New Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster vs Taylor T5z - 2019 Guitar Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- Fender's latest creation, the newly introduced Acoustasonic Telecaster, is destined to be a game changer. But what does it sound and feel like against the already established Taylor T5z? Our own Chris McKee is going to discuss the similarities and differences between the two, and also let you hear them. Let us know what you think in the comments below. Play A Note, Change Your Life!
#fender #acoustasonictelecaster #guitarcomparison #taylort5z #taylort5 #namm2019
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I swore I didn’t need another guitar........but I need that Fender.
I have a Stratacoustic. My go to guitar. But.....
OK, I laughed when I read your post. Same, that is a great sounding guitar, and its a tele!
Theyre useful forsure just not sure if its worth the price tag.. built my own with a thinline tele kit
the downside to the Fender will be the usb connection failing after a while. If they had used type C, this wouldn't be an issue, and I'm not sure why at least in the more recent models, they haven't upgraded that. Anyone with an older phone that used micro usb would know that eventually the connection fails, and since the Fender relies on being charged.. it eventually would become a nice wall decoration.
Totally agree, you have $2000 worth of guitar, relying totally on that awful usb connection. I would somehow want to fix a permanent connection to that going to a short extension lead, maybe taped to the body, spoiling the look of course, but at least the plugging in and out would not be going to the actual socket on the guitar, just once every time you have to replace the extension lead.
I’m gonna try to upgrade it myself. Can’t be bothered using a cable that has not been used on premium products since 2017.
I have a bluetooth speaker graveyard that can attest to that (about half a dozen). Always the mini USB port that fails.
And the built in battery will fail also sooner or later...
Problem 1: I have to charge my guitar. Problem 2: Price point should be $799-$1299. Fix those and you make this more interesting.
I played a T5 classic today, l can't stop thinking about how it felt in my hands, so smooth in every aspect...my local guitar shop had a used one.. l LOVE my Taylor GA8e I purchased there.. but this guitar l did not even plug in and lm in love.. it was so inspiring. It has been on the wall since it arrived there and that first strum and it was PERFECTLY in tune.. l could not get over how stunned l was to play it and hear it acoustically with no amp at all. I don't know if it was a Z model it looks exactly the same as the one your reviewing, l played the Fender Acoustisonic and it just did nothing for me, it would tune up open but go out in different spots on the board, the Taylor is l believe a more professional level instrument, l own 3 Strats and a Tele which l love like my children so l promise..lm not being bias to Taylor but it simply is THAT GOOD! Now.. which guitar is getting traded in for it? I am thinking my Eastman T185 MX BD... Great guitar, but l just have not "Fell in love" with it like l did the Taylor...got to have it!!
Great story!Love to hear about people's experience finding their dream guitars!
I absolutely love my Taylor T5z...I tried the Fender and just wasn’t impressed.
@@jeremymcclellan2550 the Fender is a sound processed machine.. its cool l guess it offers many nice tones but it could be built on a railroad tie and still sound exactly the same. Its kinda like the Taylor is analog where Fender is PURE DIGITAL..Its preference l guess but the Taylor sounds amazing to me and l much prefer the fret work of the Taylor.
I would suggest a better overdriven sound should you make another demo. I own a T5z and I can attest that it sounds amazing for many styles of music. It has a more unique voice than the Fender. Craftsmanship is impeccable.
Thank you. A few questions: 1) How do the actions compare? 2) Is the Fender battery proprietary, and how much $ is a replacement? 3) What do they sound like unplugged?
The battery replacement is about $29
Playing starts at 12:00
I will never understand that
😱
I newer will understand why every review has to be 20 min. long. What can you say in 12 min. about two guitars, that can't be said in 5 min?
Phil Smith I can't stand when these guitar videos are mostly talking. Nobody watches these videos for talking.
So glad I saw this comment! Playing-only videos are the best kinds of videos. Watch Mike Hermans' stuff; he's the best gear reviewer in the biz!
For the money, I like the Taylor. Also I like the exotic wood choices.
Taylor in Exotic woods is twice the price of the fender though
I love 'em both - but just can't spend $2K right now.. They each sit in their own respective lanes and do that very well!
Thanks Alamo Music.
Thanks for this very helpful video. My favorite part is when you said, "See with your own ears. . ." Now that would take some skill. :)
Glad to see this comparison. I have the Taylor T5z and it sounds absolutely superb in any mode of acoustic or electric - even great with distortion if you want to. I played many Taylor's before I selected this. As soon as I heard it I was floored. I wouldn't switch, no way.
