What is it?
This instrument stands as one of the finest examples of industrial design.Its simplicity is paired with subtle elegance, built to last while featuring modular components for easy repairs and modifications. If you’ve experienced an early telecaster in the hands of a skilled player, you know it possesses remarkable musical capabilities from the outset. Its timeless design remains as relevant today as it was decades ago.
These are not your grandfather’s Fenders; they maintain the classic silhouette while incorporating modern guitar innovations.
Consequently, those aiming to update the classic design face limitations. sure,you can contour the body,make ergonomic tweaks,and experiment with different woods and pickups,but manny players in 2026 will still prefer a Tele in its original form-essentially how it was in 1956.
So, where does this leave fender and its premium American Ultra series? Positioned as one of the highest tiers before reaching the Custom Shop, it serves as Fender’s response to upscale modern guitars from brands like Suhr and Tom Anderson. These are not your grandfather’s Fenders; they retain the classic shape while integrating all the features of contemporary guitar design.
What you see here is a special edition with a celebratory twist. To commemorate the Telecaster’s 75th anniversary, several limited models have been introduced; priced at $2,999, this exclusive American Ultra II model is the pinnacle of the collection.
Specifications
- Price: $2,999 | £2,899 | €3,399
- Origin: USA
- Type: Six-string electric guitar
- Body Material: Alder
- Neck: Quartersawn maple, Modern D profile. Ebony fretboard with 75th Anniversary Custom Lap Steel inlays
- Fingerboard material/Radius: 10-14″ compound
- Scale Length: 25.5″/648mm
- Nut/width: GraphTech TUSQ, 42.8mm
- Frets: 22, medium jumbo
- Hardware: 6-saddle string-through Tele bridge with raw brass saddles, Deluxe locking tuners, Black Chrome finish.
- String Spacing at Bridge: mm
- Electronics: Bridge: Fender 75th Anniversary Fastlane single-coil sized rail humbucker. Neck: fender 75th Anniversary Noiseless Tele. 3-way pickup switch. Volume knob with S-1 Switch for Series mode. Tone knob with S-1 switch for Series/Parallel bridge pickup.
- Weight: 7.5lb/3.4kg
- Left-Handed Options: No
- Finishes: Liquid Gold,gloss urethane finish
- Case: Deluxe molded ABS case included
- Contact: Fender
Construction Quality
Build Quality Rating: ★★★★★
The first impression is dominated by the stunning color-a unique Fender creation known as Liquid Gold. While it looks notable in photos, it’s absolutely breathtaking in person.
In various lighting conditions, it showcases vibrant hues of metallic gold, green, orange, and bronze.
Under different lighting, it reveals striking shades of metallic gold, green, orange, and bronze, reminiscent of the vivid pearlescent finishes found on luxury sports cars.
The finish quality is extraordinary, as expected for the price point, including a matching headstock. Overall build quality is nearly flawless,with the exception of a slight but noticeable gap on the bass side of the neck pocket.
The hardware mirrors the high-grade components found on the standard American Ultra II Telecaster, but features a sophisticated Black Chrome finish that complements the black anodized aluminum scratchplate.
Playability
Playability Rating: ★★★★★
The traditional Tele body has been refined for enhanced ergonomics, and its weight is perfectly balanced for a Telecaster.
Fender claims the quartersawn maple neck features ‘Ultra Rolled Edges’ on its 22-fret ebony fingerboard,mimicking the smooth,worn-in feel of a vintage neck-an excellent feature to see on a spec sheet.
Indeed, the neck feels fantastic. It has a slim modern D-profile with a silky smooth satin finish; combined with the comfort contours, this Telecaster is a delight to play.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★☆
It’s noticeably fuller than a standard Tele bridge pickup,yet maintains clarity and definition,with a robust output that cuts through.
The neck features a gold-finished Noiseless single-coil pickup, similar to that of the standard Ultra model, while the bridge pickup introduces somthing new for Fender. Dubbed the Fastlane, it’s the company’s first single-coil-sized humbucker, making its debut on this guitar.
Fender has enterprising plans for this pickup, as revealed in a recent interview with Guitar World. Powered by rail magnets, it connects to two of Fender’s S-1 switches-one for parallel operation, delivering a sharp twang, and the other for series operation, producing thicker tones.
in its standard humbucking mode, the Fastlane shows great potential. It’s noticeably fuller than a typical Tele bridge pickup, yet retains clarity and definition, with a strong output that cuts through without overwhelming a clean amplifier.
It offers a wide range of sounds,not all of which are what you might expect-but all are valuable.
When used in parallel mode, it thins out and enhances the twang significantly. While it doesn’t replicate a traditional Tele sound, it’s an enjoyable and practical tone nonetheless.
The Noiseless single-coil provides a more classic neck pickup sound,suitable for most players,except for vintage tone enthusiasts. The middle setting is especially intriguing when combined with the S-1 switching for series/parallel at the bridge.
Additionally, you can run both pickups in series and even alter the polarity of the Fastlane in this configuration. This guitar offers a plethora of sounds,not all of which are conventional-but each is worthwhile.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, this American Ultra II is among the priciest Telecasters in Fender’s production lineup, retailing for $700 more than the standard Ultra II Telecaster model with a similar specification.
I’m only half-joking when I say that the stunning Liquid Gold finish justifies the premium.
It also competes with other high-end American brands, though it stands on par in terms of quality. Furthermore, the Anniversary label is highly appealing to collectors, ensuring it retains its value.With the innovative Fastlane humbucker and extensive switching options, it provides unique sounds not found in Fender’s other offerings.
But I’m only half-joking when I say that the dazzling Liquid Gold finish is worth the premium by itself.
Guitar World Verdict: This new Telecaster may not cater to traditionalists, but it presents an exciting option for anyone seeking a high-end modern Tele-style guitar. It boasts the prestige of the 75th Anniversary,versatile electronics,and that eye-catching finish,all while being an incredibly comfortable and enjoyable instrument to play.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
While it’s certainly not a budget guitar, the craftsmanship truly reflects its price. |
★★★★★ |
|
Playability |
Absolutely outstanding-it retains the Tele feel but feels more refined. |
★★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
Offers a wide range of tones and excellent pickups, but it lacks the traditional Tele sound in its extensive palette. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Overall |
This American Ultra model is top-tier, and it feels that way-exquisitely crafted, with superb pickups and a stunning finish. |
★★★★½ |
