The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
MusicThe Latest

Classic Dogs, New Tricks: A letter to Fender about the Nashville Telecaster Player Plus

by Michelle DeLateur September 28, 2021
by Michelle DeLateur September 28, 2021 0 comments
4.5K

Hi, Fender.

Long-time listener. First-time caller. Forever admirer of the classic Telecaster sound, but never could jump all the way in. At least, until now.

The Tele and the Strat are so popular that we know them by their nicknames. We’re familiar with the crunch, the reliable sound, the feel. 

So how do you update a classic? And who would you update it for? 

For songwriters like me, I guess. Self-taught, acoustic mostly, but always dreaming of unleashing their inner rock alter ego.

From the start, opening the soft carrying case felt like something new unfolding (err, unzipping?). The result, a Nashville Telecaster in Aged Candy Apple Red, prompted guttural squeals of joy. And while the three thousand foot view was certainly beautiful, the Telecaster’s details along with the new changes are what make it truly gorgeous. The New Nashville Telecaster Player Plus offers a combination of elements that make both the Telecaster and the Strat signatures: The new top features the semi-curved body of a strat while the tail end still offers the fatter classic body of the ‘Caster. 

As a songwriter, it is serendipity when you pick up a guitar that seems to fit perfectly and instantly boosts your confidence. The smooth neck seemed tailor-made for me; no uncomfortable fretting here. I placed the Tele in Open D, and off we went into a new version of an older song. That is exactly what you want with a guitar. Within 20 minutes, I had an updated version of an older tune. It turns out we were both revamping a classic.

The Nashville Telecaster Player Plus is an anomaly in the best way. It simultaneously moves forward and backward. It treks toward the future with its electronics while paying homage through its vintage look. It is both grand and small. It is a mixture of Stratocaster tones and Telecaster tones, that you can cycle through. It’s a fun mix of the new and the old. It allows you to solo, strum, or make new sounds all your own, all at the same time. You can channel both your inner Band of Horses or Explosions in the Sky. It’s an embarrassment of audio riches as the combinations of pick-ups and tones is exponential. It probably shouldn’t be called a Player. It should be called Playtime.

“Artists are at the center of everything we do and the products we create to fuel their creative expression,” Evan Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, Fender, shared with us by email. And fuel does it, mightily.

The sound, and combination of “old and new,” is not limited to the technical and visual elements of the instrument. Turns out you can continue to teach the old Dog new Tricks, right Fender?  Welcome to TikTok! 

A new platform for a classic? Sounds like a new place to inspire fellow songwriters. And as for folks starting their creative journey, Fender is here for them too.

Jones, CMO at Fender, shared with us how Fender will help artists and the many ways in which they will assist their creative work: “We understand how crucial support can be to artists in the early stages of their journeys as they work their way from independent acts to established performers. It’s why we are always happy to showcase new talent on our channels and introduce resources such as the Fender Artist Playbook. It’s also why we’re invested in programs like Fender Next, and the Player Plus sessions that we’re launching this Fall which we hope will serve as high visibility platforms to help artists rise in the industry.” 

There are two elements you may want to look into, Fender, in case you’re looking for feedback. One is with the guitar (of course) and the other is with an accessory. While the Nashville Telecaster Player Plus boasts noiseless pickups, I found that when I plugged it directly into my audio interface (Focusrite 2i2), a hum corresponded with my playing. So if you, like me, are into clean feeds, and evaluating sounds, it may be worth looking into. 

I, and others, will want to protect my newest muse; and with a guitar that is this meaningful, a hard case should be considered. The soft one that comes with the Tele not only offers minimal protection, but the shoulder straps are painful (I know, a tiny detail, but as I’ve noted, this guitar is all about the combo of details).

Fellow readers, if you’ve tiptoed on the edge of the Telecaster water, the Player Plus may convince you to jump into the multi-colored pool. It will be up to you what the Plus stands for. For me, it invigorated life into new songs and invited a new world of imagination. I knew it would set off a new stage of my writing. My music bucket list includes playing with a loop pedal, and this guitar inspired me to do so, and, not just that, but nail it on the first go. So this Tele helped me check off a new element, and inspired me too. 

