Alternate Reality Tenor Tele

1 Critic Review

1 wishlisted

2 saved

Page last updated May 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Alternate Reality Tenor Tele is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step into a unique sonic landscape with the Alternate Reality Tenor Tele, a masterpiece that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. This electric tenor guitar is a rare find, designed for those looking to explore new territories in music. With its custom-designed 4-string alnico pickups, it delivers the iconic twang and powerful punch of a Telecaster, tailored for the tenor range. Its construction facilitates a wide array of tonal possibilities, making it perfect for experimenting with alternate tunings. Whether you're a guitarist looking to diversify your sound or a tenor enthusiast seeking the electric edge, the Tenor Tele offers a fresh perspective on music-making.

Key Features:

Custom-designed 4-string alnico pickups for authentic Telecaster twang and power
Traditional Telecaster controls for familiar playability
22.75-inch scale maple neck with a U-shaped profile for comfortable playing
Modern 9.5-inch fretboard radius allows for easy string bending
21 vintage-style frets for a classic playing experience

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Alternate Reality Series Tenor Tele
Finish	Butterscotch Blonde, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue
Year	2019
Made In	Mexico
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Blue, Red, Yellow
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Alternate Reality

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele?: The Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele features a 22.75-inch scale length, which is typical for tenor guitars and contributes to its unique sound and playability.
What type of pickups does the Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele use?: This model is equipped with custom 4-string single-coil Telecaster pickups, designed to deliver the classic Tele twang with a tenor guitar twist.
Is the Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele suitable for beginners?: The Tenor Tele is suitable for both beginners and experienced players interested in exploring a tenor guitar's unique sound, thanks to its comfortable "U"-shaped neck and manageable scale length.
How many strings does the Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele have?: The Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele is a 4-string electric guitar, offering a different playing experience compared to the standard 6-string models.
What are the finish options available for the Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele?: The Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele is available in Butterscotch Blonde, Fiesta Red, and Lake Placid Blue finishes, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal taste.

Videos

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Fender

Alternate Reality Tenor Tele | Alternate Reality Series | Fender

Fender

My Guitar Only Has 4 Strings?!? | 2019 Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Got A Ukulele Reviews - Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele - 4K

GotAUkulele

The Alternate Reality Tenor Tele

C. A. House Music

Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Teles

Oscillate Music

Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele Lake Placid Blue Demo

Darren Lock Music

Reviews

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PROS

Unique design specifically for tenor tuning, not just a 4-string adaptation
Excellent value with surprisingly good pickups
Versatile with compatibility for various 4-string tunings
Inspires creativity, ideal for songwriting and live performances
Delivers authentic Telecaster sound with distinct pickup selections
High-quality build from Fender's Mexico factory
Great body and neck construction
Perfect for players transitioning from ukulele or other stringed instruments
Highly recommended by seasoned tenor guitarists
Provides a unique sound blend of Telecaster and tenor guitar

CONS

May require professional setup for best performance
Initial string buzz reported by some owners
Fit and finish, including saddles and strap buttons, could be improved
Needs additional components like string guide/tree for optimal setup
Fretwork and nut slots might need customization for specific tunings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alternate Reality Tenor Tele.

Value and pricing

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Prices have skyrocketed from $500 to thousands due to limited availability and increased demand.
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Recent import models are noted to have significantly higher prices, often inflated due to limited availability.
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Despite its initial $450 price, the Fender's value has doubled due to scarcity, making it a potential collector's item.
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Use cases and applications

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Tuned to GDAE, this guitar is suited for players familiar with tenor instruments, offering instinctive melody and triad play.
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The Fender tele tenor's 22.75" scale is suitable for standard CGDA tuning, offering versatility in musical applications.
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User experience

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Initially criticized, these guitars are now appreciated for their unique playability and fun factor, leading to a spike in popularity.
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Enthusiasts express a desire for Fender to reissue the model due to its unique characteristics and rising popularity.
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Build quality

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The headstock is offset back from the neck, which partially aids in creating a break angle, but some suggest adding a string tree for the first two strings.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend installing a string tree to improve break angle and tuning stability, particularly on strings 1 and 2.
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Swapping high string tuners for lower ones can improve break angle; adding a string tree may enhance tuning stability.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners recommend string gauges 0.036, 0.024, 0.013, and 0.009 for CGDA tuning, with potential for frequent breakage on the high A string.
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Comparisons

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Eastwood tenors have unique string spacing compared to the Fender, which maintains traditional narrow spacing, affecting playability.
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Critic Reviews

Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele - REVIEW

gotaukulele.com

The Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele is a delightful blend of guitar and ukulele aesthetics, showcasing superb build quality and vibrant finishes. With a comfortable maple neck and precise controls, it delivers a clean and distinct tone that stands out in its class. However, the quirky lack of a neck pickup cover and some proportional quirks in the design might leave traditionalists scratching their heads. While it may not fit cleanly into either the guitar or ukulele category, it offers a playful option for players seeking versatility. Overall, it’s a highly recommended instrument, especially for those willing to embrace its unique identity.

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