I have to say, after receiving mine, I was very dissatisfied with it. I immediately returned it. I don't think the noiseless pickup technology is there yet... the guitar sounds neutered compared to a true Tele. For some reason, the review videos are overwhelmingly positive, as well as most of the comments I've read. I returned my American Professional 2 to upgrade to the Ultra, thinking it would be the right decision -- my Pro 2 was having some weird grounding issue that I felt was not acceptable for a brand new instrument, so that pushed me over the edge to give the Ultra a whirl. In my opinion, the Pro 2 is a much better guitar. I find the neck on the Ultra to be too thin and I personally don't like the compound radius. The neck on the Pro 2 was heavenly, it felt so good in my hand. I just reordered it because I loved it so much. As for sound, I found the bridge pickup on the Ultra to lack the Tele growl and twang, and the neck pickup didn't have the beautiful, full sound that it should. Again, these review videos are misleading with their audio -- you really need to hear it out of your amp yourself. And, while the new body contours are comfy, I don't find them to make the guitar magically more playable, and I think the lighter body (due to less material) has a negative impact on the tone. I'm also convinced that the traditional 3-saddle Tele bridge is a huge part of that classic Tele sound. I know that this is simply my opinion and that many do love this guitar, but I wish I had paid more attention to the few negative reviews that there were out there. Also, the metal pick-guard (I got the Texas Tea color) is like nails on a chalkboard when you scrape it the wrong way with with your pick or fingernail. 100% no! The Pro 2 does have a slightly sculpted neck heel, which I love compared to the joint on my traditionally contoured Strat, but other than that, the body design is the classic tele shape. The pickups of the Ultra can't hold a candle to the Pro 2, and I would say the same for the neck. Also, you still get the additional "Series Mode" option when in the middle pickup selection position (push-push toggle on the tone knob). For the Ultra, you're essentially paying an extra $450 dollars for a guitar that doesn't sound as good, and has some flashier hardware and body designs that a lot of us Fender fanatics are not big fans of. If you're looking to spend this type of money on a guitar, I would highly recommend that you save yourself a few bucks and either get the Pro 2 model (you won't be disappointed) or go Custom Shop and design your own guitar, assembled by their top tier builders.
Very interesting perspective, thanks. I've spent a few idle moments thinking about this as well. This Ultra manifestation is hardly "revolutionary" - maybe for Fender, a company deeply entrenched in tradition. I did a quick price comparison. If I laid out my favorite specs (granted people may or may not agree with my choices, but they represent a point of view, not a universal truth). Where do I begin? Well, how about the body? Well, a roasted alder or roasted swamp ash body from USACG is around $200, unfinished. You can get it routed to your heart's desire. A gorgeous neck in roasted maple, with a roasted bird's-eye maple fingerboard, around 400 bucks - routed for your favorite hardware - Earvana nut, auto-trim tuners, your choice of frets (6100, in my case), your selection of compound radius (I have two 10-"16" USACG strats that I've had for 25 or so years, and love them to death - better than any Fender you can compare them to). Right now, I'm leaning towards 10"-14" (it's closer to the nut width to heel width ratio). Plus, the USACG fatback is to die for - seriously. Oh, did I mention graphite rods embedded in the neck, if you want? OK..what's next? Oh yeah, electronics - there's a world of stuff out there! You can even get EMGs pre-wired, although now you can choose from Fralin, Suhr, Lollar....the list goes on and on! That's around 200 bucks, give or take. Figure about 500 bucks for finishing (with woods like these I would go for natural satin). You've got roughly 1300 bucks in components. And, if you're lucky enough to have access to a brilliant luthier (who built my other two USACGs), assembly, Plekking, a meticulous final setup tailored for me - I'm looking at about maybe two grand. For a guitar that is likely to be far superior to the Fender in every way imaginable. In fact, I would put up one of my USACG strats against a Suhr any day - nothing against Suhr, I've owned one and they're awesome. For the money that Fender wants, there are way too many compromises for me....FWIW.
I've owned a pro for years and they are great guitars. I agree with what you are saying about the ultra, especially the noiseless pups lacking authentic tele tone, but I still really dig them and think one would add variety to my collection when I want to switch it up a bit.
@@AxeJapan yes , I went with the mocha . The maple fretboard on a strat just seems right too me. Mocha, maple , and single coils. Im very happy with my decision. Hope this helps. Take care man.
