Fender's BIG Announcement - A Bit of a Let Down... 

I think this is what Darrell is like when he's angry.

Can you make a “best guitars in the $500-$1000 range?” I’m looking for my first electric guitar and there are so many good guitars in that price range.

I'm just gonna say it, Fender is just as bad as Gibson when it comes to being in touch with what customers want. Change my mind

It seems like Fender has turned into Apple.

i've bought one, it should arrive next week, aren't you forgetting Darrell the compound 10" - 14" Radius, D Shape neck, the S1 switch, and...no matter what you say, it's a Fender, not a copy, so it will hold it's value a lot better. I understand if you are talking about, not taking into consideration brand names, and only comparing spec for spec. but having that Fender logo on the head stock, no matter what anyone says, matters a lot. Love your playing by the way !

The most desirable Fender guitars are the ones made decades ago. Fender just trots out the same guitars with some new feature, changes the name of the series and raises the price $100. Nothing beats the old guitars and the American Standard series.

Fender are trying to out-PRS PRS. The same thing Gibson tried to do before simplifying things this year. The Ultra Strat is Fender's answer to the Silver Sky. I'd buy a Silver Sky at that price point.

You hit it right man! Fender isn't Fender anymore. Their prices are way too high for the same quality of other companies offerings. Sure, they are still great quality made instruments, but not for their prices.

Just bought an American strat ultra luxe in red sunburst. Finally a fender with a neck as nice as my Ibanez Prestige - nice flat neck and not a baseball bat. Rolled edges and excellent fret work too. I’ve been playing for 30+ years, many professional and swore I’d never buy a Fender. This could be the market Fender was aiming for…

Hi Darrell, very surprised you're skeptic about the new Ultra series. It seems you haven't tested it yet. So basically what you are saying is this Ultra series is too expensive, and still missing few features that other cheaper or expensive brands propose. On my side I do appreciate the marketing segments Fender is adressing from cheap chinese Squier Affinity and Classic Vibe, up to affordable MIM Vintera and Player, up to affordable US Performer, up to Standard US Pro and Original, up to Ultra top range, up to rarities, up to Custom Shop team built, up to Custom Shop Master Built. From what I heard from several demos, it is the 1st time I like the noiseless pick-ups. Then contoured heel is a great improvement. So would I go for another brand having these features ? Cheaper Yamaha/Ibanez ( that I like a lot) or more expensive Suhr/ Luthier , NO ! I'd stay loyal to Fender. Having an American Vintage 62 reissue and a Rory Gallagher Custom Shop, I'm not in search of a new Strat, otherwise I would certainly go for that Ultra instead of the Pro or the Original 60. Now I'm waiting for your in depth demo of this Ultra Strat, to see whether your point of view evolves !? Also the Ultra Tele .

Sold my PRS Silver and just picked up the HSS Cobra Blue. It’s absolutely amazing.

Late to the party here, but I just picked up a Fender Ultra Strat. As a bassist for a long time, I wanted to get into learning guitar to expand my horizons and am that person you described. Someone that doesn't need custom shop specs, but someone that is discerning with respect to guitar setup, fit, finish, hate noisy pickups, etc. I don't want to but a guitar, and then have to return it, or take it to a luthier to have frets leveled, remove fret sprout, etc. etc. The sculpted heal is something that is also catching on in the bass world (See Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray) and yes, it is strange that after all this time this is now a "feature." The reason that Fender I believe can't just pivot with whatever the latest fad is at the moment is their brand cache relies on consistency more than it does features and specs (although these do serve a purpose too). Other new companies can start with these new ideas and concepts as a way to differentiate. In any case, the Ultra is a GREAT guitar and am having a blast learning the 6-string view of the world.

You mean you're not excited about the "more noiseless than 'noiseless'" pickups? I don't know how you get less noise out of something that already claims to have no noise.

Fender: Never play a Fender the same way again!

I just bought one and I love it (traditional burst with maple neck and the HSS electronic version)....because I am 46, and I am well to do these days, and I played only strat plus models back in the 90's, I am the perfect candidate for the sale. I get what Darrell is saying....Fender needs to revamp through the entire line...including Mexico again quickly to stay a heavy hitter. The guitar is Awesome...but I told my 16yo not to touch it and to play my old strat plus if he wants to....I know that is wrong....the top tier of guitars should be for younger guys buying their "forever" guitar...these features should be available to the newer players.

i have to say, I love my ultra tele and my ultra strat. I have many guitars and they are toward the top of my lists.

I do quite agree here, Fender kinda had a misleading or underwhelming announcement. As much as I love Fender, it's kinda all the same now. I'd just go with a a Red Strat by this point just to keep up. I appreciate the analysis!

Totally agree! These should come with stainless steel frets and roasted necks.

Am I the only person on earth that doesn’t mind the hum of a single coil pickup? I primarily use humbuckers, but my vintage Tele makes noise and I kinda like it.

give us honest opinions, not paid puppet infomercials. nice!