Watch Artists Demo the American Performer Series

When Fender was looking to refresh the American Special Series, they turned to the people that play them on stages of all sizes around the world.

After listening to feedback from artists, a practice Fender has employed since 1946, the new American Performer Series blends traditional Fender design with new elements for modern tone and performance. Together, the updates deliver sonic versatility, tonal flexibility and ease of use for performers, helping them hone their tone across musical genres.

The American Performer Series comes at a time when demand for recorded and live music is at an all-time high (and growing), with 86 million people having attended a Live Nation Concert in 2017, up 21 percent over the previous year. In addition, based on a recent Fender study, guitar players are more diverse than ever, performing across a variety of venues - from on-stage at concerts to recording studios and even on social media. This new line takes into account both the boom in live musical performances and the demand for a roadworthy instrument that can handle any artist’s demands, no matter the arena.

With new features such as Yosemite pickups, patent-pending DoubleTap humbucking pickups, ClassicGear tuning machines, special circuitry and enhanced electronics, in addition to fresh gloss colors and two satin finishes, the American Performer Series is built for those who demand to be heard.

To showcase the entire line, Fender teamed up with several artists to run through some of their favorite appointments and discuss their relationship with the American Performer guitars and basses.

Get a closer look at several American Performer models in the demos below.

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Soul guitarist Curt Henderson has been a Stratocaster player since Day 1, ever since his father got him a black Strat from a pawn shop as a child. So, it made sense for Henderson to dive deep into the American Performer Stratocaster HSS and American Performer Stratocaster.

"The big thing I look for in my gear is versatility," he said. "I like the idea of having the right tool for the job and building that connection with one instrument. So, versatility is key. I want to be able to play that one guitar for the whole set, if possible."

Henderson noted that the Yosemite pickups are "sparkly and chimey," two things he needs in a Stratocaster. He also checked out the new Greasebucket tone circuit (which is featured on both guitars) that lets you cut treble without losing gain or muddying your sound.

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Nicole Row of Panic! At the Disco was impressed with the feel of the American Performer Precision Bass, which boasts a Yosemite split-coil P Bass middle pickup and Yosemite single-coil Jazz Bass bridge pickup.

She called the pickups "super punchy with a lot of low end" and "really clean and bright."

"What matters to me most is the feel and consistency of the instrument," she said. "This bass just felt really comfortable and natural. I could totally take this on stage, and it would be great."

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Dylan Mattheisen recalled the early days of his band, Tiny Moving Parts, when talking about the American Performer Telecaster and American Performer Telecaster Hum.

"We played a house show in Philadelphia, and there were about 40 people there. All 40 were singing along in a dirty basement," he said. "We were far away from home and not used to the tour life yet. I'll never forget that moment, after the set was done and we were hanging out with everybody. That was cool."

One of the things he loved about these Telecasters is the neck, which comes in a “Modern C”-shape with a 9.5”-radius fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets

"It's very smooth, and that's what makes it comfortable to play," he said.

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Blues and soul singer/songwriter Patrick Droney lent his expertise to the American Performer Mustang, especially taking into consideration the vintage-style tremolo bridge that features six grooved saddles for authentic Fender design and modern performance.

"It's incredibly smooth," he said. "To me, it feels like it's floating, and the arc is really wide. It's a really fun ride."

Shop the entire American Performer Series here.