Guitar Tricks Insider December Issue | Page 55

GEAR COVERREVIEW STORY FEATURES I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the package from Fender containing their latest acoustic. A beautiful book matched flame maple top and lacewood back and sides instantly caught my eye, as well as a slightly fancier Fender script logo on the headstock and tortoiseshell style binding around the body. The heart and soul of an acoustic guitar is the top, for that is where most of the tone and character comes from. T-Bucket’s laminated flame maple top is reinforced with quarter-sawn scalloped bracing, allowing it to resonate freely and maintain a warm tone. The top is partnered with laminated lacewood on the back and sides, complementing each other visually as well as contributing to an articulate tone and projection. And when you’re ready for the stage, T-Bucket 400-CE is equipped with a Fishman Isys III pickup and electronics control panel mounted on the side of the body that includes volume, 3-band EQ, tuner, and battery check light, with the battery compartment easy to access (yeah!) and conveniently located right next to the quarter inch jack input. Whether playing live or recording in the studio the Fishman system does a marvelous job of reproducing the natural acoustic properties of the guitar. A sweet improvement towards keeping the guitar in tune and playing in tune up and down the fingerboard are the sustain increasing GraphTech NuBone nut, cut wide so the strings DECEMBER SPECIAL don’t get stuck, and compensated saddle, which solves intonation issues especially in the higher registers. Unique fingerboard inlays at frets 3, 5, 7, and 9 look like tuner pegs viewed from the side and a cool Fender ‘F’ inlay at the 12th fret is framed by a wing shaped design. PLAYABILITY T-Bucket’s action was a bit high for my taste, but on the upside I could dig in harder with my strumming hand. And man, this guitar can sing! Chords project loudly and single notes are articulate and punchy with a slight ‘ping’. The neck is a comfortable ‘C’ shape with binding, rosewood fingerboard, and topped off with an immaculate fret job that’s smooth all the way up to the 20th fret. ■ VERDICT Fender’s T-Bucket 400-CE is a deal for around $400 bucks and makes a solid choice for beginner to intermediate players. Even pros would find this a great ax to use on stage without worrying about their more expensive guitar getting damaged. Whether you’re playing just for fun or getting ready to hit the stage, this impressive guitar has the bases covered. DIGITAL EDITION GUITAR TRICKS INSIDER 55