Fender still releases a range of traditional acoustic instruments, primarily priced for the low to mid-range market. Still, acoustic instruments have been part of the company’s production line since 1963 (an initiative inspired by the burgeoning folk music scene at the time). Somewhat understandable given the company’s penchant for solid body electric Telecaster and Stratocaster – instruments that made history, and continue to do so. Fender acoustic guitars never really made the cut, never presenting a particular character or ’voice’. “Some of the things that I thought might be detrimental to the guitar are actually turning out to be positives.Despite being a household name and one of the world’s pioneers of the electric guitar universe, Fender has never been a name synonymous with acoustic guitars – that crown goes to the likes of Gibson, Martin, Taylor, and even Ibanez. “We want to do what we would naturally do, and have an opening price-point version, with even simpler electronics,” Mooney commented. We don't imagine we're alone in thinking a Mustang or Meteora Acoustasonic would make for a tantalizing addition to the range.Īs for the other end of the “spectrum," Mooney went on to say how a more price-accessible Acoustasonic could emerge in the future – though not under the Squier umbrella – as Fender looks to make its innovative six-string a genuine instrumental option for both pros and beginners alike. Having said that, a dreadnought-shaped or parlor-sized Acoustasonic might still be a ways off, with Mooney asserting that any conversations surrounding these eye-opening instruments are in their very early stages.įurthermore, this open-ended tease also leaves the door open for more electric body shapes to be introduced. Likewise, the Acoustasonics themselves provide genuine acoustic tones, so having an aesthetic more in keeping with this tonal capacity is a no-brainer. So I think giving people options with a more traditional shape on an Acoustasonic platform is something that we're exploring.”Ī move towards more traditional acoustic shapes makes sense, given the guitar itself is effectively an electric/acoustic hybrid loaded with a range of versatile electronics. “But the body shapes, as an acoustic guitar, you either love it or you don't. They really like the tonal flexibility, and the fact that you can use it with effects pedals and get feedback. “That has really struck a chord with people. But if you're not, having some flexibility in the electronics was really a benefit – as well as being lightweight, easily playable – and so that was part of the brief. “If you're a very accomplished touring artist with a road crew, you can afford to have six or seven guitars every night on stage. “When we first we even talked about doing Acoustasonic,” he continued, “my viewpoint was, what an artist would use on stage today – which would largely be Taylor or Martin – was a great acoustic guitar, louder. “We're also going to look at different body shapes. “I think we're going to explore both ends of the continuum,” Mooney noted. When asked if Fender had plans to expand the Acoustasonic family, Mooney told Guitar World, “Absolutely, and in more than one way, without completely spilling the beans.”Įlaborating on the cryptic tease, the Fender CEO went on to reflect on the origins of the Acoustasonic catalog, and revealed how the inception of Fender’s hybrid guitar was in part born out of an appreciation for popular Taylor and Martin guitars that were seeing stage action.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |