NAMM 2018: Fender announces its American Originals series

NAMM 2018: Fender announces its American Originals series

Fender has today announced its new American Originals series. Inspired by historic models throughout history, it aims to unite 50s, 60s and 70s styles with modern enhancements and playability.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced the launch of the American Original Series, a new line of American-made electric basses and guitars inspired by some of Fender’s most-successful ’50s, ’60s and ’70s models. Boasting 11 models and 30 SKUs to match a variety of musical tastes and players, the American Original Series replaces the American Vintage Series, which was first introduced in 1982.
Whether you’re a gigging musician, lover of vintage-style design or a collector – this new series marries that classic Fender vibe players have always loved about ’50s, ’60s and ’70s Fender electric guitars and basses with distinct, modern features offering greater comfort, playability and best-in-class performance.
“American Original guitars are a tip of the hat to Fender’s timeless designs, which remain enduring and relevant tools of creative expression,” said Justin Norvell, SVP Fender Products. “Even though models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster were introduced decades ago, the design was perfect and the form factor remains largely unchanged because we got it right the first time.
If you’re looking for a fresh take on authentic, period-correct and accurate versions of Fender guitars and basses from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s – the American Original Series is the best new choice out there.”
Priced from £1,609-£1,879, American Original electric guitars and basses are designed and handcrafted in Corona, Calif.
The progressive lineup features a wide variety of models across decades, including: ’50s and ’60s Stratocasters; ’50s and ‘60s Telecasters; ’60s Jazzmasters and ’60s Jaguars; ‘50s and ‘60s Precision Basses; ‘60s and ‘70s Jazz Basses; as well as left-handed models for the ‘50s Stratocaster®, ‘60s Stratocaster® and ‘50s Telecaster®.
Thirteen classic Fender colours are featured on these electric guitars and basses: Aztec Gold, White Blonde, 2-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Candy Apple Red, 3-Color Sunburst, Butterscotch Blonde, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Surf Green, Ocean Turquoise, Natural and Black.
Marrying classic style, modern playability and performance, the American Original Series brings together vintage-style design cues, as well as modern fingerboard radii and switching. Other key features include: vintage-style hardware, vintage-tall frets, body radii and neck shapes, lacquer finishes, original-spec pickups, classic Fender colours and vintage-style cases.
Like the American Vintage Series before it, Fender American Original guitars and basses are already widely used across multiple musical genres by top artists, such as: Isaac Brock – singer, guitarist, banjoist and songwriter for indie rock band Modest Mouse; Rock and roll singer-songwriter JD McPherson; Kurt Vile – singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer; as well as Grammy®-winning producer and artist Raphael Saadiq – accompanying each on their musical journey toward exceptional artistry.
The American Original Series is available now at local dealers and on www.fender.com.
Models include:American Original ‘50s Stratocaster® / American Original ‘50s Stratocaster®, Left-Hand
When Fender released the Stratocaster in 1954, we didn’t set out to create a classic-but we did. The Stratocaster’s
sleek style, articulate sound and plethora of innovations redefined electric guitar and opened up a brave new world
of musical possibilities. The American Original ‘50s Stratocaster maintains Fender’s legendary original-era style
and ground-breaking tone, while adding modern feel and pickup switching. It’s the best way to experience the
performance, style and tone that made Fender a household name among guitarists.
Specifications:
• Wax-potted Pure Vintage ‘59 single-coil Stratocaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the Formvar-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Thick “Soft V” neck profile is perfect for chording, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard enhances playability.
• Authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware-including a six-point synchronized tremolo bridge-vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally, it also ages in a distinctively appealing way.American Original ‘50s Telecaster® / American Original ‘50s Telecaster®, Left-Hand
The ultimate blue-collar guitar, the Telecaster launched a musical revolution when we released it. Quickly adopted
by working guitarists who were enamored with its trend-setting sound, feel and unique style, the Telecaster laid the
foundation for modern country, blues and even heavy metal (in Jimmy Page’s hands). The American Original ‘50s
Telecaster has all of the authentic Fender touches that made the Telecaster a star of the studio and stage, adding
modern feel and pickup switching to this classic guitar. It’s the best way to experience the performance, style and tone
that made Fender the foundation of modern music.
Specifications:
• Pure Vintage ’52 single-coil Telecaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire
to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 3 magnets.
• Steel base plates are copper-plated, while the pickups’ pole pieces are flush-mounted like the originals.
• Thick “U”-shaped neck profile gracefully fills the fret hand, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard will feel familiar to
any player.
• Authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including three brass
barrel saddles—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way.American Original ‘50s Precision Bass®
Few companies can honestly claim to have changed the world like Fender did when we created the Precision Bass in
1951. By making playing bass easily accessible, it helped musicians find their creative voice and create new forms
of music. The American Original ‘50s Precision Bass updates the playability of this groundbreaking instrument while
retaining the original sound and style that changed the world. Representing a fundamental shift in musical possibilities, the American Original ‘50s Precision Bass is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the foundation of modern music.
Specifications:
• Pure Vintage ’58 P Bass split-coil pickup is as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the
cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including a
four-saddle vintage-style bridge, as well as a vintage-style hardshell case.
• Lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way.American Original ‘60s Stratocaster® / American Original ‘60s Stratocaster®, Left-Hand
