Acoustic Guitar Reviews Archives - The Acoustic Guitarist

Fender®, arguably one of the most recognizable brands in music, enjoys an enviable reputation for their electric guitars and amplifiers. But, what about their acoustic guitars? In the following article, we're going to take a closer look at Fender's® acoustic guitar range, and how actual customers feel about them. We’ll also take a quick trip down memory lane and learn about the fascinating history of their first acoustic range. Are Fender® acoustic guitars good? For beginners, a number of Fender® acoustic models are worth a look, particularly the Fender Alternative, and Classic Design Series, and compare favorably to acoustic guitars of a similar price range from Yamaha, Cort, and Washburn. What makes a good acoustic guitar anyway? How do you know if an acoustic guitar is good? Good means many different things to different people, but in the case of Fender® acoustic guitars, with the exception of the Acoustisonic series, good really means, good value as the price has to be taken into consideration when discussing sub $500 guitars, which the majority of Fender's® acoustic lineup consists of. But, even discounting price for a moment, in terms of what makes a good guitar, a couple of things apply universally: Manufacturing consistency It’s difficult to say whether a model of guitar is good if the quality varies wildly, even between models within the same series. In general, despite the advent of CNC technology resulting in more precise (and in most cases higher quality) entry to mid-range acoustic guitars, this continues to be a common theme. Many guitars are now manufactured offshore e.g. away from the companies main headquarters due to wages and the cost of living being lower, resulting in lower production costs. These countries include China, Indonesia, Korea, and Mexico. That’s not to say workers in these factories are any less capable. But, generally when guitars are made in countries with lower manufacturing costs problems can develop as the company balances quality against total production costs, which can lead to inconsistent quality control. Does it stay in tune? Good guitars stay in tune. A guitar that won’t stay in tune could indicate a poorly cut nut, poor intonation, or too much play in the tuning machines. Is the intonation correct? Poor intonation essentially means the guitar is not in tune with itself (you can check by comparing the open string to the 12th fret octave). Poor intonation could indicate problems with fret positioning, the position of the bridge of the guitar, problems with the nut, an action that is far too high, or a neck that requires truss rod adjustment. Does it play well? Issues such as a high action, loose frets, jagged fret ends or fret buzz all have an impact on playability, which indirectly affects how the guitar sounds and directly affects how enthusiastic a beginner might be to practicing and improving. Does it sound good? The real indication of a good guitar is how it sounds. Those new to guitar tend to put too much emphasis on how a guitar looks compared to how it sounds. But, just because you are new to the guitar doesn’t mean you should use your eyes over your ears to judge the quality of a guitar. Consider the following with regard to how the guitar sounds. Buzzing: If you hear buzzes or mechanical vibrations the guitar either has a problem with the action e.g. the strings are buzzing the fret wires or the guitar has an item of loose hardware that is vibrating. This might only apply for specific frequencies e.g. you hit an open G string and the battery lid of your onboard preamp resonates with the frequency of the note played. Tone: The tonality of the guitar will be affected by the size and shape of the guitar to an extent, but mostly from the tonewoods the guitar is made from, specifically with regard to overtones produced. A Spruce top will sound different from a Mahogany top, and a Cedar top will sound different again. The tone is subjective but in most cases, if you are looking for a strummer e.g. a guitar to strum chords on spruce may be preferred. However, if you mostly play fingerstyle and prefer response, good note separation and articulation over clarity and volume Mahogany may be a better option. Tonal balance: Body size, shape, and tonewoods can affect the balance of a guitar. For example, does the guitar sound bass dominant? Or does the guitar place greater emphasis on the higher-end frequencies? If, you are most interested in fingerstyle guitar a balanced guitar with perhaps more emphasis on the upper range may be preferable. Volume: How loud is the guitar? If you favor volume, a larger body guitar will be louder than a small body. Sustain: Good guitars tend to have good sustain, which is a measure of how long a note rings out after being played. In some cases, sustain is less desirable e.g. jazz guitarists put greater emphasis on clarity and note separation, and often prefer notes that decay faster. The points above, all strongly relate to pricing. For example, in the eyes of a beginner with a sub $500 budget, the materials used in the construction, along with the standard of workmanship, playability, and tone will be judged based on price. E.g. it’s a good-sounding guitar that plays well, for under $500. Whereas a good guitar in the eyes (and ears) of a more seasoned guitarist