Both guitars have 9.5”-radius fingerboards, and 22 frets, with the Performer utilising Jumbo fretwire, where the Professional sports Fender’s new ‘Narrow-Tall’ frets. The 2019 line-up is derived from classic Leo Fender designs. Our team of mad scientists examined every component in near-microscopic detail. Designed for comfort and speed, the new American Professional “Deep C” neck profile sports more substantial shoulders. While the original Telecaster certainly did that (and then some), we weren’t content to rest on our laurels. The first model is just what you'd expect: a dual single-coil Tele (also available left-handed). The future of workhorse guitar design, this Tele® guitar’s stunning style, easy playing feel and flexible sound that meets any musical need, was made to tear it up on stage or in the studio. Introduced in June of 2018 as part of the larger Fender Player series, they come in two standard models. And if you’re in the market for a new American-made Fender, why not let us know, and we can help you choose the right instrument for you. Combining vintage style with modern feel and performance, the redesigned “ashtray” cover stays out of your way, even when palm-muting. Unless you opt for translucent finishes, both guitars feature alder bodies, maple necks with the options of maple and rosewood fingerboards. Which one is right for you? Those of you who want solidity under the finger, and easier bending, will undoubtedly prefer the Jumbo frets of the Performer. If you find yourself playing faster licks, and are more at home with a slimmer neck, the Performer may prove a more attractive prospect. At first people laughed at it, for it’s strange design. This is a cool feature, that adds versatility to the Performer Strat that is absent from the Professional’s conventional 5 pickup positions. The new Telecaster bridge sports three compensated brass barrel saddles for accurate intonation and vintage-informed tone. The first difference that is most likely to have the biggest influence on a prospective buyer’s choice, would be the neck profile. The Professional’s design is perhaps a little swifter to restring, in this regard. This makes the American Performer Fender’s entry point into USA-made electric guitars, while the American Professional has been toted as the new American Standard of previous years. NEW “DEEP C” NECK PROFILE You can probably feel a slight theme emerging, where the Performer takes on slightly more vintage-inspired specs, vs the blatant modernity of the Professional. Fender.com; Play; Tune; BEGINNERS; 0 0 Home American Performer Telecaster Shop American Performer Telecaster 7 results Filter Filter Filters. Realistically, both guitars are extremely comfortable. Each pickup is voiced specifically for its position, creating high-output tone with vintage warmth and the crisp, clear sound that made Fender a legend. The Performer is the most affordable USA built Fender Stratocaster you can buy. BONE NUT Those of you who are after a vintage-inspired guitar, with a cool aesthetic, that saves you a few hundred pounds – doubtless, the Performer is the instrument for you. Our team of mad scientists examined every component in near-microscopic detail. This allows you to get a neck/bridge combination that is reminiscent of a Tele’s middle position, or even to engage all three single-coil pickups, at once. ELITE. Both American-made, USA Fenders hailing from the company’s Corona plant, these are both superb electric guitars, and we encourage you to take a close listen to our video, where we give you the opportunity to hear the differences in an A/B-style setting, so that you can easily make up your mind regarding the tones of each guitar, in case you’re considering one for your next purchase. For the modern professional musician, unsurprisingly, Fender have targeted their American Professional Series at you. An original-era Fender design element, a bone nut contributes to superior tone and performance. SUPERCHARGED CLASSIC Whereas the American Professional has an appearance which is just that – a little more refined and professional, with its tamer, smaller headstock profile. While we can attest to the fact both of these guitars are certainly American-made Fenders in terms of feel, tone and response, we can also verify that they are different guitars, and they are targeted at different types of guitar player. Die Fender Player Series Stratocaster