FEATURED GEAR
AMERICAN ACOUSTASONIC SERIES TELECASTER
with BRIAN SWERDFEGER, V.P. – GUITAR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, FENDER
by Doug Doppler
KEY FEATURES
• Acoustic Electric
[WM] Brian, noting that you were involved
in the development of the Taylor T5, this is
not your first foray into the world of guitars
• Five-way Voice Selector Switch designed to bridge the gap between the
• Mod Knob Toggles/Blends ‘A & B’
Voices electric and acoustic worlds. The Fender PR
• Volume Control the press event in NYC, so I’ve had a number of
• 22-fret Mahogany Neck hours ‘behind the wheel’ and love the fact that
• Gig Bag Included
team was kind enough to send me a guitar after
it does a great job of driving on ‘both sides of
the road’. I’d love to know what you think are
the design, sonic, and aesthetic elements that
If I had to describe the current team at Fender
most define this instrument.
in two words, the ones I’d choose would be
inspired and prolific. The diversity and quality [Brian Swerdfeger] It’s a great guitar first,
of the instruments that Fender is producing is and that’s a hallmark of Fender. Our guitars
simply staggering. One of these instruments are made with top quality and craftsmanship,
that seems destined to find a lot of love from are easy to play, full of great sounds, and have
the House of Worship and beyond is the brand been inspiring players for over 70 years. All of
new American Acoustasonic Series Telecaster. the elements have to come together to make
that happen and the American Acoustasonic
We were fortunate enough to have been invited Telecaster is no exception. It is all-new, yet
to Fender’s pre-launch event for this guitar and familiar and friendly by design. Sonically it’s
from the moment I saw it I was smitten. Part defined by the combination of what the guitar
acoustic, part Tele, and 100% Fender, this is producing physically and our exclusive
guitar is a dream to play, hear, and behold. Acoustic Engine that combines classic analog
While this is not Fender’s first foray into elements with future digital processing. All of
building an acoustic-inspired Tele, this guitar this in a modern/elegant package that connects
is truly special, and I’ll be shocked if it’s not the player to the guitar via an organic feel and
a hit in the Worship community and beyond. lush satin finish. The American Acoustasonic
will change the way artists compose and
THE DESIGNER perform music - at home, in the studio, and
Designed by Fender’s brand new V.P. of Guitar on stage and how players - from beginners to
R&D, Brian Swerdfeger, I’m beyond excited
professionals - approach the instrument.
to see what the future holds! While you
might know Brian’s name, he’s worked [WM] I love the feel of the neck – it is both
as a consultant for some of the familiar and just a bit wider at the nut than a
biggest names in the business, on Tele, which means I can really get under the
a diverse range of industry-shaping strings when needed without pulling them out
products. Brian was kind enough to of tune. Can you tell a bit about the process
answer some questions about the that goes into making those kinds of decisions?
Acoustasonic Series Telecaster, so
without further ado, it is our pleasure to
introduce you to Brian!
98
January 2019
[Brian] Fender electric necks are famous for
their smooth feel and easy playability, so we
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