Thanks to Chris McKee and Alamo Music for a very informative comparison here. Enjoyed the reminder of the irony between the two different hybrid approaches, as well as the always tasteful playing. Thanks again!
Check out a Stratacoustic if you come across one. Way cheaper and sounds beautiful through my JC-120.
Have a T5z and a Tele Thinline Amer. Elite, and T5z has become favorite. Sep. bass & treb. controls + neck pickup much better suited for me, and tonal range i am after. This video seems to be leaning toward promoting the Fender. But playing bronze strings on a 15" radius neck is not exactly the playing experience that Telecasters are famous for. The T5z has more natural acoustic resonance: it is amazingly loud unplugged, and has electric neck: 12" r. with nicklel strings. Like std. Tele., T5 is a joy to play anywhere on neck. Can play for hours effortlessly. Tried Acoustasonic; and it felt, sounded like a solid body routed out for hollow top and bottom insert panels.. which is what it is. But do like the way it looks.
for that price it should come with a proper case, not a gigbag
True
I just got one and the gig bag is super nice. It really is more of a gig style guitar, so the bag kinda makes sense.
@@vman4639 It's not a 'gig style' price. It should come with a case, the price warrants that much.
@@rich1051414 I see your point - hard case is considered nicer and it's a $2k guitar. However, I own one and do gig with it, and all I can say is that for this guitar I think I prefer the case it comes in. It's high quality, and you can fit a ton of stuff in the exterior pockets - more so than you can in the center pocket of a hard case. I have not had to fly with it - that might change my opinion - but even with my electric guitars if I had to fly I'd get a special travel case. Long winded way of saying I agree with your point of view, but still really enjoy the gig bag it came with.
I have a closet filled with PRS, Fender, and Music Man hard cases.... I hate them. When I go to gigs, the gig bags with the hard foam surrounds are sooooo much more convenient (Mono, Gator, etc). I do have an SKB archtop case that is reasonable (guitar shaped) but I never take those heavy rectangle cases anymore.
Can you make a video comparing the new Acoustasonic with a Godin A6? I think the Godin is more comparable because it's more acoustic oriented.
Thank you for all your work making these videos! Y'all Rock!!! ✌️
Go to 12:01 to skip the blah blah blah.
Go to 14:28 to hear what really matters - the new Fender Acoustasonic !
Thank you! Too much talking, for sure.
Thank god i was pissed
Thanks bro
Merci !
First of all, thank you for an intelligent and serious review. I can't stand to watch most reviews because the reviewers try to be comedians, or they digress completely off-topic, or someone is trying to impress everyone with 5 minutes of computer graphics before the review even starts. Anyway, I noticed when you played G chord formations, it seemed to be in tune, but when playing a D chord, it was definitely out of tune., or is the intonation a problem on these guitars?
Have a tele and a strat and a t5z love them all i don’t try to pick one over the other nice videos.
Jeff Swanson You have lots of money.
@@SuperEdge67 - lol, had
I have the T5Z and a Strat + LP + Norman acoustic. I find the Norman too thick to play often, (im a small framed guy) so i bought the T5Z. Through an amp it’s absolutely divine, but i made the mistake of buying a road show special in high end finishes and im always worried about scratching it. So i dont play it as often as the others. Im thinking of selling my T5z and getting the fender
Chis, thanks for this thorough review and comparison. As someone who owns a particularly rich sounding T5 (I was able to audition 5), I’d like to hear how a nice Koa T5 sounds compared to the Fender.
The mahogany is actually my least favorite of the T line.
Good descriptions here - very well studied prior to the video! BTW, the Fender has a much richer sound (unless you just started to play better with that one ☺️).
Hi Chris, Excellent Demo, I really enjoyed your Fender Elite Demo, which I bought after watching. I Love the Fender Acoustasonic, just Gorgeous, brilliant Tones. Brilliant Playing! Thank you.👍👍👍.
Melbourne, Australia.
Rechargeable & USB = Deal Breaker
Please tell me this wasn’t recorded through an electric guitar amp ? 😩
Only problem with these hybrids - like when you have several FX pedals, you spend an awful amount of time fiddling with settings and combinations and eventually need a set of notes to remind you about which positions you need for each particular sound. Of the two, and in this demo, the Fender wins out for me.
Just added the Acoustasonic to my list of must have.
There is a 3rd option and it is the one I went with. The Godin A6. Duel outputs.
