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Description

Experience the unparalleled fusion of classic and cutting-edge with the Fender Reso-Tele, a guitar that seamlessly combines the iconic charm of the Telecaster with the distinctive resonance of a hand-spun resonator cone. This brilliant amalgamation offers musicians a truly unique auditory experience, delivering the growling richness of a resonator with the twangy brightness of a Telecaster. Perfect for those who traverse the worlds of blues, country, and swamp rock, the Reso-Tele opens doors to a wide array of tonal possibilities.

The Reso-Tele boasts a maple Telecaster body, which houses a meticulously crafted resonator cone, adding depth and character to every note. Equipped with both a classic Telecaster single-coil neck pickup and a Fishman under-saddle pickup, this guitar allows you to effortlessly blend rich resonator tones with classic Tele sounds using the intuitive Fishman Powerchip blend control. The result? A versatile instrument that offers a spectrum of tones unmatched by any other guitar, making it a must-have for the discerning musician.

Designed for comfort and playability, the Reso-Tele features a "C"-shaped maple neck and a flatter 15.7" fretboard radius, ensuring smooth, fast playing and effortless bends. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Fender Reso-Tele promises an engaging, one-of-a-kind playing experience that will inspire and captivate.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody Telecaster with a built-in resonator cone
  • Hand-spun resonator cone crafted for rich, growling tones
  • Telecaster single-coil neck pickup for iconic Tele tone
  • Fishman under-saddle pickup captures resonator sound
  • Fishman Powerchip to blend magnetic and piezo pickups
  • Comfortable "C"-shaped maple neck
  • 15.7" fretboard radius for fast play and big bends

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Reso-Tele
Year 2013 - 2014
Made In China
Active Preamp No
Back Material Maple
Body Shape T-Style
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Hybrid System
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Maple
String Type Steel
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Fender Reso-Tele's hybrid pickup system?

The Fender Reso-Tele features a standard Telecaster neck pickup and a Fishman Powerchip under-saddle pickup, allowing you to blend traditional Telecaster tones with resonator sounds for a versatile sonic palette.

Is the Fender Reso-Tele suitable for slide guitar playing?

Yes, the Fender Reso-Tele is well-suited for slide guitar due to its resonator design and maple "biscuit" bridge, providing a bright, articulate tone ideal for slide techniques.

What type of neck profile does the Fender Reso-Tele have?

The Fender Reso-Tele features a "C"-shaped maple neck, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, typical of classic Telecaster guitars.

How does the Fender Reso-Tele's body shape affect its playability?

The T-style body shape of the Fender Reso-Tele, combined with its Telecaster design elements, provides a familiar feel and ergonomic comfort, making it easy for Telecaster players to transition to this resonator guitar.

Does the Fender Reso-Tele require any special maintenance for its resonator cone?

The hand-spun cone crafted in Eastern Europe is durable, but it's recommended to occasionally check for dust or debris and ensure the cone is seated properly for optimal sound performance.

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Fender Reso-Tele Guitar | Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Fender Reso-Tele Guitar | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Fender Reso-Tele Guitar | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Fender Reso Tele Guitar by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender Reso Tele Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2013 Archive - Fender Acoustics - Ron Emory - Vince Ray - Reso Tele by Andertons Music Co

NAMM 2013 Archive - Fender Acoustics - Ron Emory - Vince Ray - Reso Tele

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Fender Resonator Guitar played by Mitch Daigneault by Dark Horse

Fender Resonator Guitar played by Mitch Daigneault

Dark Horse

Dark Horse

Video thumbnail for Fender Reso Tele 2014 Sunburst by 2tu Guitars

Fender Reso Tele 2014 Sunburst

2tu Guitars

2tu Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Reso-Tele.

Build quality

  • Owners report Fender resonators often have uneven soundwells and subpar build quality compared to similarly priced alternatives.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading the cone on budget resonators like Epiphone or Gretsch with a National or Beard cone significantly improves sound quality.

    Source
  • Upgrading a "Lark in the Morning" resonator with a National cone and carbon fiber biscuit significantly enhances volume and action setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Epiphone Houndogs, with minor upgrades, can rival more expensive models in sound, especially when fitted with a premium cone.

    Source
  • Gretsch resonators, when upgraded, are compared favorably to Nationals by some owners.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Gretsch Honey Dipper is praised for delivering a "dirty back porch tone" ideal for fingerstyle blues, reminiscent of Son House and Fred McDowell.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone Paul Bear is praised for open G or A tuning for slide playing, though its balance may cause the neck to tilt upwards.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Republic resonators are noted for high quality, with used models available around the $600 mark, comparable in tone to Nationals.

    Source
  • A used Fender FR50 resonator can be found for around $300, while new Recording King models are available for approximately $250.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the truss rod on a budget resonator can improve playability, with further investment needed for fretwork and setup to achieve optimal action.

    Source

User experience

  • The Gold Tone Paul Bear's weight distribution can be a concern, making it less balanced when positioned on a leg.

    Source

Critic Reviews

https://deltasnake.blogspot.com/2014/05/guitar-review-fender-reso-telecaster.html

deltasnake.blogspot.com

The Fender Reso-Telecaster is a unique blend of Telecaster charm and resonator grit, offering a bright tone that's perfect for slide guitar enthusiasts. Its maple neck brings clarity and attack, adding a new dimension to resonator sound. While lighter than traditional resonators, it does sacrifice some acoustic volume, making it best suited for amplified play. The guitar's aesthetic appeal and affordability add to its allure, though its unconventional sound might require some adjustment for purists. Ideal for those craving a fresh take on resonator guitars, the Reso-Tele offers a delightful departure from the norm.

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