Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster, the Shape-Shifting Guitar

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Fender has mixed technology with its usual craftsmanship and iconic Stratocaster shape. The Acoustasonic Stratocaster retails for $1,999.99 and comes in five colors. This unique guitar will allow players to get both acoustic and electric sounds out of the same instrument — all the while playing on a great looking guitar with the quality expected from Fender.

The Acoustasonic I was lent to play is the black edition, which is really good looking. The three-color sunburst or the natural finishes would be my choice if I were to buy one of these guitars. The hollow-body acoustic-electric is quite a unique design. The width is similar to a solid body electric, but it is hollow and has a soundhole. Two pickups and the patented Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS) blend acoustic and electric tones to create new tonal voices.

The guitar is crafted with the usual quality I have come to expect from Fender. All of the wood is beautiful, and the guitar has a great feel. The rosewood on the fretboard and bridge on the review sample is gorgeous. The hardware is top of the line, and the action is fantastic right out of the box — no adjustments or set up needed.

This guitar is surprisingly light. The combination of its similar size to a solid body while being hollow makes it seem much lighter. While it is light, it still has a great, rugged feel. I would call the guitar extremely comfortable to play.

I both enjoyed playing the Acoustasonic unplugged sitting on the couch as well as plugged into an amp. This is where the shape-shifting guitar comes in. This guitar sounds fantastic when unplugged. I sat in my bedroom and practiced with it at night, just like I would any acoustic. Plug it in, and you get smooth acoustic tones with the switch closest to the neck then blend the sounds with electric as you move toward the bridge. The last two positions give true electric tones. One thing I was impressed with was the lack of feedback, no matter the setting. This guitar sounds and plays fantastic.

Fender outdid themselves with the Acoustasonic Stratocaster. They were able to blend the best parts of an acoustic with the best parts of an electric into one instrument. The quality of the build is second to none, and it plays like a dream. The voicing options from the Fender and Fishman designed acoustic engine are unique with many tonal options. If you are looking for something different that will allow you to blend acoustic and electric tones and features, the Acoustasonic Stratocaster is a perfect choice.

The Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster sells for $1999.99, and it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers. 

Source: Manufacturer supplied review unit on loan

What I like: Amazing build quality with various unique tone options; This guitar is wonderful to play

What could be improved: I wish I did not have to send it back!

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About the Author

Travis Ehrlich
Travis is a high school teacher and coach in a small South Texas town. His love for gadgets began at a very early age, and he has been a cross between a jock and a geek for most of his life. He has two boys and a wonderful wife who lets him be a gadget freak. He is a Mac convert and has drank the whole pitcher of Kool-Aid! He is also an avid guitar player and loves the outdoors, especially hunting with both a bow and rifle.