Fender MIJ Active Modern Tele RW BLK
The Fender MIJ Active Modern Tele RW BLK pairs a traditional two-single-coil layout with a push-pull gain boost and practical modern hardware. Its listed features make it a strong option for players who want Telecaster-style sounds with extra output on demand.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Fender MIJ Active Modern Tele RW BLK review
The Fender MIJ Active Modern Tele RW BLK is a Japan-made, black Telecaster with a maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and two single-coil pickups. Its defining electronic feature is a push-pull function on the master volume control that adds a gain boost. Fender lists the instrument at a price of 1499. No customer reviews are available, so this assessment is based only on the supplied specifications. The listed item number is 642557.
The combination of a familiar two-pickup control layout and an added boost function gives the model a clear technical identity. The specifications do not state the boost's gain range, power source, or circuit details. Those points cannot be assessed from the information provided, and players should confirm them with the seller or Fender before purchase if they affect a setup decision.
Body, neck, and playing dimensions
The body is alder, with no separate top listed. The maple neck is bolt-on, and the rosewood fingerboard has abalone dot inlays. Fender specifies a Modern C neck profile, a bone nut, and 22 medium jumbo frets. Together, these details describe the instrument's construction and layout, though they do not establish how the neck will feel in an individual player's hands.
The 648 mm scale length, also listed as 25.5 inches, is a standard full-length measurement for this type of guitar. The nut width is 42 mm, or 1.650 inches. The compound fingerboard radius transitions from 241 mm to 355.6 mm, corresponding to 9.5 to 14 inches. That changing radius is a concrete design distinction from a fingerboard with one fixed radius. The specifications alone do not indicate setup height, fret condition, or string action as shipped.
At 22 frets, the neck offers two more fret positions than a traditional 21-fret layout. The supplied details do not give the fretboard's edge treatment or the neck's finish, so those aspects should not be assumed. The black finish and three-ply black pickguard give the guitar a consistent dark appearance, while the abalone dot inlays provide a contrasting fingerboard marker material.
Pickups and controls
The guitar uses two Premium Vintage-Style Late '60s Telecaster single-coil pickups, described in the specifications as an SS configuration. The controls are a master volume with push-pull gain boost, a master tone, and a three-way pickup switch. This is a compact arrangement: the switch selects between the two pickups and their combined position, while volume and tone provide the listed main adjustments.
The vintage-style pickup description identifies the design reference, but it does not provide output readings, magnet type, winding details, or frequency response. There is no basis here for claiming a particular level of brightness, output, or noise. Likewise, the gain boost adds a distinct control option, but its actual effect depends on the circuit specifications, which are not included in the supplied data.
Bridge, hardware, and included bag
The fixed six-saddle bridge routes the strings through the body and uses chrome-plated brass saddles. The guitar has no tremolo. Sealed deluxe locking tuning machines are specified, along with nickel and chrome hardware. Locking tuners can make string changes more direct, but the listing does not describe their ratio or provide any measured tuning-stability results.
The strings are nickel-plated steel in a.009,.042 gauge set. That is the listed factory string specification, not a guarantee that every delivered instrument will retain the same set. A gig bag is included, while a hard case is not. The product data lists one piece per sales unit.
Buying assessment
The strongest reasons to consider the Fender MIJ Active Modern Tele RW BLK are its specified Japanese manufacture, compound-radius rosewood fingerboard, locking tuners, and push-pull gain boost. Its alder body, maple bolt-on neck, two single-coil pickups, and fixed bridge keep the design straightforward. The listed features make it possible to compare this model with other Tele-style guitars on construction and controls without relying on unverified impressions.
Before ordering, confirm the boost circuit's requirements and operation, and check whether the included gig bag meets your transport needs. The supplied information does not include weight, setup measurements, electronics schematics, or warranty terms. At a listed price of 1499, those are useful details to verify directly. On the available specifications alone, this is a clearly equipped, Japan-made Telecaster with a practical control variation, but individual sound and playability cannot be established without inspecting or playing the instrument.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Two late-1960s-style single-coil pickups, with a push-pull gain boost for added output
- Compound fingerboard radius, Modern C neck, and 22 medium jumbo frets
- Locking tuners, bone nut, and a six-saddle through-body bridge
What bugged me
- No hard case is included
- The two-pickup single-coil layout may not suit players seeking hum-canceling tones
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players seeking classic Telecaster single-coil sounds, a gain boost, and modern tuning hardware. Also worth considering for guitarists who prefer a compound-radius fingerboard and a medium C-shaped neck.Look elsewhere if
Not a fit for players who require a hard case in the package. Those seeking hum-canceling pickups or a tremolo should look elsewhere.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Pickups
- SS
- Fretboard
- Rosewood
- Tremolo
- None
- Body
- Alder
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Including case
- No
- Incl. bag
- Yes
Up close
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Does this guitar have a gain boost?
Yes. The master volume control has a push-pull function that activates a gain boost.
What pickups does it use?
It has two late-1960s-style Telecaster single-coil pickups and a three-way switch.
Is a case included?
A gig bag is included, but a hard case is not.
What are the neck and fingerboard specifications?
It has a maple Modern C neck, a rosewood fingerboard with a compound radius, and 22 medium jumbo frets.
Does it have a tremolo?
No. The listed bridge is a six-saddle, through-body design with chrome-plated brass saddles.
The last word from the bench
This Japan-made Telecaster combines an alder body, a maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and two late-1960s-style single-coil pickups. The compound-radius fingerboard, locking tuners, and through-body bridge add useful modern details, while the push-pull control provides a gain boost. At $1,499, it is best suited to players who value these specific features and do not require a hard case. No customer reviews were provided, so this assessment is based on the supplied specifications.
Hanging next to it
Fender MIJ Active Modern Tele RW BLK
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