Fender is synonymous with the single coil, and known for the occasional humbucker, but P-90s are comparatively rare in its designs. That changes in 2021 with the launch of the new Noventa Series, which equips iconic outlines with new single coils akin to the classic ‘middle-ground’ pickup.
The Noventa Telecaster, Stratocaster and Jazzmaster all feature Fender's new Noventa single-coil design – the company is promising “midrange bite, crisp highs and warm, smooth lows” and a wide dynamic range from the new format – of which you’ll find one in the Telecaster, two in the Strat, and three in the Jazzmaster.
Elsewhere, the made-in-Mexico guitars all feature alder bodies, and 21-fret, 9.5”-radius pau ferro fingerboards.
Intriguingly, there are different neck shapes for each model: the Strat packs a modern 'C', the Tele a '60s C, while the Jazzmaster opts for a thick soft V.
Hardware comprises a ‘cut’ Telecaster bridge (on the Telecaster, naturally), six-saddle hardtail for the Strat, and an Adjusto-Matic bridge with floating tremolo system for the Jazzmaster.
Offset fans will note that the Jazzmaster’s rhythm circuit and three-way pickup selector have been ditched in favor of a five-way Strat-style blade switch, while the one-pickup Tele has no selector at all. The Strat possesses a single volume and tone, alongside its three-position blade selector.
Prices (including gigbags) and very-nice-indeed finishes for the models are as follows:
- Fender Noventa Telecaster - $949, available in Fiesta Red, 2-Color Sunburst and Vintage Blonde
- Fender Noventa Stratocaster - $1,049, available in Surf Green, Daphne Blue and Crimson
- Fender Noventa Jazzmaster - $1,149, available in Surf Pearl, Fiesta Red and Walnut
The Noventa Telecaster, Stratocaster and Jazzmaster are available now. For more info, visit Fender.
