New Toronado Models from FenderA New Direction For Fender Guitars In Looks, Feel and Sound
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July 23, 2002
Fender Musical Instruments introduced its latest electric guitar, the American Special Toronado. Combining a retro-vintage feel with tones that bring out warmth and character, the American Deluxe Toronado steps outside of the Fender "box" to offer an instrument unlike any other guitar Fender has ever made.
Explains Richard McDonald, vice president of marketing for Fender guitars and amplifiers, "The American Special Toronado represents an entirely new direction for Fender guitars in looks, feel and sound. We've really broken some boundaries with this instrument to offer something totally different, while staying true to our history of innovation and the classic vibe that is 'Fender'."
Designed with a singularly unique body shape and a scale length slightly shorter than most other Fenders, the American Special Toronado is made for guitarists not looking to be labeled by their instrument, but who want a guitar that is flexible enough in both look and sound to let each individual define their own tone and style.
With that, the American Special Toronado is not limited by the perception of what a single coil guitar or a humbucking guitar is supposed to be or what one should sound like. While available in both configurations--a choice of two newly designed Fender DE-9000 single coils or two Atomic II humbucking pickups--the American Special Toronado pushes these classic pickups beyond their boundaries to offer a pallet of new possibilities.
"With the DE-9000 or Atomic II pickup options, the new Toronado guitar adds fresh tonal dimensions to the Fender guitar line." adds McDonald. "Together with the solid alder tone wood body, distinctive feature set and the all around vibe, players can get a truly unique combination that encourages individuality. They're just waiting to create new sounds."
The Fender American Special Toronado features a single cutaway alder body. The bolt on maple neck has a 24 3/4 inch scale length for a completely different feel, medium jumbo frets with abalone dot inlays, and is available with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. There are two volume and two tone control knobs, and a three-way pickup switch located on the upper bout of the body.
Manufactured at Fender's state-of-the-art facility in Corona, California, the new American Special Toronado can be seen for the first time at this summer's NAMM show in Nashville. Orders will be taken immediately, with shipping scheduled to begin in October, 2002.
Available in a choice of Butterscotch Blond or Crimson Transparent. US MSRP is $1,284.99.
For more information, visit their web site at www.fender.com. | 