Very good explanation of the key differences between the two guitars! My only peeves are that it would've been better to have an acoustic amp, especially for the Fender, and it's always distracting when a guitar demo is not in tune.
Otherwise, thanks for this video!
Godin Multiac kills both
I really enjoy your reviews. Thanks
The fender became my dream guitar... I have to play a lot of acoustic guitar but i don't really have the same fluidity on acoustic... Since the fender has a very electric feel while playing and sounds like a bunch of awesome acoustics it is exactly what i need 😂
They don't make them anymore but check out a Fender Stratacoustic. Picked up.mine for 350$. Strat bolt on neck with acoustic tone.
My T5 has been one of the worst investments I have done. It has been to several guitar Luthiers to get neck issues sorted out. Because of the lack of availability of the neck shim kits, it made it so a unauthorised taylor luthier repairer has no chance on getting this expensive guitar right.
I wrote a email to taylor and was very much unsupported. They provided names of authorised luthiers in Australia. In Queensland there were no suggestions
That were suitable. So I emailed the best in Australia, and the arrogance they would not even answer a email.
I have been playing guitar for over 42 years. My setups are nothing fancy. But fret rattle, fretting out is just not acceptable. All my fender electrics play like a dream, so I look forward to getting my hands on a fender.
I know someone who had issues with their T5 as well and it spent months with a talented Taylor approved luthier getting it straightened out. I don't think the T5 in this video sounded very good. Maybe it is the player, not sure, never played one. I am oddly interested in the acoustasonic, despite me finding it a little weird looking. I don't think I will ever buy one because I don't gig and it doesn't make a neck pickup sound. I think for a gigging guitarist, I could see the attraction. I think a comparison with a comparable Godin would be useful.
I've known 3 other T5 owners and they have all expressed similar regret in the investment.
I own the T5z & have had a terrible time with the neck & string buzz........ my Luthier cant do anything with it at all..... I'd never own another......
Don't own a T5z but every one I have played had near perfect necks, action and tones.
Funky' Furballs hopefully someone from Taylor will contact me to defend there product and offer a solution for such a expensive instrument.
I tried both. I wanted to love the Fender but it was just too much of a simulation. The T5Z just felt more like an actual guitar. Both are good though. But still, that Fender isn't a looker. The Pontiac Aztek of the future.
By FAR the best video describing these guitars
Hate the idea of charging my guitar.. another thing to remember to charge
That's where Fender lost a customer (me).
@@joebryant8500 no.. according to fender themselves the battery lasts 20 hours...which in all likelihood your gonna get less...and it will get lower every year...so brand new with solid playing you'll be charging at least once a week
You can charge till playin'
hey! i hear a lot of string noise when changing the chords. which (acoustic) strings should I use??
where is the Godin A6, Multiac, or variants? They are top grade and were around before these... quality at reasonable price and are amazing. Session guys use them and that speaks volumes...
Alamo Music Center aren't a Godin dealer.
My multiac (which I love) needs an expensive box to process different sounds. With these the range is more limited but built in.
Yea, I have a Godin Acoustisonic and it kills both of these guitars at half the price.
Anyone know if the new acoustasonic will be available in a left handed model?
Yes they do.
I had the same question
When the fender starts showing up 'used' I'll buy one
How is the fender if you drop your pick in the hole? Looks like it might be tough to get out!
Removable back panels. 👍
Why did you compare it to the T5z and not the T5? That would have been the more logical comparison.
I can't believe I'm going to say this but, I actually like the sound of the Fender!
I know me too, but I still love Taylor
Is the Fender strung with 10s or 11s? I guess 10s because the acoustic sounds seem a bit thin, at least on my iPad!
Fender really keeps hitting it out of the park...every few months, it seems they release a new cool new guitars, and basically all are impressive.
Not counting the Squires, which are also great affordable guitars with style!
If this is meant to be a true comparison of hybrids, you should include the Godin Multiac as well.
Godin wins Everytime
That is exactly what I was thinking
Alamo Music Center aren't a Godin dealer.
The Fender is an acoustic sim... so it will sound more acoustic than the T5z. I'd rather play Jazz through the Taylor but Folk through the Fender.
scottman68 also at NAMM Godin had semi acoustic summit with acoustic bridge pup and SD hbs... that is a brill guitar to get all these tones
Best video for the fender by far... This guy knows his stuff...
The Taylor is a better choice and will last a lifetime because it is not a planned obsolescence
design. All of the components on the Taylor can be replaced or repaired without difficulty.
