Open Box Fender American Ultra Telecaster Rosewood Fingerboard Electric Guitar Level 2 Texas Tea 197881298265

I picked up the Texas Tea, which is an outstanding color, and combined with the brushed aluminum pick guard, this guitar is a true beauty. Tone was fantastic. Nothing to complain about there. In fact, I loved the tone. Fit and finish were perfect and I could find no manufacturing imperfections worth mentioning. The included case was outstanding. The neck, however, yeah, I just couldn't hang with the neck. The "modern D and rolled fretboard edges" were something I couldn't overcome. I love that someone finally figured out compound radius necks. Seems like Warmoth was the only maker to crack that code until recently. Unfortunately, the neck profile and shape were very strange to me. I put a little heavier gage set of strings than the super lights it came with and that really accented everything I disliked about the neck. Perhaps 'dislike' is too kind a word for how uncomfortable this neck was. I played this Tele, trying to get used to it, up to the last day I had of the trial period and back it went. Everything else about this Tele was above average, so it killed me that the neck was so uncomfortable.

Fender Teles rock, hands down. However, the Ultra I received was having grounding issues.

The Telecaster Ultra is a great guitar. Easy player, stunning color.

Long story short, a total home run! Never been a fan of Tele's. I played a Texas Tea but I wanted white. I did a minor setup - cuz that's all it needed - and added StringJoy 9-42 signature strings and now….. oh my… my my my… ummm hum, dats my baby! lol. I have 12 other electrics but this one is taking center stage. This guitar has some real mojo. It's, dare I say, magical. I can barely put it down, Heck, I dream about playing it. I'm not really into blast, though I occasionally peel the paint off the walls. I much prefer quality over magnitude and this baby covers a lot of the soundscape. It produces these deep lows and at the same time, these shimmering highs. Every time I play it I'm wondering, is this one just special? Did they have a hot blonde rub her ta ta's on it before they put it on the case? I don't get it. I just know it's my new favorite now. It's like the counter part to my 2021 Gibson ES335. Both have this magic that stands out from the others. The devil and the angel I suppose. lol. I'd suggest you try one out before you dismiss it. Plug into an AC15 or something like that. Feel the love…! If you'd like to see it in action look for wickedoil reviews on YouTube

Played one at GC Alpharetta today. Just felt lifeless compared to my Pro 2 with a maple neck. Lighter than the pro 2 and didn't like the neck. Lacks character. Doest seems worth the markup.

Updating my previous review now that I've had my Ultra for almost a year now. I think it's the perfect tele really. I would take this over a custom shop even...it has custom shop level finish... but it's much more sleek and playable than any custom shop out there. The Ultra noiseless pickups are just as good as any standard USA tele pickups...and I've had several telecasters. I think the ultra sounds better in overdrive compared to my other teles...but my other USA teles had a bit more magic when using the neck pickup...but overall I prefer the ultra. I think the difference between standard single coil tele pickups and these noiseless pickups is placebo really. My Ulta telecaster is perfectly made in every way...it's flawless.