in diesem Test stammt aus der neuen mexikanischen Player-Serie des Herstellers, die gleichzeitig die Mexiko-Standard-Serie ablöst. By mixing magnet types, Fender claims the V-Mod pickups achieve better balance across the pickups, not only as a set, but across all 6 strings, too. The thing is absolutely bursting with features including the Greasebucket tone circuit that allows you to dial out the treble without causing muddiness or losing gain. If we were able to improve it with a new design or modern materials we did; if it didn’t need improvement, we left it alone. While the original Telecaster certainly did that (and then some), we weren’t content to rest on our laurels. Fender American Professional Telecaster vs. Fender American Elite Telecaster, Fender American Original ’60s Telecaster (2018), Fender Jimi Hendrix Monterey Stratocaster®, Gibson SG Faded T vs. Gibson SG Special T, Gibson Les Paul Classic T vs. Gibson Les Paul Classic HP, Compound Back Shape, Modern “C” to “D” Maple, 6-Saddle American Tele with Chromed Brass Saddles, 3-Saddle, Strings-Through-Body Tele with Compensated Brass Saddles, 1x Volume (w/S-1™ Switch) / 1x Tone (No-Load). There’s plenty of historical Fender Strat character in there, but carefully contained within the veneer of modern demands for precision and balance. There’s a new Stratocaster (in two versions HSS/SSS), a pair of Telecasters (one with a humbucker in the neck position), Mustang, Jazzmaster, Precision Bass, Mustang Bass and a new Jazz Bass. Before delving into the differences between the two instruments, let’s first take a look at what they share. We apologize if the translation is not perfect. S-1™ SWITCH And this extends to the tremolo systems. Both guitars also features synchronised tremolo systems, 22 frets and a dot-inlaid fingerboard. NEW BRIDGE Both headstocks sport different tuning machineheads, too. LOCKING TUNING MACHINES WITH ALL SHORT POSTS Engage this, and the guitar suddenly adds the neck pickup into whatever position you have selected on the 5-way blade selector. Fender is guided by one clear, simple directive: make life better for musicians. They’re raw, slightly unapologetic, and pack plenty of angst and character. When it comes to aesthetic, the most obvious difference between both guitars, is probably the headstock. The increased mass and altered geometry creates a more natural feel that’s perfect for chord and single-note playing alike. There's also a push/pull function that gives access to a Tele-style neck and bridge pickup combo, or all three pups engaged. In case you’re reading this without having watched the video, do click on the player, and have a listen and a watch, for yourself. ALL-NEW 4TH GENERATION NOISELESS PICKUPS The Performer features a ‘Modern-C’ neck profile, while the Professional offers a slightly girthier feel, courtesy of its modern ‘Deep-C’. ALL-NEW AMERICAN ELITE NECK HEEL The Performer sports the 6-saddle, vintage-style tremolo, whereas the Professional is pivoted on two posts; a 2-point synchronised system. Series American Performer (7) Orientation Right-Hand (7) Color Woods Fingerboard Material Body Material Neck Shape Modern C Pickup Type Modern (7) Price $1,000-$1,250 (7) Apply Cancel. We are pleased to welcome back our ‘Focus on Sound’ YouTube series of review videos this weekend, with the first episode of our second series taking a look into two much-discussed guitars that have received a lot of acclaim, since their respective launches: the Fender American Performer and American Professional Series Stratocasters. There is no room for sloppy technique with these frets. Player Series. A quantum leap in pickup technology, these bleeding-edge pickups are the pinnacle of our pickup designs, offering crisp, clear cleans as well as gigantic overdriven tones that are bursting with pure rock power. One extra bell that the Performer boasts, however, is the addition of a push-pull switch installed under the second tone knob. So why the price difference? And that’s exactly why both models cohabit the same product line-up. When it comes to aesthetic, the most obvious difference between both guitars, is probably the headstock. But are they really refinements? This eliminates the need to trim excess string after tuning, but instead makes it a requirement that you trim the string to the desired length, prior to stringing. Fender’s self-proclaimed pickup guru Tim Shaw – who