It is essentially a regular guitar with standardized components and has no internal proprietary rechargeable battery and no proprietary circuit board.
The Acoustasonic has a proprietary internal rechargeable battery that will be difficult if not impossible to replace when it loses its ability to hold a charge in 10 years or so. In addition, it
has a proprietary circuit board inside of it that controls the “modeling”. When these components fail, and they will (it’s just a matter of when), they will be difficult to replace.
Fender will most likely no longer be manufacturing spare parts for the Acoustasonic, so in order to replace the components, another Acoustasonic will have to be cannibalized.
It’s called planned obsolescence, and guitar companies seem to be jumping on this bandwagon. Planned obsolescence has been the culture of synthesizer manufacturing for over 40 years. No user serviceable parts, No standardization of components that might need replacement, and a paucity of “authorized repair centers” that are capable of effecting repairs. The Fender Acoustasonics sounds great, but they’ll be worthless pieces of junk in 15 years or so when the internal battery and circuit board fail. Planned obsolescence.
Very Nice demo Chris. One key difference in the T5z vs The Fender (and the T5) is the neck as you mentioned. But it is not just the radius, the Z has Jumbo frets verse std frets in the T5. Both Fender and Taylor have 1 11/16 nut width, the Fender lists the frets as Narrow tall, with 25.5 scale length.The T5z (and T5) are 24 7/8. I agree, anyone interested should demo them, but should also include the T5. (Disclosure I have T5z)
Is the T5z body sensor good for percussive stuff like the acoustasonic?
Hi Chris, thanks for the comparison. It might be interesting to hear the various settings together -- based on the sound the player is trying to create. Example: Someone wants an acoustic "around the campfire" sound. Set it up as best you can on
the Fender and then on the Taylor.
Then go through each setting from Garage Band to Jazz Band to Heavy Metal, etc. as best as each instrument allows.
I have a T5z which I often pair with a Marshall A50D for a small coffee house or similar venue.
I am personally much more of a fan of the cleaner tones--not overdriven or distorted--but everyone has different tastes.
Once again, thanks for the videos you guys do. I just remembered as I am typing this I have on an International Orange ALAMO MUSIC CENTER T-Shirt!
Cheers!
You read my mind on this video being needed! Quick work!
Bring up the Godin Acousticaster too
pleas let me know which kind of amp are used for the fender??? an electric guitar one?
Andrés González C both guitars we’re run direct into Pro Tools and into a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.
$2000!!??, now I’m gonna go and just completely forget that this guitar exists
I see a 12-string version of the Fender in the works, so I’ll wait for that. OTOH someone is going to give up their Acoustasonic 6-string on eBay sooner or later because they don’t understand or don’t want modeling.
Taylor already makes a 12-string T5z.
Plus, the T5 came out in 2005 so it will be awhile before you can get a used Fender American Acoustasonic for the price of a used T5.
Great demo. You truly highlighted the differences. I would add to please turn you guitar before recording. The D chord on the Gender was off.
Which would you pick if you are doing more solo acoustic work, like instrumental work. Was curious if one neck feels easier to play vs the other..
Thank you! I prefer the fender for the scale length. One question I have is does the T5 take electric strings easily like the fender?
The T5z uses electric strings
For 2k I can get both a great acoustic and an electric... and american made. A Fender telecaster american special $999 and a Taylor 214ce $999. Who's with me?
True except that the 214 is made in Mexico.
@@charlesbolton8471 ohh you're right
None of my business what someone wants to buy
@@yoyo19831983 That Taylor is overrated
Use a tuner please!
Chris Borgman Photography I'm surprised no one else seemed to hear just how out of tune he sounded. The D Major Chord first position was awful. Lofl
@Odell Mateo quite a douche bag comment
Very precise information and demonstration. Thanx, was very helpfull!
Best: Godin Multiac Steel. Taylor wins Fender cause its all analog. Fender have a Digital sinulation by Fishman.
Thumbs up for using the word “aplomb.” I’m considering getting one of these. Thanks for the info.
Just got the T5z 12 string and absolutely love it.
Great review. Interesting line up. Weirdly, I liked the fender better. The Taylor didn’t give the acoustic sound but more of a telecaster style. The modeling on the fender is really good. Having played it, it’s one I’m adding to my collection.
Both are incredibly beautiful guitars
I honestly think they're both really ugly guitars.
I think the fender is ugly. I love the looks of the Taylor.
