Fender Highway One Series Texas Telecaster Guitar Review

When many musicians think of the Fender Telecaster, a specific image comes to mind. This usually includes a Southern setting, a guy with a cowboy hat, and a feel much like old Western movies. The Telecaster is the pinnacle of the Delta Blues style of playing and craftsmanship. In homage to this feel, Fender has come out with the Highway One Series Texas Telecaster. It is a direct appeal to the blues slide players and country of guitarists of the world. Let's take a closer look to see just how appealing it is.

Features: The body of the Highway One Texas Telecaster is made of Ash wood. Weirdly enough, the Texas Telecaster is actually made and assembled in Corona California. The only finish available is a two tone tobacco-style sunburst, complete with a white three ply pickguard. The neck is bolted on the guitar, and is made of one piece maple with a vintage '52 style. The fretboard, as well, is maple. It has twenty one medium jumbo frets and black dot inlays. The headstock, on contrast to newer modes, also has a vintage look and profile about it. All of the hardware, including the tuning heads, bridge plate, and the control plate, are chrome plated. In another nod to the vintage Telecaster, the bridge has only three saddles with two string slots each. This doesn't make too much of a difference in practicality or playability, but does look pretty darn cool. Electronically, the Texas Telecaster has two single coil American made pickups, one volume and one tone control knobs, and a three way selector switch.

Playability: One of the characteristics of the Telecaster that has made it endure so well over the years is its playability. The Texas Tele is no exception. The ash body is nice and light. It's so light, in fact, that you could easily stand up and play it for lengthy periods of time without having to take a break. Also, the neck is finished beautifully. In true form to the vintage Telecaster, it has a very thin profile, and is very fast up and down. If you have the right pedals and effects, it would make a pretty perfect guitar for even metal.

Sound: The sound of the Highway One Series Texas Telecaster is very easy to manipulate. The pickups, though they may seem a little bright and weak, can with the right equipment be made to suit just about any kind of music. But, then again, if you're looking for the classic Telecaster twang to come naturally, look no further.

Overall: For the musician who appreciates the storied history of the Telecaster and enjoys the music of those legendary artists that have played it, the Texas Telecaster is a great find. It has the look, feel, and sound of a vintage Telecaster with the ability to become much more. You can find the Fender Highway One Series Texas Telecaster in music stores for about $830.