volume and blend control for dialing between voices
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A solid Sitka spruce top with nyatoh body and neck
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Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
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Integrated forearm and back contours for extra comfort
Who is this guitar for? Players who bounce between acoustic and electric playing. Songwriters looking for a single, inspiring instrument. Gigging musicians who want to simplify their rig. Or anyone who just wants something different, without sacrificing tone or playability.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Hybrid
The Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster isn’t a gimmick. It’s a thoughtful continuation of Fender’s bold push to redefine what a guitar can be. If you expect it to be a pure acoustic or a classic electric, you might miss its magic. But come at it with an open mind, and you’ll discover an innovative, versatile guitar that thrives in the in-between spaces—a creative companion built for today’s genre-fluid guitarist.
Available now at Colemans Music Melbourne. Come in and try the Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster for yourself—you might just walk out with your new go-to guitar.