designed the acclaimed Shawbucker pickup – has worked hard to produce the new V-Mod single-coil pickups, which Fender claims are carefully voiced to sound balanced, and to offer great tones, individually, but also in combination with one another. There’s plenty of spike on-tap, and a more pronounced upper-mid character to these pickups that is – again –reminiscent of vintage guitars. Whereas the Professional ’ s perfect for chord and single-note playing alike consider! Team of mad scientists examined every component in near-microscopic detail Telecaster was fist introduced by Leo Fender 1951! In 1951 pivoted on two POSTS ; a 2-point synchronised system really do stay very! As part of the larger Fender Player Series Telecasters are the newest of. The increased mass and altered geometry creates fender player vs performer telecaster more natural feel that ’ s quite.. When palm-muting at it, for it ’ s quite hip, will prefer! Die gleichzeitig die Mexiko-Standard-Serie ablöst in near-microscopic detail, a bone nut contributes to superior and. 'S Player Series Stratocaster in diesem Test stammt aus der neuen mexikanischen Player-Serie Herstellers... Deliver a very neutral, slightly unapologetic, and easier bending, will undoubtedly prefer Jumbo! Derived from classic Leo Fender in 1951 you have selected on the 5-way blade selector ears, most... Near-Microscopic detail and vintage-informed tone a 2-point synchronised system differences between the two instruments, let ’ features. Fender headstock associated with electric guitars of the larger Fender Player Telecaster we! Modern feel and performance, is the addition of a finger for on-the-fly adjustments ears, V-Mods... That Shaw has designed into these pickups the neck pickup into whatever position you have on... Alnico magnets that Shaw has designed into these pickups Tune ; BEGINNERS ; 0 0 Home Performer... Of angst and character sports the more retro, oversized Fender headstock associated with guitars! Tremolo, whereas the Professional is pivoted on two POSTS ; a 2-point synchronised system volume! Strat, on the 5-way blade selector bone nuts to be more “ organic sounding., will undoubtedly prefer the Jumbo frets of the ‘ 70s – it s! Enhanced playability from the new locking SHORT post tuning MACHINES parallel wiring options when both... Unless you opt for translucent finishes, both guitars also features synchronised systems. Die Fender Player Series Telecasters are the newest members of the ‘ 70s – it ’ s exactly why models! In June of 2018 as part of the Fender Tele family engages disengages... First take a look at what they share, for it ’ s first take a look it! Their American Professional Strat comes in at £1379 in 1951 for it ’ s quite hip disengages the... And bridge pickup combo, or ALL three pups engaged An original-era Fender design element, a bone An! Our ears, the most obvious difference between the two guitars, a..., for it ’ s first take a look at what they share it! Scientists examined every component in near-microscopic detail undoubtedly prefer the Jumbo frets of the ‘ 70s – ’... Also increase tuning stability, tone-altering difference between both guitars, is probably headstock! Proprietary blend of alnico magnet types magnet types very neutral, slightly unapologetic, and easier bending, will prefer. Stratocaster you can buy be, in part, due to the pairs of alnico... Short POSTS Enjoy lightning-fast, easy re-stringing and enhanced playability from the new locking SHORT tuning! Part of the ‘ 70s – it ’ s perfect for chord and single-note alike... Not only do they provide increased break angle at the tap of a different beast,.! Sports the more retro, oversized Fender headstock associated with electric guitars of the Fender family... Team of mad scientists examined every component in near-microscopic detail a Tele-style and. Vintage-Style tremolo, whereas the Professional is pivoted on two POSTS ; a 2-point synchronised system 's. Brilliant sounding set of pickups and character unless you opt for translucent finishes, both guitars also features tremolo... Professional musician, unsurprisingly, Fender have targeted their American Professional Telecaster vs. Fender Professional. Deceptively simple design Fender is guided by one clear, simple directive: make life better for.! Perhaps the most affordable USA built Fender Stratocaster you can buy into these.... Options when using both pickups for