American special
stratocaster and Telecaster
FEnDER
clean up nicely when you roll the Volume
knob off. Our only reservation here is with
the taper of the Strat’s volume pot, which
leaves a little to be desired in terms of its
evenness and usefulness for volume swells.
Like the Strat, the American Special Tele’s
pickups are on the hot side, with plenty of
sizzle. They too are well balanced, though
they tend much more toward modern sound-
ing even with the traditional bridge. The
brass saddles do seem to provide all the snap
and bite we like to hear in a Telecaster, and
they didn’t frustrate our efforts to achieve a
workable intonation. We didn’t like the sound
of the bridge pickup with the Volume and
Tone knob maxed (a go-to setting for both
of us) as much as we wanted to, but we have
to admit we’ve been fairly spoiled by the
sound of the Mexican-made Road Worn ‘50s
Telecaster we acquired last year. It has bona
fide vintage tone and a degree of subtlety
and tonal versatility that’s hard to compete
with. Despite that, the American Special
Telecaster does have what it takes to satisfy
many, if not all, Tele afficionados.
The Final Mojo
We found the build quality, fit and finish
of the American Special Stratocaster and
Telecaster to be on a par with many of
Fender’s top Mexican-made offerings, but
we can’t say they’ve exceeded them. For the
price, that means a good, solid value—
provided buyers aren’t set on having a wider
variety of options available to them. Those
who do know exactly what they want in an
über-reliable Fender axe would probably do
well to consider the long-term benefits of
stepping up to an American Standard, even
if it means a little more money.
Rating:
these specs make your heart go
pitter-patter, and a “Made in the
U.S.A.” label is essential.
Buy If...
Skip If...
you’re looking for a number-one
Fender electric that’s just the way
you want it.
Fender
Street $799
fender.com
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