A period of change, both for Fender and for pop culture as a whole, the 1960s saw the Strat mellow slightly as it grew up. The white pickguard was updated to mint green, and the fingerboard was switched from the original maple to rosewood,
adding a smoother note to the Strat’s clear, articulate voice. The American Original ‘60s Stratocaster keeps these refinements intact while adding modern feel and pickup switching to the iconic instrument that helped birth guitar rock as we know it. It’s the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the choice of legends.
Specifications:
• Wax-potted Pure Vintage ‘65 single-coil Stratocaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-
coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Thick “’60s C” neck profile and the 9.5”-radius fingerboard enhances playability.
• Authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware, including a six-point
synchronized tremolo bridge, and a vintage-style hardshell case.
• Lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also ages in a distinctively
appealing way.American Original ‘60s Jaguar®
Never resting in our mission to make life better for musicians, Fender created the short-scale Jaguar guitar in 1962.
Originally released as our feature-rich, top-of-the-line electric guitar, it inspired the heroes of the musical underground and hit its stride with surf, punk and alternative guitarists. The American Original ‘60s Jaguar brings that supple sound and slinky playability to life again, slightly tweaked for a modern feel. An inspiring instrument, the American Original ‘60s Jaguar is a great way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the choice of axemen with attitude.
Specifications:
• Wax-potted Pure Vintage ’62 Jaguar single-coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Original Jaguar circuitry; the familiar lead/rhythm circuits are there, along with the bass-cut “strangle” switch.
• Authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-er a body radii, vintage-style hardware—including floating
tremolo with lock button and push-in arm— and a vintage-style hardshell case.
• Lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively
appealing way.American Original ‘60s Jazz Bass
Released in 1960, the upscale Jazz Bass quickly found favor among working bassists thanks to its premium
appointments and versatile sound. The narrower neck seemed tailor-made for fast, dexterous playing, while the pair of
single-coil pickups added a bold new dimension to Fender bass tone. The American Original ‘60s Jazz Bass has all the
tone and style of its earliest incarnation, with modern playability. An inspiring instrument, the American Original ’60s
Jazz Bass is the best way to add original-era Fender tone and style to your sound.
Specifications:
• Pure Vintage ’64 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire
to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Slim “’60s C”-shaped neck profile and 9.5”-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard combine for an agile playing
feel. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including
a four-saddle vintage-style bridge— and vintage-style hardshell case.
• Lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively
appealing way.American Original ‘60s Jazzmaster®
Originally designed to appeal to jazz guitarists with elegant appointments and sophisticated controls, the Jazzmaster
found its way into the hands of musical rebels. From surf to punk and indie rock, its flexible sound heralded the call of change and shaped the voice of rebellion. The American Original ‘60s Jazzmaster faithfully recreates the voice and
style of this classic guitar, supplementing them with smooth, modern playability. For Fender fans who want the authentic
sound of the ‘60s, the American Original ‘60s Jazzmaster is the best way to experience the performance, style and
sound from that era of innovation.
Specifications:
• Wax-potted Pure Vintage ’65 Jazzmaster single coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-
coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Pickups’ pole pieces are flush-mounted just like the original.
• Authentic touches include the distinctive Jazzmaster tone circuitry, vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii,
vintage-style hardware—including floating tremolo with lock button and push-in arm— and vintage-style hardshell
case.
• Lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively
appealing way.American Original ‘60s Precision Bass®
By the 1960s, the Precision Bass was the workhorse electric bass; from the clubs of Detroit to the beaches of Southern
California, its tone laid the foundation for modern music. The American Original ‘60s Precision Bass has all of the
features with which the P Bass conquered the world of music—elegantly simple, its sound, style and comfort are joined
by modern playability. An updated take on the instrument that created the pop culture soundtrack of the 20th century,
the American Original ‘60s Precision Bass is the best way to get original-era sound and style with today’s feel.
Specifications:
• Pure Vintage ’63 P Bass split-coil pickup is as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the
cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Thick “1963 C”-shaped neck profile gracefully fills the fret hand, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard will feel familiar to any player.
• Authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including a four-
saddle vintage-style bridge— and a vintage-style hardshell case.
• Lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively
appealing way.American Original ‘70s Jazz Bass®
Over the course of the ‘70s, the Jazz Bass entered its “teenage years,” changing its visual style and inspiring new
playing techniques—such as slapping—which led directly to new, creative forms of expression. Its smooth feel and
growly midrange, tempered with a bit of treble bite, made it a hero in recording sessions around the globe. The
American Original ‘70s Jazz Bass updates the smooth playing feel with a modern-radius fingerboard, while retaining
the classic Fender tone and style that made the Jazz Bass the tool of choice for creative bassists. An authentic
recreation of the instrument that created funk and disco, the American Original ‘70s Jazz Bass is the best way to get
inspired and groove.
Specifications:
• Pure Vintage ’74 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire
to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets.
• Sleek “’70s U”-shaped neck profile and 9.5”-radius fingerboard combine for a comfortably agile playing feel.
• Authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including a four-
saddle vintage-style bridge—and a vintage-style hardshell case.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you,
visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.The post NAMM 2018: Fender announces its American Originals series appeared first on The Guitar Magazine.

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Source: www.guitar-bass.net