Hands-on demo: Fender American Performer Series

Simon Arblaster and Michael Astley-Brown cherry-pick three of Fender’s latest American Performer range for a slice of the hands-on treatment.

Above, they share their first thoughts on the most affordable American-made guitars from the legendary guitar maker.

Highlights this time around include Fender’s newly designed Yosemite and DoubleTap pickups, Greasebucket circuitry and push/pull electronics.

MORE INFO: Fender launches American Performer Series with 9 new guitars and basses

I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.

Subscribe and save today!

Latest

Phil Collen plays live onstage with his signature Jackson Soloist

“He sings on all our stuff. You hear him on AC/DC, Bryan Adams, Shania’s stuff. He has the best voice in the room”: Phil Collen says Mutt Lange is an ace vocalist who can nail it in one take – and it’s the same with guitar

See more latest ►

“Her dynamics can change so drastically”: Beyoncé’s recording engineer explains why the star’s huge dynamic range dictated his choice of preamp, and how he deals with it when he’s tracking her vocals

“If you think your addiction to synths and studio gear is out of control, imagine being in Depeche Mode”: We'd forgotten quite how much of the band's gear Alan Wilder shifted in his legendary auction, and just how many bargains were up for grabs

"The piece of gear that I use the most? The Behringer Poly D. For such a low price, the sound and capabilities still surprise me": Producer/DJ Kartell on his career and gear - plus 3 top tips

"The next chapter in the story of this little box of magic": Elektron Digitakt II unveiled with stereo sampling, an expanded sequencer, more tracks and new effects

"After a hefty drugs overdose, he died for two minutes, complete with a near death experience. Sure you want to be in a rock band?": The story of Depeche Mode's Songs of Faith and Devotion album and tour is the most rock 'n' roll ever

No longer just a software upgrade, Roland’s Fantom EX is a “supercharged” version of the acclaimed synth workstation

"Because I don't read music, I didn't know what the melody that went with it was": Paul McCartney explains why his musical limitations and "stealing" benefitted the Abbey Road medley that gave us The Beatles' true swansong

“He WAS music. He would start composing on a cocktail napkin at a bar, dream a melody, get to the piano at 3 AM, hear a door squeaking and make music out of it. His whole being resonated music”: Remembering ELP's Keith Emerson and his legendary rig

UK firm AudioStrip receives share of £1 million in government funding to “elevate music source separation technology beyond industry benchmarks”

Is this Digitakt II? Leak suggests successor to Elektron's popular sampler is on the way with "so much more power under the hood"

Stuck for inspiration? Try applying these 5 techniques from visual art to your music production