At Winter NAMM 2020, Fender introduced a new American Stratocaster variant to its recently launched Acoustasonic series following the Telecaster model (announced at NAMM 2019). Both of the models feature the same wood, finish, pickups, strings, neck shape and more. In this comparison of Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster vs Acoustasonic Telecaster guitar, we will cover all the important similarities and differences between these models.
Both of the variants feature a new slim semi-acoustic design. However, they still inherit the signature contours of their original models. But it’s not just the shape that differentiates them, there is a lot going on under the hood.
Although these guitars feature the same new three-pickup system, they sound much different due to the difference in the modeling emulations. Thanks to the Mod knob and a 5-way switch that provides endless possibilities and versatility to both of the variants.
Via Mod knob, you can seamlessly make a transition from one type of sound (A) to another (B) or blend them together in different ways. Without even changing the guitar, you can access true acoustic and electric sounds, that’s the beauty of these Acoustasonic guitars. Below, you can find a comparison chart showing the emulation difference between various A and B settings of both Acoustasonic series Stratocaster vs Telecaster guitars.
Different Position Settings in Fender Acoustasonic Series Stratocaster vs Telecaster
Acoustasonic Stratocaster | Acoustasonic Telecaster | |
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Position 1A | Fender Semi-Clean Electric | Fender Electric Clean |
Position 1B | Fender Dirty Electric | Fender Electric Fat / Semi-Clean |
Position 2A | Engelmann Spruce / Indian Rosewood Dreadnought | Sitka Spruce / Mahogany Dreadnought |
Position 2B | Fender Clean Electric | Blends electric pickup to the above voice |
Position 3A | Sitka Spruce / East Indian Rosewood Dreadnought | Sitka Spruce / Brazilian Rosewood Dreadnought |
Position 3B | Adds body pickup to the above voice | Adds body pickup to the above voice |
Position 4A | Sitka Spruce / Walnut Small-Body, Short Scale | Engelmann Spruce / Maple Small-Body |
Position 4B | Sitka Spruce / Mahogany Americana Dreadnought | Sitka Spruce / Mahogany Dreadnought |
Position 5A | Sitka Spruce / Mahogany Dreadnought | Sitka Spruce / Rosewood Dreadnought |
Position 5B | Sitka Spruce / Rosewood-Concert, Short-Scale, Slotted Headstock | Alpine Spruce / Rosewood Auditorium |
On the chart above, you can see up to 10 different position settings that model different guitar sounds, but that’s just the beginning. As you start tweaking the Mod knob, you can blend more of A with B or vice versa. So the sound possibilities are only limited by your creativity.
While the new Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster aims at producing clean sounds like the signature Strats, the Acoustasonic Telecaster focuses on emulating the dirt and grit of the classic Teles. In terms of acoustic emulations, it will take a little bit of time to get used to the new sound.
Fender Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS)
Unlike other electric guitars, these Acoustasonic series guitars boast higher resonant qualities due to the unique Fender’s proprietary Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS). As a benefit, you can play these models as acoustic guitars even when they’re not plugged into the amp. But keep in mind that their sound will not be as loud as typical acoustic guitars in such cases.
Check out this video to hear all the sound emulations of the new Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster:
And this video below will provide a demonstration of all the sound possibilities available in Acoustasonic Telecaster:
At this moment, it is expected that you know how all three pickups perform, and To hear both the models head to head in action, check out the video below:
Similarities between Fender Acoustasonic Series Stratocaster and Telecaster
Body Top | Solid A Sitka Spruce |
Body Back and Sides | Mahogany |
Body Finish | Satin Polyester |
Neck Shape | Modern “Deep C” |
Scale Length | 25.5″ |
Fretboard Radius | 12″ |
No. of Frets | 22 |
Fingerboard | Ebony |
Neck | Mahogany |
Middle Pickup | Fishman Acoustasonic Enhancer (internal body sensor) |
Bridge Pickups | Fishman Under-Saddle (Piezo) Fender N4 Acoustasonic Noiseless magnetic pickup |
Battery | USB-Rechargeable |
Strings | Fender Dura-Tone 860CL Coated Phosphor Bronze (.011-.052 Gauge) |
Included | 1225 Deluxe Gig Bag |
Pricing and Availability
Check out the availability and current price of Fender Acoustasonic Series Stratocaster and Telecaster:
Acoustasonic Stratocaster | Acoustasonic Telecaster |
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Current Price & Availability | Current Price & Availability |