will largely come down to the quality of the workmanship, materials, and quality control. In this regard, we’re mostly talking about the materials aka tonewoods used for the body, and neck, the quality of the construction of the guitar, and the quality of the fretwork, which is often the difference between mid-range and high-end guitars, acoustic or electric. Other considerations might include the back and sides (not just the top) being constructed from solid wood (not laminate), the quality of the hardware e.g. tuners and nut and saddle, the materials used for the nut and saddle e.g. bone as opposed to plastic and included accessories e.g. a hard case. While Fender® does cater to both the beginner and the more experienced guitarist, it’s fair to say the majority of their sales occur within the sub $500 beginner market, placing them in direct competition with brands such as Cort, Washburn, and Yamaha. In the $500+ market, Fender® tends to lose out to companies that either focus (almost) entirely on acoustic guitars (Taylor, Martin) or have been making acoustic guitars a lot longer e.g. Gibson. So, with all of this in mind how do we give a verdict on the quality of Fender’s® acoustic guitar range? Most experienced guitarists won’t consider Fender® acoustic guitars as good guitars. But, that misses the point as Fender® hasn’t intentionally targeted this type of player. Therefore, to give a verdict on Fender® acoustic guitars we really need to take the opinions of actual buyers who own Fender® acoustic guitars, not those who would never consider owning one. With this in mind, for each guitar (and series of acoustics) Fender® currently has in their line up (as of October 2020, we’ve taken an average customer rating (where available) from five of the largest music retailers in the United States (amazon.com, sweetwater.com, guitarcenter.com, musiciansfriend.com, and reverb.com) and then calculated an average rating out of 5 stars. Keep in mind, some guitars aren’t available at some retailers or may be available but have not yet received a review from customers. But before we dive into the guitars themselves, let’s get a better perspective on what Fender® is trying to do with their acoustic range by taking a closer look at the history of Fender® acoustic guitars. The history of Fender® Acoustic Guitars Fender® began manufacturing acoustic guitars in 1963, partly in response to the ever-growing folk scene of the 60s. Keep in mind, this was almost 13 years after they began manufacturing electric guitars. This in itself, is quite unlike other iconic guitar companies such as Gibson who first started manufacturing acoustic guitars in the 30s before later expanding to include electric guitars from the early 50s or Martin who was producing acoustic guitars as far back as 1833. In this sense, Fender® never really had the heritage these brands have when it comes to acoustic guitars. A new Take on the Acoustic Guitar Fender® never really pitched themselves this way anyway, instead, entering the market offering an innovative, and at times, a bold new take on the acoustic guitar. It was more about the enjoyment of music rather than taking itself too seriously. Fender®, say as much themselves on fender.com: "A Fender acoustic guitar was for throwing in the car and hitting the beach. It was for coffeehouses and campfires”. fender.com That's not to say they weren't played by some big names at different times, including the man in black, Johnny Cash, and the king, Elvis Presley, although it must be said, is far better known for his Gibsons, including the J200 and Ebony Dove. While most people would clearly associate Johnny Cash with Martin guitars. In any case, the earliest Fender® acoustic models reflected this ‘less serious’ attitude from Fender® and included features more akin to electric guitars including Stratocaster® style 6 inline headstocks, and bolt-on necks. Even the pickguards were screwed on. Under the hood, the first Fender® acoustics featured a unique aircraft aluminum rod, 'broomstick' bracing system. The Original Lineup The original lineup in 1963 consisted of The King, the flagship guitar of the fleet, later reintroduced as the Fender Kingman® in 1966. The Concert (1963–1970), The Classic (1963 - 1966), and the Folk which was rather short-lived, being manufactured only between 1963 and 1964. Looking Forward In many ways, not much has really changed when it comes to Fender’s® attitude toward the acoustic guitar. Many Fender® acoustic guitars still look far from traditional, featuring Strat® style headstocks and bold colors but this is now mixed with a number of entry-level instruments targeting the beginner market. In this sense, it seems Fender® is still more interested in offering an accessible, and unique alternative to the acoustic guitar rather than competing at the higher price points of Taylor and Martin, perhaps with the exception of the recently released Acoustisonic (perhaps the most radical departure from traditional acoustic design yet seen) which we'll take a closer look at below. Fender® Acoustic Guitars - Current Range Please note, any prices listed below are accurate as of the time of writing. Prices do change over time, so if unsure please check. Unlike the earliest days of Fender® acoustic guitars, the company now offers a broad range of acoustic instruments. These include: The California series The Paramount series The Classic Design series The Fender® Alternative series The Artist Design series The American Acoustasonic series We’ll introduce each of the series below, and an average rating, starting with perhaps the most eye-catching, the California series. The California Series The California series is an obvious hat tip to Fender’s® initial foray into the world of acoustics guitars. In fact, two of the California series models of guitar, the Malibu and Newporter were first introduced as far back as April 1965, and the Redondo was first introduced in 1968. All of these models were discontinued in 1971 as the Fender® name started losing appeal after being taken over by CBS musical instruments in 1965. This remained the case until the late 80s when Fender® reintroduced a number of their earlier acoustics including the California series. Today, the California series leans heavily on Fender’s® electric guitar design ethos featuring a range of bold body colors and slim-taper C shape Mahogany necks complete with Stratocaster® style headstock. The California series includes 16 different guitars. Including left-handed, 12 string, and acoustic bass options: The Newporter Orchestra style body shape, featuring a cutaway The Malibu Smaller folk size body. Available in both a cutaway and non-cutaway design (Malibu special Mahogany and Malibu player) The Redondo Dreadnought body shape, available in both cutaway (the Mahogany classic) and non-cutaway designs. Villager 12™ string 12 string guitar Kingman™ Bass Short-scale acoustic bass guitar The three primary models (Newporter, Malibu, and Redondo) are available at three different price points based mostly on whether the back and sides are constructed from solid wood or laminate along with the quality of the electronics. For example, the less expensive Player models feature the Fender® exclusive CD-1 Fishman pickup/preamp systems. The Special and Classic models feature a preamp system designed by Fender® in conjunction with Fishman, including additional features such as phase control to regulate feedback. While prices may vary, at the time of writing the Player models are listed at $429. The special models from $729, and the Classic model at $799. The California Player The California player guitars feature solid spruce tops, laminated Mahogany back and sides finished in a gloss poly and aged white binding. Fender Newporter Player - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Champagne Fender Malibu Player Acoustic Guitar - Natural Fender Redondo Player – California Series Acoustic Guitar - Belmont Blue Finish 309 Reviews 5 Reviews 309 Reviews Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender Newporter Player - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Champagne 309 Reviews Check Price on Amazon Fender Malibu Player Acoustic Guitar - Natural 5 Reviews Check Price on Amazon Fender Redondo Player – California Series Acoustic Guitar - Belmont Blue Finish 309 Reviews Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: Newporter player (including L/H model) Malibu player Redondo player (including L/H model) Specs: California Player Body Top (Soundboard) Solid Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Mahogany Laminate Finish Gloss Poly Binding Aged White Rosette Black/White/Black Bridge Pins Aged with black dots Bracing Scalloped X Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 6 in-line (Strat® style) Neck Shape Slim taper 'C' Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Walnut Frets 20 Scale Length 25.6" (650mm) * Malibu Player 24.1" (612mm) Fretboard Radius 15.75" radius Nut Width 1.69" (43mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® NuBone™ Inlays White (Plastic) dot Tuners Sealed Nickel Electronics CD-1 Fishman pickup/preamp system (Volume, Bass, Treble) Features The neck is a slim-taper C shape, constructed from Mahogany and featuring a 15.75" (400 mm) radius and 1.69" (43mm) nut width. The fretboard is constructed from Walnut and includes a Graph Tech® NuBone™ nut and saddle. For electronics, the guitar utilizes the Fishman CD-1 pickup system. Color options include Candy Apple Red, Champagne, Ice Blue Satin, Natural, Olive Satin, and Sunburst, depending on the model of guitar. E.g. some models such as the Redondo player feature additional options including Belmont Blue and black. The California Special The California special models are available either in a painted solid Sitka spruce top or solid Mahogany top. Both options feature painted solid Mahogany back and sides and satin finish with maple binding and rosette. Fender Redondo Special Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Fender Newport Special Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Fender Redondo Special - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Matte Black Finish with Gig Bag Fender Newporter Special - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Rustic Copper Finish Fender malibu Special - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Matte Black with Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender Redondo Special Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Check Price on Amazon Fender Newport Special Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Check Price on Amazon Fender Redondo Special - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Matte