The Fender Stratocaster, an iconic electric guitar, has long been a music industry staple. Now, Fender has taken this legendary instrument and infused it with the rich resonance and expressiveness of an acoustic guitar, giving birth to the Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster.
This innovative hybrid instrument has captured the attention of guitarists worldwide, promising a seamless blend of electric and acoustic soundscapes. But does it live up to the hype?
Let’s thoroughly review the Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster, exploring its features, strengths, and potential drawbacks.
Table of contents
The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster – A Fusion of Worlds
The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster represents a bold step forward in guitar design, blurring the lines between electric and acoustic sounds. Its sleek Stratocaster body houses a hollow-body mahogany construction, yielding a resonant and articulate acoustic voice.
Simultaneously, three Strat-style magnetic pickups provide the classic electric tones that have made the Stratocaster a legend. This fusion of worlds opens up a vast sonic palette, catering to a diverse range of genres and playing styles.
The Neck: Familiar Comfort
Comfort is paramount for any guitarist, and the Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster delivers in this regard. Its C-shaped maple neck feels comfortably familiar to Stratocaster enthusiasts, providing a smooth and effortless playing experience.
The satin finish on the neck adds a touch of luxury, while the narrow-tall frets ensure precise intonation and effortless string bending.
The Body, Back, and Sides
The heart of the Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster lies in its hollow-body mahogany construction. This unique design, combined with Fender’s patented Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS), allows the guitar to produce rich, resonant acoustic tones without the feedback issues often associated with hollow-body guitars.
The mahogany adds warmth and depth to the acoustic voice, while its lightweight nature enhances playability.
Tone Woods – A Symphony of Harmony
The selection of tonewoods plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of an instrument. In the Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster, Fender has carefully chosen a combination of woods that complement each other perfectly.
The solid mahogany body provides a warm and resonant foundation, while the maple neck adds brightness and clarity. The rosewood fingerboard completes the tonal symphony with its smooth and articulate sound.
Tones – A Sonic Tapestry
The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster’s strength lies in its versatility, offering a vast sonic tapestry encompassing both acoustic and electric realms. The SIRS system provides three distinct acoustic voicings:
- A crisp and resonant voice
- A warm and rich voice
- A feedback-resistant voice ideal for stage performances
These acoustic voices can be blended seamlessly with the guitar’s three Strat-style magnetic pickups, resulting in a range of sounds that span from clean and sparkling to gritty and overdriven.
Pickups: Capturing the Essence
The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster features three custom-designed Strat-style magnetic pickups, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of classic Stratocaster tones.
These pickups replicate the traditional Stratocaster pickup configuration, allowing for a variety of sounds, from bright and jangly to warm and humbucking-like.
The Strings -Striking the Right Balance
The choice of strings can significantly impact the playability and tone of an instrument. The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster comes factory-strung with Fender Dura-Tone 11 gauge phosphor bronze strings, striking a perfect balance between acoustic and electric playing.
The phosphor bronze material delivers a warm and rich sound, while the 11 gauge offers comfortable tension for both acoustic and electric styles.
The Finish – Enhancing the Aesthetic
The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster is available in various finishes, each showcasing the natural beauty of the mahogany body. The satin finish on the neck and body provides a smooth and comfortable feel, while the various color options add a touch of personality to the instrument.
Specifications
Body: Solid mahogany
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22 narrow-tall
Scale Length: 25.5″
Nut Width: 1.65″
Pickups: 3 custom-designed Strat-style magnetic pickups
Hardware: Nickel-plated
Finish: Satin
Pros – A Multifaceted Performer
The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster boasts a multitude of strengths that make it a compelling choice for guitarists of all levels and genres:
It’s Versatile
Seamlessly transitions between acoustic and electric sounds, catering to a diverse range of musical styles.
Authentic Acoustic Tones
Produces rich, resonant acoustic tones without the feedback issues of traditional hollow-body guitars.
Classic Stratocaster Sounds
Delivers the iconic Strat tones that have made the instrument a legend.
Comfortable Playability
The familiar C-shaped maple neck provides smooth and effortless playing.
Lightweight Construction
Lightweight hollow-body mahogany body enhances comfort and stage presence.
Durable Construction
Fender’s reputation for quality ensures long-lasting durability.
Cons
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, the Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster may not be the ideal choice for every guitarist:
Higher Price Point
The Acoustasonic Stratocaster carries a higher price tag than traditional Stratocaster models.
Requires Amplifier for Acoustic Voicings
Acoustic voicings require an amplifier, limiting unplugged use.
May Not Appeal to Traditionalists
Some purists may prefer traditional instruments’ pure acoustic or electric tones.
Warranty
Peace of Mind
Fender offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the American Acoustasonic Stratocaster, protecting against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty provides peace of mind for guitarists investing significantly in this instrument.
Gig Bag or Hard Case – Protection for Your Investment
A Fender Deluxe gig bag is included with purchasing the Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster. We always recommend a hard case added protection to safeguard the instrument during transport and storage. Especially higher-priced instruments like the Acoustasonic.
Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster – Care Program for the Guitar
In the event you decide to buy this instrument, proper care and maintenance will ensure that your Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster stays in tip-top condition for years.
Here are some tips:
- Store the guitar in a climate-controlled environment: Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage the instrument.
Wipe down the guitar after playing: Remove sweat and dirt to prevent buildup and corrosion. - Clean the strings regularly: Proper string cleaning prevents rust and enhances tone.
- Avoid exposing the guitar to extreme temperatures or humidity: These conditions can affect the wood and electronics.
- Have the guitar serviced by a qualified technician annually: Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Conclusion
The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster represents a significant step forward in guitar design, seamlessly blending the timeless appeal of the Stratocaster with the rich resonance of an acoustic guitar.
Its versatility, exceptional playability, and classic Strat tones make it an attractive choice for guitarists seeking a multifaceted instrument that can adapt to a wide range of musical genres and styles.
While its higher price tag may deter some, the Acoustasonic Stratocaster offers a unique sonic experience and a gateway to a world of musical possibilities.
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References
Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster Official Website: https://www.fender.com/en-US/acoustasonic-guitars/stratocaster/american-acoustasonic-stratocaster/0972023200.html
Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster User Manual: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/372338/Fender-Acoustasonic.html