Hey Matt!!! Just found your channel while looking for reviews for this telecaster. Don't know if you remember me, Murray from Ft. Campbell, KY...we served together in the 551st MP Co. Hope all's well and I look forward to checking out your channel and website. Talk to you soon.
I was lucky enough to get a Butterscotch one. After two years I am considering moving to some actual vintage style pickups though I just don't love the pickups that much. I am curious as to how you feel about your guitar 2 years later. :)
Such a beautiful guitar. I'm torn on which Tele model to get. I'm in the market for a new one, and love too many in the current line: the Performer Tele Hum is high in the running, but so is this one (yes, ~$800 more for the Ultra, so I'm trying hard to decide if that's worth it). Matt, help me decide!
@@dchai61 -- unless something completely unexpected happens to change my mind overnight, I'm ordering the Performer Hum tomorrow. Much as the Ultra (as well as the Professional and the Original 60s) series all caught my eye, at this point in my career journey, the versatility of the double-tap hum neck pickup and overall playability of the Performer Hum just feels right for me.
Good luck, have not played either, but would like to before I purchase to see how they compare just don’t know if this is going to be possible. Btw maple or rosewood neck if you don’t mind me asking?
@@dchai61 -- I did try both, as well as quite a few makes and models. So fun to go to Guitar Center or other stores (mostly GC because they tend to have so many on hand) and try out guitars. The Ultra is beautiful and feels nice, but -- and I know this is an entirely personal subjective determination -- of all the guitars I've tried in this process, I kept coming back to the Tele Performers for the feel. Funny you ask about the maple v rosewood fretboard because I honestly agonized over the color and fretboard way too much for my own good. In the end, I've decided to order the Vintage White with the maple fretboard. I love the Surf Green with rosewood fretboard, too, but I am opting for the other out of pure aesthetic preference, slight though that preference might be. Next decision: from where to purchase it. I'm on my way to my guitar lesson in a few minutes, so I plan to get advice from my teacher who has played in, and still plays in, bands with pretty good gigs. She's great!
Says: “let’s get knee deep into this thing” 1:12 later: “I’m not going to get knee deep into this thing, I’ll let Fender do that” Also man. These are not hand made. They have hand rolled fingerboards. You play er nice though. I have the Tejas Tea w/rosewood board and it’s a beast.
@@mattsmusicacademy5189 I give you props for getting out there and making these videos man. And you roll well with the criticism too. I have 1 video and like 12 people have seen it and most are my family so…you’re awesome man and you’ve earned a subscriber. Do you still have that Mocha? Curious about the pickguard as the Tex Tea one has a crazy metal one on it that I love. Is that one standard?
@@mycosten-12 lol. I'm retired military...not too much bothers me. lol. Plus, I line in Mayfield, KY and we have a ton to worry about right now. That guitar was provided by Sweetwater to do the demo. It is not mine.
I had a similar experience with some recent American Professional 2 Teles. I am hoping that my upgrade to the Ultra will be worth it. Sadly, with mass scale manufacturing, there will be some sub-standard units that slip by… even when American-made. It’s unfortunate.
Thank god this is a players perspective, rather than a non players perspective
Considering Leo Fender didn't play guitar, it's especially important. Those other 1000 youtube reviewers they didn't play the telecaster as players.
lol. I think you have overthought what I meant. When you play one for 60-100 shows per year, certain things you are looking for.
I have to say, after receiving mine, I was very dissatisfied with it. I immediately returned it. I don't think the noiseless pickup technology is there yet... the guitar sounds neutered compared to a true Tele. For some reason, the review videos are overwhelmingly positive, as well as most of the comments I've read. I returned my American Professional 2 to upgrade to the Ultra, thinking it would be the right decision -- my Pro 2 was having some weird grounding issue that I felt was not acceptable for a brand new instrument, so that pushed me over the edge to give the Ultra a whirl. In my opinion, the Pro 2 is a much better guitar. I find the neck on the Ultra to be too thin and I personally don't like the compound radius. The neck on the Pro 2 was heavenly, it felt so good in my hand. I just reordered it because I loved it so much.
