As early as 1950, Fender became the first company to successfully market solidbody electric guitars. Since then, the two-pickup, single-cutaway Telecaster has remained a simple, yet effective design that delivers versatile tones. There's a reason why players of all genres gravitate towards the Telecaster—its tone is transparent, dynamic, and straightforward. It seems to do everything well.
The American Ultra series is Fender's most advanced line of instruments, and it incorporates modern precision and performance with Fender's time-tested designs. The Telecaster features a unique “Modern D” neck profile with softened fingerboard edges for hours of playing comfort, and the tapered neck heel allows easy access to the highest register. It has a speedy 10”-14” compound-radius fingerboard with medium-jumbo frets that play clear and true all the way up to the 22nd fret.
For electronics, the American Ultra Telecaster sports two Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups. These are the latest iteration of Fender's Noiseless pickup concept, and they deliver the classic, dynamic Telecaster sound without the hum and noise of vintage designs. From there, the three-way switch is familiar, but it's tricked out with an S-1 switch that activates series wiring (instead of just parallel) in the middle position.
- Body: Alder
- Finish: Texas Tea (Gloss Urethane)
- Body Binding: Cream
- Neck: Maple
- Neck Finish: Satin Urethan w/ Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
- Neck Shape: Modern "D"
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius: 10' to 14" Compound
- Number of Frets: 22
- Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
- Nut: Bone, 1.685" width
- Position Inlays: Pearloid
- Truss Rod: Bi-Flex
- Pickups: Ultra Noiseless Vintage Tele
- Controls: 3-Postion Blade, Master Volume w/ S-1, Master Tone
- Bridge: 6-Saddle American Tele w/ Chromed Brass Saddles
- Tuning Machines: Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking
- Pickguard: Anodized Aluminum
This 2020 American Ultra Telecaster shows off Fender's new "Texas Tea" finish. It's a hard one to photograph—at times it looks flat black, but in the light it shows metallic sparkle and tons of depth. In light, black fades into lighter brown/root beer at times catching almost green hues. It's gorgeous, and the anodized aluminum guard and cream top binding are gorgeous accents
This 2020 American Ultra Telecaster is gently used. If held at the right angle, it shows some finish checking that is likely the result of it getting too cold. It has no repairs or issues, and plays like an absolute dream. This Telecaster is a beast and a top-notch player. It demonstrates how the American Ultra Series pushes the tele to the next level. It includes its original hardshell case.