HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced a new line of hybrid acoustic-electric guitars being made in California.

Dubbed the American Acoustasonic Series Telecaster, the Acoustasonic Telecaster guitar is both acoustic and electric, designed be a versatile instrument for studio and stage. They are being handcrafted in Corona, California, at the same factory where Fender's iconic electric instruments are made.

Fender notes that artists who want to play both electric and acoustic guitars on stage are faced with a multitude of challenges. To avoid multiple instrument changes, they often have to choose one guitar per song or use back-up guitarists to layer different parts. The Acoustasonic Telecaster eliminates many of the challenges associated with playing an acoustic guitar live by cutting out feedback and making it easy to access electric and acoustic tones without switching instruments.

"Three years ago, we set out to create a truly innovative acoustic guitar," said Billy Martinez, Fender VP Category Manager, Acoustic and Squier Divisions. "This allowed us to create an entirely new instrument that blurs the lines between acoustic and electric guitars, giving artists multiple acoustic body shape and wood tones, as well as great electric tones, at their fingertips. The result is an amazing acoustic guitar that melds the best of both the analog and digital worlds."

The body features an integrated forearm contour and Fender’s patent-pending Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS), which is designed to deliver a naturally loud voice with lively harmonics. A smooth-playing mahogany neck and open-pore satin finish make the guitar comfortable and easy to play.

"Our objective was to develop an acoustic guitar for contemporary artists," said Andy Mooney, Fender CEO. "The end result of our three-year R&D exploration met all these criteria and exceeded our most optimistic expectations with the launch of the American Acoustasonic Series."

"If the American Acoustasonic were a car, it would be a high-performance SUV," he added. "It is not just a state-of-the-art acoustic guitar that sounds great on stage – it's a state-of-the-art electric guitar that sounds great on stage. That's a challenge Fender was proud to take on."

Priced at just under $2,000, the Acoustasonic Telecaster is powered by the Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine – a proprietary blend of classic analog and future technologies that optimizes the guitar's natural sound, and then modifies the resonance to deliver a curated collection of voices. These acoustic and electric voices can be played solo or blended via the Mod Knob to create new sounds. They can also be used simultaneously, courtesy of the Fender Acoustasonic Noiseless magnetic pickup.

The guitar competes with Taylor, Martin, and Gibson in the made-in-America guitar market.

"We are proud to have an American-made acoustic guitar of this caliber coming from our world class factory in Corona, California. This will pave the way for future growth of Fender Acoustics as we continue to push the boundaries of true sonic innovation," added Martinez.

Specifications of the new instrument include:

• Hollow Telecaster-inspired body designed to be naturally loud and resonant with plenty of projection.
• Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine for diverse electronic sound management.
• Fender Acoustasonic Noiseless pickup designed for authentic hum-free Fender electric tone.
• Mahogany Telecaster neck with ebony fingerboard offers a familiar playing feel.
• Patent-pending Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS), inlaid top and modern electronics were created expressly for this instrument.
• Made in Corona, California at the same factory as Fender electric instruments.
• Available in Natural, Black, Sonic Gray, Surf Green and Sunburst finishes.

Watch a video of the guitars in action below.