I really want the MIM one, mainly because the USA one is out of my price range but also the MIM one has less sound options and that helps out with my indecisiveness when picking a tone and switching tones in a live setting will be a bit easier too.
I have a MIM which doesn't sound as refined as the MIA but I'm not concerned by the scaling back of features on my MIM, which sounds very sweet. I'm not sure that I would want to pay nearly twice as much for the additional features on the MIA.
If, like me, you want the ease of use and playability of an electric but want a guitar that sounds more like an acoustic than some plugged in acoustics, then the Acoustasonic is hard to beat. No, it's not going to replace my Taylor 812ce or Martin 000-42 but, then, I wouldn't want to take those to any gigs. One of the biggest advantages of the MIA is the USB rechargable battery. The number of times I forget to take the lead out after a session makes any 9V battery powered guitar very uneconomical for me. I've had my US Acoustasonic for a couple of years now and love it. It's my live performance guitar whereas my other electrics and acoustics stay at home.
Agreed. In our band it’s all acoustics (guitars) and for years I’ve hated bringing in bulky acoustics for shows then going home and practicing on the unplugged electric guitars because I’m too lazy to plug in. This guitar solved all my problems. Why people hate on it so much is beyond me. Go practice instead !
Not just that, but do you want to have to carry your 000-42 around the venue with you on a break? I wouldn’t leave it on a stand on stage, or even in a case-even if you think you’ll just glance over once in a while to make sure it’s still there. Too many performers (even Top tier acts) lose precious guitars to sneaky thieves. A lot of folks have a couple of really nice/expensive guitars in their collection. But does one really want to put them at risk toward impressing drunken crowds?
Verry intresting, and a verry good comparison. This guitars did catch my attention too. At last I decided to take the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo. Couse it has two seperatet jacks. One for the Piezo and one for the magnetic PU´s. I love it to turn on the crunched magnetic PU sound during playing acoustic. And blend it off, if I just dont need it. I am lucky with my decition, but I am shure that the Acoustasonic also has its place. Every guitarplayer should find the guitar what helps him to create his own sound, to express yourself.
I have 2 of them guitars. Mexican version. I switched them both to acoustic strings (Ernie Ball Super Slinkies) and they BOTH play and sound 100% better.
Interesting review Jack. I tried one of these at GC! It just wasn't my thing! I know there are a bunch for sale on the web! Keep up the great review videos and it is always beneficial to get your honest opinion.
I have the Mexican jazz master. I love it. I really only need two sounds..acoustic and electric. from there I am using a Bose portable p.a. and a boss me80 pedalboard. this guitar needs the versatility of a pedal board through a p.a..it won't sound acoustic through a electric guitar amp and won't get nasty through a p.a. only. I get a wide variety of tones through the me80 and I use a BeatBuddy drum machine with a vocal harmonizer for a very full one man band sound. this guitar can be whatever you want it to be once you plug it in. no feedback issues at all.
Just a quick off topic thing. I got a tone king gremlin amp about a month ago and holy cow! It is life changing lol. Have you played one? They are not that expensive as far as a tone king goes. If you haven’t yet…. I’m begging you to get one and try it. The ultimate bedroom amp. I don’t put any effects at all in front. The sound of the amp is so great. All of my guitars sound better now
After my third back surgery, the surgeon cautioned me to be mindful about picking up, lifting, bending, twisting, etc. with more than five pounds. Nice that the Acoustasonic comes in just under that! 😊
@ 💥💥 Boris…I’d like to add, Fender has just introduced (in limited numbers) brand NEW Mexican made “Player Telecasters” that are CHAMBERED inside, meaning they are hollowed out. I just bought one, and it weighs only 6.4 pounds! It’s a great guitar, too! They are, unfortunately, not cheap…$899 retail…But they are LIGHT! 👍🏿💥👍🏿💥👍🏿💥👍🏿
Really cool. You can definitely hear the difference when they are back to back. I don’t really understand the cheap parts thing though. My MIM strat neck pup went out. When I looked under the pick guard I was kinda shocked at how cheap just the wire in general was. It would be so easy and cheap for them to just put in the good stuff and raise the price slightly. I’m starting to think it’s done by design to justify the cost of a USA fender.
I luckily haven't had that experience with Fender regarding them being THAT cheap, but I agree. I understand using lower quality components and materials, because otherwise who would buy the US version? But I have a very low tolerance for companies who use components so cheap that they fall apart and don't work at all. Epiphone at times has been an egregious offender there.