Thanks Chris! Thanks for this great comparison. I love all of your videos. You always give us solid information and sound comparisons.
Yes, indeed the man does. But $ 2,000 for the Fender ?
@@robdonell9915 IMHO, worth it if you're looking for a more acoustic sound with levels of depth. I'm reassessing my current guitar quiver to see if I can fit one of these in...
Ummm what about Godin guitars 🤔
I found the T5z to be quite difficult to get usable electric sounds out of. The Fender seems like it is easier to get a usable bridge electric tone out of, maybe that would be the ticket. Neither seem to be the "only guitar that you'd take to a gig", at least for me and the sets that we do.
Could I hear both, but specifically the tele guitar un-, amped unplugged?
the answer is simple. .. buy both!
Thanks for this comparison, very informative.
Thanks for posting this, very helpful
the high-gain distorted fuzz sounds for both guitars sound harsh, like excessive wave clipping is going on, resulting in a square wave, and that's hard on the ears -- give me an old Gibson P90 pickup for sweetness
I normally don't like Fender acoustic guitars but this one sounds good to me.
Make the fender one without the modeling crap and the battery, sell it for 800$ and I might consider it.
thank u
$350 on eBay
I think ill just get a j45 and a les paul and i'll get all the sounds I'm looking for.
Vernon Hoover I think I’d rather graft some PAF pickups on a vintage J45.
Yup but moneywise is not ur best option unless budget is not an issue for u
avraham ben haim nobody in their right mind would molest such historic pieces to do this.
avraham ben haim I bestie upon you an r/wooooooosh
The Fender looks so much better!
Very good explanations mate!
Hamer DuoTone; Carvin AE185; PRS Hollowbody w/Piezo bridge; all have been around for years - when acoustic signals of any of these are run through Baggs ParaAcoustic DI into PA - will surpass any of these newer Taylor/Fender offerings, AND have many more electric possibilities to blend together - and the USA Hamer and Carvin can be had for far less than 2k - IMHO . I have used all of these chasing the ideal solo setup for the last 20 years - ( just to save anyone 20 years of experiments ;-) )
I just want Martin to reissue the D18-E is that too much to ask.
Sceptical about the fender - not a fan of the look really, looks really odd but tbh it blows the Taylor outta the water with sound quality and features, although I’d prefer a big old dreadnought any day
You are not using the Taylor T5z Classic to it true potential it will give you a studio recording sound right out of your amp if u use the volume and eq properly
Agree. My T5z sounds amazing compared to the video…especially the first bit.
Dude I can tell you love what you're doing!
Thx, please how sound the acoustasonic without amplification? :) many thanks
An intelligent review...Nice job!
Nah, I talk to much. ;) - Chris
Very intresting. I love your explanation!
I think a better demo of a guitar like the Fender would be to demo it in the situation it would be most suited to - for those who do live one or two man shows with a looper. Loop some acoustic backing and do fills and lead to complete. This would show how it might best shine.
Sound comparisons shoudn't come with effects on. Not even reverb.
Nice Fender! Way to go. Its nice to have a guitar to do everything rather than carrying so many guitars. I play in a church, and you need that versatility.,
so do I. Always been a Taylor guy but, your right the Fender sounds better
Exactly how I landed here. One setlist is acoustic while the other 2 are full band.
What kind of amp do you use with those?
I'll keep my Yamaha Silent Guitar, thanks....
If you like digital sou de good for you. I prefer the real analog pure sound by taylor
@@JL-bu8bz - You have a T5?
Sounds good and I could use it. Not pretty but would be doable at $899. Not two grand...
I had both and ultimately sent the Fender back. The Fender just seemed gimmicky. I don’t want a USB port on a guitar. T5z fit the bill. Feels more like an actual, classic guitar.
quality of sound is great with T5Z
I wonder if someone at fender was sitting around and thinking, I wonder what it would sound like if we made a 6 string Cajon? Hahaha that top reminds me so much of a cajon on a hollowed put tele, but pretty cool
I love the fender sounds, not a good value for me. Cost is double what I would want to pay. I hope it is popular enough to eventually get a Mexican made guitar.
Fender sounds better clearer and fuller sounding 🎸
Can the Fender Acoustasonic be played unplugged and still produce a decent sound for practice?
You are definitively not going to get the same projection you would from an acoustic guitar,but for night time practice while the wife and kids are asleep, it's ok.
What amp are you using? Pedals?
Why would you not opt to give a demo of each sound?