Black Finish with Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Fender Newporter Special - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Rustic Copper Finish Check Price on Amazon Fender malibu Special - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Matte Black with Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: Redondo Special Mahogany Newporter Special Mahogany Redondo Special Newporter Special Malibu Special Specs: California Special Body Top (Soundboard) Painted Solid Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Solid Mahogany Finish Satin Binding Maple Pickguard 3 ply Rosette Black/White/Black Bridge Pins Ebony with Mother of Pearl dots Bracing Quartersawn Scalloped "X" Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 6 in-line (Strat® style) Neck Shape Slim taper 'C' Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Pau Ferro Frets 20 Scale Length 25.6" (650mm) * Malibu Player 24.1" (612mm) Fretboard Radius 15.75" Nut Width 1.69" (43mm) Nut Material Bone Inlays Maple dots Tuners Sealed Nickel Electronics Fender® and Fishman designed preamp including Volume, Bass, Treble, with Tuner and Phase Controls The neck, like the player, is a slim taper C shape, constructed from Mahogany and featuring a 15.75" (400 mm) radius and 1.69" (43mm) nut width. The fretboard is constructed from Pau Ferro and features a bone nut. California Special guitars also come with a deluxe gig bag. The California Classic The California classic guitars are more or less the same as the special models, with a couple of small differences, including a painted Sitka Spruce top and natural finish back and sides along with a tilt-back headstock design. This serves to increase the break angle over the nut, increasing the downward pressure on the nut which contributes to a brighter sounding guitar with additional sustain. The California classic series also includes a deluxe gig bag. Fender Malibu Classic - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Cosmic Turquoise with Gig Bag Fender Newporter Classic - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Hot Rod Red Metallic with Gig Bag Fender Redondo Classic - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Hot Rod Red Metallic Finish with Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender Malibu Classic - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Cosmic Turquoise with Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Fender Newporter Classic - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Hot Rod Red Metallic with Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Fender Redondo Classic - California Series Acoustic Guitar - Hot Rod Red Metallic Finish with Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: Malibu Classic Newporter Classic Redondo Classic Specs: California Classic Body Top (Soundboard) Painted Solid Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Solid Mahogany Finish Gloss Poly Binding Koa Rosette Koa Bridge Pins Ebony with Mother of Pearl dots Bracing Quartersawn Scalloped "X" Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 6 in-line tilt back (Strat® style) Neck Shape Slim taper 'C' Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Pau Ferro Frets 20 Scale Length 25.6" (650mm) * Malibu Player 24.1" (612mm) Fretboard Radius 15.75" radius Nut Width 1.69" (43mm) Nut Material Bone Inlays Maple dots Tuners Sealed Nickel Electronics Fender® and Fishman designed preamp including Volume, Bass, Treble, with Tuner and Phase Controls Villager 12 string Originally introduced in 1965, the Villager 12 string features Fender's® hockey stock headstock and includes a cutaway and onboard electronics. Fender Villager 12-String, Black V3 Check Price on Amazon Fender Villager 12-String, Black V3 Check Price on Amazon Specs Body Top (Soundboard) (Black) Painted Solid Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Laminated Mahogany Finish Gloss Poly Binding White Rosette 2 ring (black/white) Pickguard 3 ply (gold) Bridge Pins Plastic (white) Bracing Forward Shifted Scalloped X (The center of the X is moved closer to the soundhole, increasing flexible strength of the lower bout of the guitar) Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock Painted ‘hockey stick’ style. Neck Shape Slim taper 'C' Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Walnut Frets 20 Scale Length 24.72" (628mm) Fretboard Radius 12" (305mm) Nut Width 1.77" (45 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® NuBone™ Inlays Plastic (white) Tuners Sealed Nickel Electronics CD-1 Fishman pickup/preamp system (Volume, Bass, Treble) Kingman™ Bass Short-scale bass guitar with a cutaway. Fender Kingman Acoustic Bass Guitar (V2) - Black - with Bag - Walnut Fingerboard Check Price on Amazon Fender Kingman Acoustic Bass Guitar (V2) - Black - with Bag - Walnut Fingerboard Check Price on Amazon Specs Body Top (Soundboard) Solid Spruce Back and Sides Mahogany (laminate) Finish Gloss poly Binding Aged white Rosette 2 ring (black/white) Pickguard 3 ply (gold) Bridge Pins 3 ply (gold) Plastic (cream with black dots) Bracing Forward Shifted Scalloped X Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 4 inline (traditional Fender® bass headstock) Neck Shape Jazz Bass Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Walnut Frets 20 Scale Length 30.3" (770 mm) Nut Width 1.5" (38.1 