The American made didn't turn my top and I don't think that they sold as well FENDER thought they would and they resorted to giving 2 free guitars to be reviewed.
Nice video💥 to me, the USA sounds considerably nicer, although the MiM also sounds very nice. It reminds me of trying an Epiphone Inspired By SJ200 then trying a Gibson SJ200. The Gibson just had that high-end refinement and sweetness to it. It's the same here
I own the player, I love it. Now I’m ready to pick up a Jazzmaster, but torn between the US vs Mex version. Opinions?? I do like having the 9 v battery as I’ll never wear out the internal battery. But the solid mahogany version is beautiful
I think the MIM represents the more attractive option, given the difference in price. Also there is such a thing as too many options, and even playing a set of acoustic covers would you really need ALL off the different MIA tones? I'm not convinced.
What I could see isn't needing all the various tones for covers, but being able to adapt your sound to fit different situations. I would personally only use one or two of the acoustic tones on there, but if I were sitting in with a bunch of different groups or situations I could definitely see using more.
what are we hearing here? is this the sound of the fender amp coming thru the camera mic? or is the amp properly mic'ed and recorded using an interface? im already positive that your sound isn't recorded direct from guitar straight into an interface.
I bought a MIM Player Tele, and had nothing but trouble with position 1 shorting out constantly. I had it at a couple of authorized repair shops and no one could sort it out. Finally, the last shop put in a new printed circuit board and a switch, but still no go. Fender stepped up and sent me a new Player Tele. Actually, I can't fall in love with the guitar... I guess I just don't trust it.
All I'm seeing on the internet is these things being sold second hand for decreasing amounts as (apparently) more and more people offload them. I test drove an acoustasonic a coupla weeks ago, and it was ok, but it's feel was toy-ish with a cheap build.
Hey Jack, I had watched your reviews of this previously and then came across a smoking deal on a brand new USA Acoustasonic Tele. It's in route to me right now, but I don't have an acoustic amp. I have been eyeing up your exact Fender SFX II. If you had to do it again, would you purchase that same amp to pair with the Acoustasonic or would you lean more towards a Fishman Loudbox? I'm really torn.
Nice comparison! I've got an American Acoustasonic Tele , but if I could turn back time I would certainly pick up the MIM one. I wonder why the american one has a brighter and sweeter acoustic tone, because the under saddle tranducer is the same on both models.... did you put fresh strings on both guitars? the difference seems to be the same that you have with the same guitar but with older and newer strings. btw , if you need a neck electrick pickup you can have it on the Godin A6 ultra Cheers from Italy!
Yeah the strings are pretty much the same age on each guitar. The A6 really flies under the radar - obviously there's the Taylor T5 also, but for the price and the tone I don't think its very competitive.
Sounding good Jack. Both are cool guitars but what's a poor boy to do? Here's to Squier releasing their version of the Acoustasonic one of these years; something for the budget conscious home hobby players of the world. The way things are going by the time Fender gets around to it the Squier will probably cost what the mim does today lol!
Yeah, as much as I appreciate that Squier are producing quality guitars these days, its hard to bite off on the price sometimes. A Squier Classic Vibe right now costs more than an MIM Fender did when I started playing.
@@JackFossett Know what you mean. First part of 2020 got a MIM Fender Strat unplayed mint condition in the Midnight Wine color I wanted for $380 on Reverb. Today a new CV lists for $460. Prices just keep going up.
I have 2 questions. When you play it does the Acoustasonic really sound like a dreadnought acoustic? Are the necks and fretboards the same on the Acoustasonic MIM and MIA, and if not how are they different?
Hey Jack, always a pedo appreciate all your great demos dictating this comment and obviously having a hard time talking today I was considering getting one of these and my question is can you use electric guitar strings on it thanks and if so, how would it affect the acoustic sound? 6:26
My doubt on this guitar is what is the right amplification system to get he best of both worlds, been that I just want to take one guitar to the gig. Thanks!
Wondering if one could play some chicken pickin country on this acoustisonic then turn around and play regular cowboy chord country in a band setting or would the acoustisonic not aggressive enough to emulate a full on electric guitar?
Man I cant believe you didnt label which guitar was being played at which time.... I mean 3A and 4B dont mean shit to me. The comparison was basically meaningless... thx for nothing... I mean, did I miss the tutorial at the beginning or something?
WE CAN ALL GO BACK AND FORTH ABOUT WICH ONE SOUNDS BETTER BUT IN MY OPINION THE USA ONE PLAYS BETTER AND I FIND THAT RATHER IMPORTAND AS WELL AS MORE SOUNDS. AND IM NOT SHOUTING, JUST TYPING AND LOOKED UP TO SEE IM IN UPPERCASE.
