Fender’s American Ultra ‘guitar of the future’ is the right kind of buzz-kill

Fender and Gibson, the world’s two big guitar makers, are engaged in a fascinating little war – not so much with each other as with the terrifying threat of becoming un-hip. Having clearly learned from the ‘revolutionary’ tech innovations that almost put Gibson out of business last year, Fender is playing things a little more conservative with its new American Ultra range of high-end guitars and basses. There are improved buzz-free pickups, contoured bodies and sexy new colours, but nothing to make the traditionalists drop their Ovaltine and run into the arms of the nearest harpsichord. Guitarists have two Strats, a Telecaster and a Jazzmaster to choose from, while for floorboard-shakers there are two Jazz basses and one Precision. Prices start at £1859.

Richard Purvis Freelance managing editor (magazine)

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I'm Stuff's freelance managing editor. This mostly means I'm in charge of making sure the magazine actually happens, and has things in it, and isn't rubbish.

Areas of expertise

Music-making tech