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® NuBone™ Inlays Pearloid (White) Tuners Open geared Electronics Fishman Preamp and tuner (bass, middle, treble and phase control) Are they any good? Average rating: 4.63 stars For the most part, the California series has been well-received by its intended market. Purists are less likely to give it a second look, but based on the design and price range, this series of guitars will mostly appeal to electric guitarists looking for an alternative to the more traditional acoustic guitar design. Below are the average individual ratings the guitars in the California series received from customers. Newporter Player: Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: 4.5 Reverb.com: 4.1 Avg Rating: 4.52 Newporter Special: Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: 4 Musicians Friend: 4.5 Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.5 Newporter Classic: Amazon: 4 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: 4 Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.16 Newporter Special Mahogany Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: 4 Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.37 Malibu Player: Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: 4.7 Avg Rating: 4.88 Malibu Special: Amazon: 4.5 stars Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: 4.5 stars Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.5 Malibu Classic: Amazon: 4 stars Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: 5 stars Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.75 Malibu Special Mahogany Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.5 Redondo Player: Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: 4.8 Avg Rating: 4.76 Redondo Special: Amazon: 4.5 stars Sweetwater: 5 stars Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.83 Redondo Classic: Amazon: 4 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.75 Redondo Special Mahogany Amazon: 4.6 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.86 Kingman™ Bass Amazon: 4.6 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.86 Villager™ 12-String Amazon: 3.8 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.6 The Paramount Series If the California series is the wild child of the Fender® acoustic guitar range, the Paramount series is the more refined older sibling, featuring a more traditional 3 a side headstock design and natural finishes. The Paramount series include 3 models of guitar, the imaginatively named PM-1, PM-2, and PM-3. PM 1 The PM 1 is a standard dreadnought shape (does not feature a cutaway) of the series and is available in both a standard all Mahogany option, or a natural Spruce top. If you're wanting to plugin, however, you’re sadly out of luck as the PM-1 does not include electronics, so you’ll need to step up to the PM-2 or PM-3. Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought - Natural Fender Paramount PM-1 Acoustic Guitar - All-Mahogany - Dreadnought Body Style - Ovangkol Fingerboard - With Case Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought - Natural Check Price on Amazon Fender Paramount PM-1 Acoustic Guitar - All-Mahogany - Dreadnought Body Style - Ovangkol Fingerboard - With Case Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: PM-1 Standard Dreadnought, Natural PM-1 Standard Dreadnought All-Mahogany NE Specs: PM1 Body Top (Soundboard) Open Pore Solid Mahogany or solid Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Solid Mahogany Finish Satin Binding White, Black, Checker, Black Rosette Checkerboard Pickguard 1-Ply (Tortoiseshell) Bridge Pins Ebony with MOP Dots Bracing Quartersawn Scalloped "X" Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Binding 3 ply (White, Black, White) Neck Shape C Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Ovangkol Frets 20 Scale Length 25.3" (600mm) Fretboard Radius 15.75" Nut Width 1.69" (43mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® NuBone™ Inlays MOP dots Tuners Open back Nickel Electronics NA PM 2 The PM2 is a smaller parlor body shape and like the PM1 is available in both a standard all Mahogany option, or a natural Spruce top. This model, like most small body acoustics, does not feature a cutaway. Fender Paramount PM-2 Acoustic Guitar - All-Mahogany - Parlor Body Style - Ovangkol Fingerboard - With Case Fender Paramount PM-2 Standard Parlor - Natural Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender Paramount PM-2 Acoustic Guitar - All-Mahogany - Parlor Body Style - Ovangkol Fingerboard - With Case Check Price on Amazon Fender Paramount PM-2 Standard Parlor - Natural Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: PM-2 Parlor NE, All-Mahogany, Natural PM-2 Standard Parlor, Natural Specs: PM2 Body Top (Soundboard) Open Pore Solid Mahogany or solid Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Solid Mahogany Finish Satin (open pore) Binding White, Black, Checker, Black Rosette Checkerboard Pickguard 1-Ply (Tortoiseshell) Bridge Pins Ebony with MOP Dots Bracing Quartersawn Scalloped "X" Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Shape C Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Ovangkol Neck Binding 3 ply (White, Black, White) Frets 19 Scale Length 24.75" (629 mm) Fretboard Radius 15.75" Nut Width 1.75" (44.45 mm) Nut Material Bone Inlays MOP dots Tuners Nickel