Internal lithium battery is an absolute no go for me. Sooner or later it will break down... So not so certain the American guitar will hold its value in time. 9v battery is much better solution.
So Jack ... Your acoustic sounds are coming out of an acoustic amp? Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of the guitar if you need two amps, one for electric and one for acoustic?
Yes, I believe it does. I talked about that in one of my reviews of the Acoustasonic - I forget which one though. Either the acoustic or electric tone sound "passable" if you go into one amp. The other issue with these guitars is what strings to use. Electric strings don't sound as good for acoustic tones, and vice versa. I think both of those things limit their versatility.
This might have been the fairest, most sober review I’ve seen. Just picked up a Mexican one for 999 new. Still not cheap, but for an intermediate player that goes between acoustic and electric it’s perfect. Although it’s still ugly.
I will NEVER perform with any Fender guitar. They ruined Guild, Cordoba, and they have NO interest in making truly remarkable instruments. They NEVER have. Ever since their founding in the 1950s, they have been bolt on, student level instruments. They are a corporate cash grab and of no interest to a serious player. Yeah, I know. David Gilmour and Mark Knophler have played them. Still I don't care. Knophler plays Suhr and David does whatever his wife tells him to.
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
Which do you prefer, MIM or USA? Let us know! And have a listen to the opening jam tune here ~
jackfossett.bandcamp.com/track/savannah-mourning-2
I really want the MIM one, mainly because the USA one is out of my price range but also the MIM one has less sound options and that helps out with my indecisiveness when picking a tone and switching tones in a live setting will be a bit easier too.
I have a MIM which doesn't sound as refined as the MIA but I'm not concerned by the scaling back of features on my MIM, which sounds very sweet. I'm not sure that I would want to pay nearly twice as much for the additional features on the MIA.
Yeah the MIM is more than competitive for the price.
If, like me, you want the ease of use and playability of an electric but want a guitar that sounds more like an acoustic than some plugged in acoustics, then the Acoustasonic is hard to beat. No, it's not going to replace my Taylor 812ce or Martin 000-42 but, then, I wouldn't want to take those to any gigs. One of the biggest advantages of the MIA is the USB rechargable battery. The number of times I forget to take the lead out after a session makes any 9V battery powered guitar very uneconomical for me.
I've had my US Acoustasonic for a couple of years now and love it. It's my live performance guitar whereas my other electrics and acoustics stay at home.
Agreed. In our band it’s all acoustics (guitars) and for years I’ve hated bringing in bulky acoustics for shows then going home and practicing on the unplugged electric guitars because I’m too lazy to plug in. This guitar solved all my problems. Why people hate on it so much is beyond me. Go practice instead !
Not just that, but do you want to have to carry your 000-42 around the venue with you on a break? I wouldn’t leave it on a stand on stage, or even in a case-even if you think you’ll just glance over once in a while to make sure it’s still there. Too many performers (even Top tier acts) lose precious guitars to sneaky thieves.
A lot of folks have a couple of really nice/expensive guitars in their collection. But does one really want to put them at risk toward impressing drunken crowds?
Verry intresting, and a verry good comparison. This guitars did catch my attention too. At last I decided to take the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo. Couse it has two seperatet jacks. One for the Piezo and one for the magnetic PU´s. I love it to turn on the crunched magnetic PU sound during playing acoustic. And blend it off, if I just dont need it.
I am lucky with my decition, but I am shure that the Acoustasonic also has its place. Every guitarplayer should find the guitar what helps him to create his own sound, to express yourself.
At the very beginning of the video I thought for a second you were going to start playing Dueling Banjo's from Deliverance 😆
I thought the exact same thing.🤣
I have 2 of them guitars. Mexican version. I switched them both to acoustic strings (Ernie Ball Super Slinkies) and they BOTH play and sound 100% better.
Aren't EB Super Slinkies electric strings? I"m confused.
Interesting review Jack. I tried one of these at GC! It just wasn't my thing! I know there are a bunch for sale on the web! Keep up the great review videos and it is always beneficial to get your honest opinion.
I have the Mexican jazz master. I love it. I really only need two sounds..acoustic and electric. from there I am using a Bose portable p.a. and a boss me80 pedalboard. this guitar needs the versatility of a pedal board through a p.a..it won't sound acoustic through a electric guitar amp and won't get nasty through a p.a. only. I get a wide variety of tones through the me80 and I use a BeatBuddy drum machine with a vocal harmonizer for a very full one man band sound. this guitar can be whatever you want it to be once you plug it in. no feedback issues at all.