As for sound, I found the bridge pickup on the Ultra to lack the Tele growl and twang, and the neck pickup didn't have the beautiful, full sound that it should. Again, these review videos are misleading with their audio -- you really need to hear it out of your amp yourself. And, while the new body contours are comfy, I don't find them to make the guitar magically more playable, and I think the lighter body (due to less material) has a negative impact on the tone. I'm also convinced that the traditional 3-saddle Tele bridge is a huge part of that classic Tele sound. I know that this is simply my opinion and that many do love this guitar, but I wish I had paid more attention to the few negative reviews that there were out there. Also, the metal pick-guard (I got the Texas Tea color) is like nails on a chalkboard when you scrape it the wrong way with with your pick or fingernail. 100% no!
The Pro 2 does have a slightly sculpted neck heel, which I love compared to the joint on my traditionally contoured Strat, but other than that, the body design is the classic tele shape. The pickups of the Ultra can't hold a candle to the Pro 2, and I would say the same for the neck. Also, you still get the additional "Series Mode" option when in the middle pickup selection position (push-push toggle on the tone knob). For the Ultra, you're essentially paying an extra $450 dollars for a guitar that doesn't sound as good, and has some flashier hardware and body designs that a lot of us Fender fanatics are not big fans of. If you're looking to spend this type of money on a guitar, I would highly recommend that you save yourself a few bucks and either get the Pro 2 model (you won't be disappointed) or go Custom Shop and design your own guitar, assembled by their top tier builders.
Very interesting perspective, thanks. I've spent a few idle moments thinking about this as well. This Ultra manifestation is hardly "revolutionary" - maybe for Fender, a company deeply entrenched in tradition.
I did a quick price comparison. If I laid out my favorite specs (granted people may or may not agree with my choices, but they represent a point of view, not a universal truth). Where do I begin? Well, how about the body? Well, a roasted alder or roasted swamp ash body from USACG is around $200, unfinished. You can get it routed to your heart's desire. A gorgeous neck in roasted maple, with a roasted bird's-eye maple fingerboard, around 400 bucks - routed for your favorite hardware - Earvana nut, auto-trim tuners, your choice of frets (6100, in my case), your selection of compound radius (I have two 10-"16" USACG strats that I've had for 25 or so years, and love them to death - better than any Fender you can compare them to). Right now, I'm leaning towards 10"-14" (it's closer to the nut width to heel width ratio). Plus, the USACG fatback is to die for - seriously. Oh, did I mention graphite rods embedded in the neck, if you want?
OK..what's next? Oh yeah, electronics - there's a world of stuff out there! You can even get EMGs pre-wired, although now you can choose from Fralin, Suhr, Lollar....the list goes on and on! That's around 200 bucks, give or take. Figure about 500 bucks for finishing (with woods like these I would go for natural satin). You've got roughly 1300 bucks in components.
And, if you're lucky enough to have access to a brilliant luthier (who built my other two USACGs), assembly, Plekking, a meticulous final setup tailored for me - I'm looking at about maybe two grand. For a guitar that is likely to be far superior to the Fender in every way imaginable. In fact, I would put up one of my USACG strats against a Suhr any day - nothing against Suhr, I've owned one and they're awesome.
For the money that Fender wants, there are way too many compromises for me....FWIW.
I've owned a pro for years and they are great guitars. I agree with what you are saying about the ultra, especially the noiseless pups lacking authentic tele tone, but I still really dig them and think one would add variety to my collection when I want to switch it up a bit.
Mine arrives Monday and I cannot wait - played BEAUTIFULLY in the store - the neck is just stunning
You’ll be happy!
I get mine on Wednesday this week! Can’t wait! Agh!
@@herritymusick1758 it is absolutely beautiful - best guitar I have ever had
I cannot decide between this mocha or the texas tea! They are both gorgeous.
I like the maple fretboard better, so I would have this one.
I'm in the same dilemma 😕 😅 did you pull the trigger on one?
@@AxeJapan yes , I went with the mocha . The maple fretboard on a strat just seems right too me. Mocha, maple , and single coils. Im very happy with my decision. Hope this helps. Take care man.
Hey Matt!!! Just found your channel while looking for reviews for this telecaster. Don't know if you remember me, Murray from Ft. Campbell, KY...we served together in the 551st MP Co. Hope all's well and I look forward to checking out your channel and website. Talk to you soon.
Of course brother!! Hope all is well!!
I was lucky enough to get a Butterscotch one. After two years I am considering moving to some actual vintage style pickups though I just don't love the pickups that much. I am curious as to how you feel about your guitar 2 years later. :)
Love the clean sounds ....Subscribed !