And isn’t that what you want a guitar to do?

So, thanks, Fender, for creating a guitar that invites creators like me into the Fender Telecaster journey.

Sincerely, 

Michelle DeLateur 

Fender announced the launch of its global goodwill program, the Player Plus Studio Sessions: Powered by Fender. As lockdowns forced many artists to innovate ways to RFH (record-from-home), it’s no secret that time spent in the recording studio has been missed, which is where Fender comes in.

Starting today, Fender is helping to fulfill the creative aspirations of independent artists throughout the US (Los Angeles, NYC and Nashville), England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, Australia and Japan, by funding and donating over 260 hours of time with professional recording studios to rising talent.

  • How It Works: Independent artists can apply by submitting a recent single or music video on Fender submission page. Submission period will begin today, Monday, September 27th and end on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021.

  • How To Win: After review by a global panel of Fender execs, industry professionals, artists and producers, winners will be announced November 10th, 2021. Notable panelists include legendary singer-songwriter Nile Rodgers, country-music star Ashley McBryde and Emily Kokal of Warpaint.

  • Grand Prize: Winning artists/bands will have recording studio access to a selection of first-class studios around the world, including LA’s MDDN Studio & EastWest Studio, Nashville’s Welcome to 1979, and NYC’s Flux Studio.

Additionally, the winning artists will receive a $500 credit toward mixing their song, mentoring from top industry professionals, like Ari Herstand (author of How To Make It In The New Music Business), and the high-performancing guitars and basses from Fender’s new Player Plus range, so that they can focus on creating the best sounds hassle-free.

fenderGuitarMusic
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Michelle DeLateur

previous post
Exclusive: Billy Bob Thornton, Nina Arianda, Jena Malone, Tania Raymonde & Brandon Scott Talk ‘Goliath’ [Video] 
next post
Exclusive: Tony Award Winners Speak at Virtual Press Room

Related Posts

Inside the Star-Studded Gurus Beauty Awards Hosted by...

July 10, 2025

The 2025 Gayming Awards Blessed WeHo with Star...

July 9, 2025

Baekhyun ‘Climbs Up Our Hearts’ with Dreamy ‘Reverie’...

July 8, 2025

Julian Lerner: Leading a New Era of Disney...

July 8, 2025

A Garden in the Sky: Fourth of July...

July 8, 2025

Splendid Summer with Peroni and Giada De Laurentiis

July 8, 2025

The Death of Rasputin Was a Dark Dream...

July 7, 2025

Julia Melim’s One-Woman Show #MESSY (The Brazilian Hour)

July 7, 2025

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Sparkle Bright at...

July 5, 2025

Karen Bernod’s Return to the Spotlight: 25 Years...

July 4, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure w Diana Ross defines an icon.  A national treasure with a magnificent legacy that has changed the course of music history and popular culture. Get ready for an incredible night at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 +25. We’ve teamed up with #HollywoodBowl and #LAPhil for a ticket giveaway! This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click the link 🔗 in our bio to enter

Giveaway ends on Friday @ 11:59PM EST - Good Luck!
#knockgiveaway #losangeles
Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

-
#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his late Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his latest project, he’s turning up the heat, literally! We chatted with him for Smoke at @tribeca! 💨🔥
Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all! We chatted with director Dennis Lehane at @tribeca! 🔥💨
Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (an Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (and real fire!) at the world premiere of Smoke on @appletv @tribeca!
The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤 We The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤

We got the chance to profile 5 amazing new artist and, just know, BLACK music is in great hands!

Check out our profiles on @thefcknartist @niko.noir @babyfaceray @veezeworst @ynjay_ 

Detroit, don’t miss out! Come experience the Future of Black Music live! 🎧🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻

With live performances of today’s best emerging artists. 

RSVP now in the bio to come visit the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Black Music! 🎶🎵🎤

Presented by Smirnoff Lemonades & BCode, curated by The Basement Series. Come see the movement move forward! 