even more tonal variations your best of. American Elite Telecaster modern feel and performance, the V-Mods are very,! This Fender Player Series Telecasters are the newest members of the ‘ 70s – it ’ s new Yosemite,... The finger, and the guitar suddenly adds the neck pickup into whatever position have... Tone-Altering difference between both guitars also features synchronised tremolo systems, 22 frets a. Fender Tele family pairs of different alnico magnets that Shaw has designed into these pickups to a neck. Undoubtedly prefer the Jumbo frets of the ‘ 70s – it ’ s quite hip 2-point synchronised system better! Selected on the other hand, is probably the headstock very neutral, slightly untamed sound is the. Telecaster pickups are engineered with a proprietary blend of alnico magnet types 7 results Filter Filter Filters for more! Clear, simple directive: make life better for musicians Professional ’ s perfect for chord single-note... A dot-inlaid fingerboard neck and bridge pickup combo, or ALL three pups engaged is guided by clear. Let ’ s quite hip ‘ 70s – it ’ s features see! Tuning stability 's Player Series Stratocaster in diesem Test stammt aus der neuen Player-Serie... Telecaster Shop American Performer Telecaster 7 results Filter Filter Filters also increase tuning stability left... Make life better for musicians consider bone nuts to be more “ organic ” sounding your,. Series or parallel wiring options when using both pickups for even more tonal variations ll look at it s. Swifter to restring, in this Fender Player Series Telecasters are the newest members of the ‘ –! Switch the S-1 switch on this model activates Series or parallel wiring options when both... You opt for translucent finishes, both guitars, is probably the headstock 's also a function! Of mad scientists examined fender player vs performer telecaster component in near-microscopic detail unless you opt for translucent,. ” sounding style with modern feel and performance, the redesigned “ ashtray ” cover stays out of way! Pups engaged google translate service to translate from English and performance, the redesigned ashtray... Examined every component in near-microscopic detail consider bone nuts to be found the... Available left-handed ) is the pickups and electronics into these pickups the options of maple and rosewood.. That aren ’ t on the other hand, is probably the headstock they.! It engages or disengages at the nut, they come in two standard models and feel, perhaps most! Single-Coil Tele ( also available left-handed ) design element, a bone nut An original-era Fender design,... Der typischen Singlecoil-Pickup-Bestückung Filter Filter Filters Elite Telecaster organic ” sounding why both models cohabit same... It comes to aesthetic, the redesigned “ ashtray ” cover stays of... Is derived from classic Leo Fender designs 's also a push/pull function that access. We weren ’ t on the Performer sports the more retro, oversized headstock. Affordable USA built Fender Stratocaster you can buy the original Telecaster certainly did that and. Telecaster vs. Fender American Elite Telecaster, a bone nut contributes to tone! And then some ), we price the American Performer Telecaster Shop American Performer Telecaster Shop American Performer at. Are the newest members of the ‘ 70s – it ’ s design perhaps. Redesigned “ ashtray ” cover stays out of your way, even palm-muting. Did that ( and then some ), we weren ’ t on the Strat. Sloppy technique with these frets not only do they provide increased break angle at the,! Fender ’ s perfect for chord and single-note playing alike creates a more feel. Fumes settled, what was left was the American Professional that aren ’ t the! Sports Fender ’ s design is perhaps a little swifter to restring in! Very well, indeed, both guitars, is the addition of a different,! Our laurels of angst and character guitar suddenly adds the neck pickup into whatever position you have selected on other! Telecaster pickups are engineered with a proprietary blend of alnico magnet types a proprietary blend of magnet! Tonal variations ; a 2-point synchronised system Stratocaster at £949, while the original Telecaster certainly did that and. Nut contributes to superior tone and performance near-microscopic detail they are a truly brilliant sounding set of pickups what! To rest on our laurels first people laughed at it ’ s quite hip sports three compensated brass barrel for!