Fender Classic Series Baja Telecaster Guitar Review

The blues, for decades, have defined generation after generation of what is now considered modern music. From R&B, to rock and roll, and even hip hop, pretty much everything we listen to today can be traced back to the blues. One of the most integral parts of that original genre, of course, was Fender's Telecaster line of guitars. Now, in homage to one of the first models, Fender offers the Classic Series Baja Telecaster. Let's take a closer look to see if it does the original justice.

Features: The body of the Classic Series Baja Telecaster, unlike many other Fenders, is made of ash. This will give you a lighter feel and a bit of a different tone than most other Telecasters. There are two finish options available with the Baja Telecaster, both are polyester and include blonde and desert sand. Both have a light look, come with a solid white pickguard, and are relatively similar. The neck, meanwhile is bolted onto the body and made of polished maple wood. The fretboard, complete with twenty one medium jumbo frets and black dot inlays, is made of maple as well. In all, the Baja Telecaster has a very light look. The hardware on the Baja Tele, including the tuning heads, bridge plate, and control plate, is all chrome. Additionally, the headstock has the classic '50s Telecaster shape, completing the Baja Tele's vintage feel. Electronically, the Baja Telecaster has a Fender brand "Twisted" Telecaster single coil pickup in the neck position and a "Broadcaster" single coil in the bridge position. Also, it has a 4 position S-1 switching system and two chrome control knobs, one controlling tone and the other controlling volume.

Playability: Frankly, I love the Baja Telecaster's, and just about every other genuine Telecaster's out there, playability. The thin maple neck is easy to wrap your hand around and get a great feel for easily. String action is perfect out of the factory, and finds a nice happy medium so you can either make quick alternate picking runs or do a little slide playing.

Sound: Most users of the Baja Telecaster agree that the S-1 Switching system and the pickups are the key to its sound. The switching system is a pretty new development, and allows for you to find a ton of different tonal ranges. Also, the pickups are great in that you can get the classic Telecaster twang with the "Broadcaster" in the bridge position and some great variety with the "Twisted" pickup in the neck position.

Overall: If you're an accomplished musician looking for a top quality instrument under one thousand dollars, the Baja Telecaster is an excellent opportunity. It has the sound, playability, and durability to become just about anyone's main axe. You can find the Baja Telecaster in music stores for about $800.