Thanks so much! Have a ton more coming. have several videos coming about the Line 6 helix
Is that Pepto Bismol next to the thermos? You're studio is pretty complete. Thanks for the review.
cej82 lol. Box of sugar next to coffee maker!
@@mattsmusicacademy5189 ah gotcha haha.
I have the same guitar and it plays great
Which would you choose as a do it all guitar, Tele Ultra or a Gibson ES-335?
Tele for sure
I flinch every time you say GUItar
Shame Fender do not offer any left-handed options in the Ultra range.
It’s the color of calf scour
Dont know about another Baldwin brother. Nice review
That's funny! I actually get that all the time. haha
Mine's a lil neck heavy.
Great review! How's the 60 cycle hum when over driven?
None issue Martin!
@@mattsmusicacademy5189 Awesome! Thanks!
This is a very nice guitar ❤
Yes it is!
Such a beautiful guitar. I'm torn on which Tele model to get. I'm in the market for a new one, and love too many in the current line: the Performer Tele Hum is high in the running, but so is this one (yes, ~$800 more for the Ultra, so I'm trying hard to decide if that's worth it). Matt, help me decide!
Boomer Dell I’m in the same situation, did you decide, don’t know if it’s worth the extra $?
@@dchai61 -- unless something completely unexpected happens to change my mind overnight, I'm ordering the Performer Hum tomorrow. Much as the Ultra (as well as the Professional and the Original 60s) series all caught my eye, at this point in my career journey, the versatility of the double-tap hum neck pickup and overall playability of the Performer Hum just feels right for me.
Good luck, have not played either, but would like to before I purchase to see how they compare just don’t know if this is going to be possible. Btw maple or rosewood neck if you don’t mind me asking?
@@dchai61 -- I did try both, as well as quite a few makes and models. So fun to go to Guitar Center or other stores (mostly GC because they tend to have so many on hand) and try out guitars. The Ultra is beautiful and feels nice, but -- and I know this is an entirely personal subjective determination -- of all the guitars I've tried in this process, I kept coming back to the Tele Performers for the feel. Funny you ask about the maple v rosewood fretboard because I honestly agonized over the color and fretboard way too much for my own good. In the end, I've decided to order the Vintage White with the maple fretboard. I love the Surf Green with rosewood fretboard, too, but I am opting for the other out of pure aesthetic preference, slight though that preference might be.
Next decision: from where to purchase it. I'm on my way to my guitar lesson in a few minutes, so I plan to get advice from my teacher who has played in, and still plays in, bands with pretty good gigs. She's great!
Boomer Dell really nice!
Enjoy it!
Rosewood way to go!
Let me know how you like it!
Yeah, « revolutionary »
Says: “let’s get knee deep into this thing”
1:12 later: “I’m not going to get knee deep into this thing, I’ll let Fender do that”
Also man. These are not hand made. They have hand rolled fingerboards.
You play er nice though. I have the Tejas Tea w/rosewood board and it’s a beast.
Lol.
@@mattsmusicacademy5189 I give you props for getting out there and making these videos man. And you roll well with the criticism too. I have 1 video and like 12 people have seen it and most are my family so…you’re awesome man and you’ve earned a subscriber.
Do you still have that Mocha? Curious about the pickguard as the Tex Tea one has a crazy metal one on it that I love. Is that one standard?
@@mycosten-12 lol. I'm retired military...not too much bothers me. lol. Plus, I line in Mayfield, KY and we have a ton to worry about right now. That guitar was provided by Sweetwater to do the demo. It is not mine.
I feel like the best Teles for chickin' pickin' arent even Fenders sadly. Im saving for a Crook Custom now.
They are great as well!
my texas tea looks great and sounds better.
i bought one sent it back poorly built for a fender very very dissapointed
Hate to hear that. Different day in age.🙁
I had a similar experience with some recent American Professional 2 Teles. I am hoping that my upgrade to the Ultra will be worth it. Sadly, with mass scale manufacturing, there will be some sub-standard units that slip by… even when American-made. It’s unfortunate.
Terrible tele....
To each his own! lol. some are good, and some are bad. I did like this one, but it's not one I own. I'm a vintage man! lol. Thanks for the comment!
Pimping his own fragrances almost daily.
Lol