I bought myself a mim. And I'm totally happy with it)👍🏽
Just a quick off topic thing. I got a tone king gremlin amp about a month ago and holy cow! It is life changing lol. Have you played one? They are not that expensive as far as a tone king goes. If you haven’t yet…. I’m begging you to get one and try it. The ultimate bedroom amp. I don’t put any effects at all in front. The sound of the amp is so great. All of my guitars sound better now
I'd love to get my hands on one of those sometime. Always wanted an Imperial too.
They £1400 in uk, wow ought to be good,tad dear for bedroom!
😂
I just bought a used MIM Fender Tele Acoustasonic for one reason…It’s only 4.9 pounds! Easy on my aching back! 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
After my third back surgery, the surgeon cautioned me to be mindful about picking up, lifting, bending, twisting, etc. with more than five pounds. Nice that the Acoustasonic comes in just under that! 😊
@ 💥💥 Boris…I’d like to add, Fender has just introduced (in limited numbers) brand NEW Mexican made “Player Telecasters” that are CHAMBERED inside, meaning they are hollowed out. I just bought one, and it weighs only 6.4 pounds! It’s a great guitar, too! They are, unfortunately, not cheap…$899 retail…But they are LIGHT! 👍🏿💥👍🏿💥👍🏿💥👍🏿
Really cool. You can definitely hear the difference when they are back to back. I don’t really understand the cheap parts thing though. My MIM strat neck pup went out. When I looked under the pick guard I was kinda shocked at how cheap just the wire in general was. It would be so easy and cheap for them to just put in the good stuff and raise the price slightly. I’m starting to think it’s done by design to justify the cost of a USA fender.
I luckily haven't had that experience with Fender regarding them being THAT cheap, but I agree. I understand using lower quality components and materials, because otherwise who would buy the US version? But I have a very low tolerance for companies who use components so cheap that they fall apart and don't work at all. Epiphone at times has been an egregious offender there.
The American made didn't turn my top and I don't think that they sold as well FENDER thought they would and they resorted to giving 2 free guitars to be reviewed.
Nice video💥 to me, the USA sounds considerably nicer, although the MiM also sounds very nice. It reminds me of trying an Epiphone Inspired By SJ200 then trying a Gibson SJ200. The Gibson just had that high-end refinement and sweetness to it. It's the same here
It does!
In what kind of amp should one plug it on? Acoustic amp at a tube amp for electric guitars?
I own the player, I love it.
Now I’m ready to pick up a Jazzmaster, but torn between the US vs Mex version.
Opinions??
I do like having the 9 v battery as I’ll never wear out the internal battery.
But the solid mahogany version is beautiful
I think the MIM represents the more attractive option, given the difference in price. Also there is such a thing as too many options, and even playing a set of acoustic covers would you really need ALL off the different MIA tones? I'm not convinced.
What I could see isn't needing all the various tones for covers, but being able to adapt your sound to fit different situations. I would personally only use one or two of the acoustic tones on there, but if I were sitting in with a bunch of different groups or situations I could definitely see using more.
No, you wouldn’t. I don’t you can even tell the difference in a mix…
what are we hearing here? is this the sound of the fender amp coming thru the camera mic? or is the amp properly mic'ed and recorded using an interface? im already positive that your sound isn't recorded direct from guitar straight into an interface.
they both sound great but i think the usa made has a sweeter tone
I bought a MIM Player Tele, and had nothing but trouble with position 1 shorting out constantly. I had it at a couple of authorized repair shops and no one could sort it out. Finally, the last shop put in a new printed circuit board and a switch, but still no go. Fender stepped up and sent me a new Player Tele. Actually, I can't fall in love with the guitar... I guess I just don't trust it.
great demo Jack
Thank you!
Great video Jack!
I use a loud box mini for my MIA. Sounds good to me.
Seems they got it right. I’m a bit of a purist but the sound is undeniable.
I can understand certainly how they’re not for everyone, but they’re definitely quality instruments.
@@JackFossett if I had the cash, I’d buy either of them.
All I'm seeing on the internet is these things being sold second hand for decreasing amounts as (apparently) more and more people offload them. I test drove an acoustasonic a coupla weeks ago, and it was ok, but it's feel was toy-ish with a cheap build.