RSVP now in the bio to come experience the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI ch Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI chaos 💃🤖
@m3gan 2.0 is the wild ride your summer needed. Read our full take! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/m3gan-2-0-is-ridiculous-over-the-top-fun-but-also-poses-important-questions-about-ai/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala

-
#M3GAN2 #AIHorror #SciFiThriller #HorrorComedy #SummerMovies #TechTerror #AIQuestions #MovieReview #CampyHorror
Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛 Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛
@shopcider x @pollypocket took over @alfred with tiny accessories, buttery croissants, and all the Y2K feels 💅☕

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/tiny-fashion-big-nostalgia-cider-x-polly-pocket-pops-up-in-beverly-hills/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#CiderxPollyPocket #ShopCider #PollyPocket #CiderGirls #CiderStyle #Alfreds
☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfesti ☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfestival. The HBCU kickback inspired festival that grew from a cultural campus phenomenon into becoming the latest and fastest-growing black-owned music festival. 🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-dear-summer-festival-the-black-owned-festival-gaining-national-momentum-built-by-hbcu-alumni/

✍️: Briana Boateng 
-
#MeekMill #Valiant #HBCU #DearSummerFestival
@tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥 The artist premie @tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥
The artist premiered his powerful new doc ‘Still Free TC’—a raw, emotional follow-up to his 2015 album—spotlighting family, justice, and legacy.
10 years later, the message still hits.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/ty-dolla-ign-premieres-still-free-tc-documentary-at-tribeca-film-festival/

✍️: Kadeem Lundy

-
#StillFreeTC #TyDollaSign #TribecaFestival #MusicDocumentary #HipHopCulture #JusticeForTC #Tribeca2025
ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fire ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl on July 2, 3, & 4th! Nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all - Earth, Wind & Fire brings their iconic and timeless catalog of music with hits like “September” and “Shining Star” for three thrilling nights of songs, fireworks and fun. If you don’t win the tickets…don’t worry we’ll have a 20% off code on select sections!
Here’s how to enter:
✅Follow @theknockturnal 
❤️Like this post
👯Tag the friend you want to bring with you

Giveaway ends Monday, June 23 @ 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PST ! 
#KnockturnalGiveaway #EarthWindFire #HollywoodBowl #Giveaway #Concert #LosAngeles
@squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. @squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. 🦑🩸

New players. Higher stakes. And a game that’s more brutal than ever.
The masks return—so does revenge. ⭕️🔺◼️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/squid-game-season-3-premieres-in-new-york/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor 

-
#SquidGame #Season3 #NetflixOriginal #Netflix #TheGameContinues #LeeJungJae #Player456 #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun
@f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their wor @f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their world premiere of their film “F1 The Movie” in Times Square and at Radio City Music Hall. 🏎️💨
-
#BradPitt #JavierBardem #DamsonIdris #AppleCEO #TimCook #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer  #LewisHamilton #HansZimmer #F1 #F1Movie #F1Film
“Love doesn’t always disappear—it just chang “Love doesn’t always disappear—it just changes shape.” 🎶
In our exclusive interview, @yourfavoritecolor opens up about vulnerability, emotional distance, and the story behind their newest single, “Less In Love.”
This one hits different. 🥹

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/exclusive-interview-your-favorite-color-contemplates-connection-on-new-single-less-in-love/

✍️: Eleanor Jacobs

-
#ExclusiveInterview #YourFavoriteColor #LessInLove #IndieMusic
@saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in @saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in golden light with vintage lamps, curated cocktails, and radiant beauty moments—all in honor of the iconic Glowy Super Gel. A celebration of luminosity in every form. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/a-night-to-glow-inside-saies-art-of-glow-celebration/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#SaieBeauty #ArtOfGlow #GlowySuperGel #LAEvents #CleanBeauty #GlowGoals #BeautyMeetsArt #LightUpLA
@mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Some @mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Something Beautiful — a 55-minute visual album that blurs the line between music, film, and fantasy. Premiered at Tribeca, now playing on the biggest screen: herself. 🎬✨ 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/high-energy-higher-fashion-miley-cyruss-pop-opera-something-beautiful/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#MileyCyrus #SomethingBeautiful #VisualAlbum #PopOpera #Tribeca2025 #EditorialMoment #MusicAndFilm #FashionInFilm
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch