Review: Fender Standard Ash Body Telecaster

In addition to my previous article regard things to know about Mexican made Fender guitars, I will now share a review of one of those 3 products that I own. In 2005 I purchased a Mexican made Fender Telecaster, natural finish, with an ash body instead of the normal alder wood Fender uses. I got the instrument at Guitar Center for $420 dollars. The price was slightly higher than the average range because of the different features that weren't in mass production. So far, after over 3 years now, the guitar has held up extremely well and has had very minimal issues. I highly recommend this model should anyone be considering purchasing one.

For the main features that produce the desired sound, this guitar still was still more inexpensive than the Fender Classic series guitars, which usually range around $600. The original Telecaster was produced with an ash body, which produces a brighter sound as well as strong resonation. The guitar I took home was a little on the heavy side, which I didn't mind, because it could hold a note like you wouldn't believe. The standard pickups that it came with sound authentically Fender and have worked well with all of my amps. Also, the 9.5 in fret board radius is the perfect compromise for playing lead and rhythm and not wearing out your hands. The bridge assembly is very similar to American made Fenders and keeps it in tune rather well. That setup also makes it very easy to intonate.

After 3 years of almost continuous daily service, I have had very minimal problems with this guitar. I did set it up to my liking, which was not a fault of the guitar. The bridge pick up needed to be dropped a little bit to balance out with the neck pickup to produce that great and versatile middle sound with both pickups. All of the hardware has held up well, including tuning keys, bridge parts, switches and fasteners. The only problem that I have had with it was the tone and volume knobs. After 2 years, the tone knob came loose and fell off which was easily fixed with a jeweler's screwdriver.

What I was looking for when I began my quest was an inexpensive guitar that had all the twang and authenticity that I enjoyed hearing on many classic country songs. I narrowed it down to the Telecaster and mainly one with an ash body. The amplifier that I use is a blackface Fender 65 Twin Reverb Re-issue that matches that guitar and completes the true authentic country sound that I wanted to produce. The bridge pickup in this guitar rings like a bell and makes a thick, bright twang. The neck pickup sounds full and powerful and does great for playing blues and overall rhythm. The combination of the two is just absolutely perfect. If I play close to the bridge I get a snappy twang and can swing back toward the neck pickup for a deeper mellow tone and not even touch the switch. This is especially useful for playing rhythm and throwing in a few lead licks in between chord changes without getting out of the groove by switching pickups.

The next best model to this guitar is the Classic Series 1950's reproduction Telecaster. I tested one and didn't really like the way the neck felt. It was big and felt a lot like a baseball bat unlike the standard series that felt smooth and just right. The American Series has an ash body Telecaster, which I also didn't like because the pickups did not sound very bright or deep and after the $900 price tag, I would not want to spend another $200 to replace them with better ones. The next model up that matched was the American Vintage 52 Telecaster, which did sound good, but had a $1300 price tag, which was way out of my range. From there, the other option was a Custom Shop "No caster" which the neck also felt like a baseball bat, although it sounded much like the standard Mexican made model. The custom shop model ranged at over $2,000, so that way beyond out of reach. So needless to say, the ash body Mexican made model is a real prize to get your paws on if you don't mind it not looking like it was made 40 years ago.

As far as versatility and value, I think Mexican Telecaster hit the mark right where it matters. If you are considering looking into one, I highly recommend them. Played through a good quality tube amp, they sound like a million bucks without having to part with the million bucks. If you are looking to play some twanging country, or deep down blues, or even some good old classic rock, this guitar is for you. For the price, it can't be beat. Even after 3 years of use, I still have yet to have a serious problem with it. It's played and held up like a dream and I found it well worth the money paid for it. Although I do own other more expensive guitars, I seem to find these Mexican Fenders to be a lot of fun to have and play. I even keep mine on the stand next to my desk for those moments when I just have to play a bit. Even when not in use, they are pleasing to look at. Even if it's a just consideration for an impulse buy, you won't be disappointed!