Hey Jack, I had watched your reviews of this previously and then came across a smoking deal on a brand new USA Acoustasonic Tele. It's in route to me right now, but I don't have an acoustic amp. I have been eyeing up your exact Fender SFX II. If you had to do it again, would you purchase that same amp to pair with the Acoustasonic or would you lean more towards a Fishman Loudbox? I'm really torn.
sounds like the american has a scooped bias ...you could probably just para eq the mim to get it to roughly the same spot.
Nice comparison! I've got an American Acoustasonic Tele , but if I could turn back time I would certainly pick up the MIM one.
I wonder why the american one has a brighter and sweeter acoustic tone, because the under saddle tranducer is the same on both models.... did you put fresh strings on both guitars? the difference seems to be the same that you have with the same guitar but with older and newer strings.
btw , if you need a neck electrick pickup you can have it on the Godin A6 ultra
Cheers from Italy!
Yeah the strings are pretty much the same age on each guitar. The A6 really flies under the radar - obviously there's the Taylor T5 also, but for the price and the tone I don't think its very competitive.
Sounding good Jack. Both are cool guitars but what's a poor boy to do? Here's to Squier releasing their version of the Acoustasonic one of these years; something for the budget conscious home hobby players of the world. The way things are going by the time Fender gets around to it the Squier will probably cost what the mim does today lol!
Yeah, as much as I appreciate that Squier are producing quality guitars these days, its hard to bite off on the price sometimes. A Squier Classic Vibe right now costs more than an MIM Fender did when I started playing.
@@JackFossett Know what you mean. First part of 2020 got a MIM Fender Strat unplayed mint condition in the Midnight Wine color I wanted for $380 on Reverb. Today a new CV lists for $460. Prices just keep going up.
I have 2 questions. When you play it does the Acoustasonic really sound like a dreadnought acoustic? Are the necks and fretboards the same on the Acoustasonic MIM and MIA, and if not how are they different?
Hey Jack, always a pedo appreciate all your great demos dictating this comment and obviously having a hard time talking today I was considering getting one of these and my question is can you use electric guitar strings on it thanks and if so, how would it affect the acoustic sound? 6:26
My doubt on this guitar is what is the right amplification system to get he best of both worlds, been that I just want to take one guitar to the gig. Thanks!
Which amp and which strings are kind of the Achilles Heel questions of these models
@JackFossett thanks for taking the time to respond!
Wondering if one could play some chicken pickin country on this acoustisonic then turn around and play regular cowboy chord country in a band setting or would the acoustisonic not aggressive enough to emulate a full on electric guitar?
Just got one yesterday. American
Man I cant believe you didnt label which guitar was being played at which time.... I mean 3A and 4B dont mean shit to me. The comparison was basically meaningless... thx for nothing... I mean, did I miss the tutorial at the beginning or something?
WE CAN ALL GO BACK AND FORTH ABOUT WICH ONE SOUNDS BETTER BUT IN MY OPINION THE USA ONE PLAYS BETTER AND I FIND THAT RATHER IMPORTAND AS WELL AS MORE SOUNDS. AND IM NOT SHOUTING, JUST TYPING AND LOOKED UP TO SEE IM IN UPPERCASE.
The US one is nice but the Mexican is good enough for me.
Internal lithium battery is an absolute no go for me. Sooner or later it will break down... So not so certain the American guitar will hold its value in time. 9v battery is much better solution.
So Jack ... Your acoustic sounds are coming out of an acoustic amp? Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of the guitar if you need two amps, one for electric and one for acoustic?
Yes, I believe it does. I talked about that in one of my reviews of the Acoustasonic - I forget which one though. Either the acoustic or electric tone sound "passable" if you go into one amp. The other issue with these guitars is what strings to use. Electric strings don't sound as good for acoustic tones, and vice versa. I think both of those things limit their versatility.
This might have been the fairest, most sober review I’ve seen. Just picked up a Mexican one for 999 new. Still not cheap, but for an intermediate player that goes between acoustic and electric it’s perfect. Although it’s still ugly.
I realize Fender tried hard on this one but I just don't get it! I think these will be discontinued in the next year or two!
No way.
I will NEVER perform with any Fender guitar. They ruined Guild, Cordoba, and they have NO interest in making truly remarkable instruments. They NEVER have. Ever since their founding in the 1950s, they have been bolt on, student level instruments. They are a corporate cash grab and of no interest to a serious player.
Yeah, I know. David Gilmour and Mark Knophler have played them. Still I don't care. Knophler plays Suhr and David does whatever his wife tells him to.
I tried one of these in store. It’s the worst of both worlds. So: American vs Mexican? No thank you.
Far (far) too much chatting....I got lost, and lost interest after 12 minutes.
Come back anytime!