Electronics Fender® and Fishman designed preamp including Volume, Bass, Treble, with Tuner and Phase Controls PM 3 The PM3 is an orchestra body shape and like the PM1 is available in both a standard all Mahogany option, or a natural Spruce top. Fender Paramount PM-3 Standard Triple 0 - Natural Fender Paramount PM-3 Acoustic Guitar - All-Mahogany - Triple-0 Body Style - Ovangkol Fingerboard - With Case Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender Paramount PM-3 Standard Triple 0 - Natural Check Price on Amazon Fender Paramount PM-3 Acoustic Guitar - All-Mahogany - Triple-0 Body Style - Ovangkol Fingerboard - With Case Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: PM-3 Standard Triple-0, Natural PM-3 Triple-0 All-Mahogany, Natural Specs: PM3 Body Top (Soundboard) Open Pore Solid Mahogany or solid Sitka Spruce Back and Sides Solid Mahogany Finish Satin (open pore) Binding White, Black, Checker, Black Rosette Checkerboard Pickguard 1-Ply (Tortoiseshell) Bridge Pins Ebony with MOP Dots Bracing Quartersawn Scalloped "X" Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Shape C Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Ovangkol Neck Binding 3 ply (White, Black, White) Frets 20 Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) Fretboard Radius 15.75" Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) Nut Material Bone Inlays MOP dots Tuners Nickel Electronics Fender® and Fishman designed preamp including Volume, Bass, Treble, with Tuner and Phase Controls All the guitars in the Paramount series come in either all Mahogany construction (open-pore Mahogany soundboard) or standard construction featuring a Solid Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany neck with Ovangkol fingerboard. All models feature Quartersawn Scalloped "X" bracing and black and white checker binding and rosette. The standard construction guitars start at $829 and feature solid Sitka spruce tops, while all Mahogany models start at $629. Are they any good? Average rating: 4.60 stars In general, the Paramount series has been favorably reviewed, with guitarworld.com even naming them the best acoustic guitars Fender have ever produced. Below are the average individual ratings the guitars in the Paramount series received from customers. PM-2 Parlor NE, All-Mahogany, Natural Amazon: 4.1 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: 4 Reverb.com: 4.7 Avg Rating: 4.26 PM-3 Standard Triple-0, NaturalAmazon: 3.9 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.72 PM-1 Standard Dreadnought All-Mahogany NE Amazon: 4.1 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 4.6 Avg Rating: 4.67 PM-3 Triple-0 All-Mahogany, Natural Amazon: 4.2 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.73 PM-1 Standard Dreadnought, Natural Amazon: 4.1 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.77 PM-2 Standard Parlor, Natural Amazon: 4.7 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: 4 Reverb.com: 4.8 Avg Rating: 4.5 The Classic Design Series Fender has carved out quite the niche for themselves in the learner guitar market, especially when you take into account the ever-popular Squier range of electric guitars, Fender play (an online guitar lesson platform aimed at beginners), and the classic design series of affordable acoustic guitars. The classic design series builds upon this connection to the beginner market while incorporating a more traditional look and feel, more in line with the Paramount series than the California series. The classic design series consists of 5 models, the classic design 140SCE, the 60SCE, and the 60S. All three models are available in three separate body styles, the appropriately named CD (dreadnought body shape), CC (concert shape), and CP (parlor shape), while a nylon version is also available in the 140SCE and 60S range, and an acoustic bass included in the 60SCE range. 60S Firmly aimed at beginners the Classic Design S models feature solid-top construction, and laminate back and sides along with quartersawn Scalloped "X" bracing and rolled fretboards (the edge of the fretboard and fret wires are rounded off) for easier playing. Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Natural Finish - All Mahogany Fender 6 String CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, Right, 3 Tone Sunburst (970120032) Fender CC-60S Concert Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth Fender CN-60S Concert Nylon String Natural Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth Check Price on Amazon Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Natural Finish - All Mahogany Check Price on Amazon Fender 6 String CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, Right, 3 Tone Sunburst (970120032) Check Price on Amazon Fender CC-60S Concert Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth Check Price on Amazon Fender CN-60S Concert Nylon String Natural Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: CD-60S (also available in LH model) CD-60S, All-Mahogany CP-60S Parlor CC-60S Concert (also available in LH model) CN-60S Specs: 60S Body Top (Soundboard) Solid Spruce *Solid Mahogany for all Mahogany model Back and Sides Mahogany (laminate) Finish Gloss Binding Multiple (Black and white) Rosette Pearloid (plastic resembling Mother of Pearl) Pickguard I ply black * no pickguard on CN-60S model Bridge Pins White plastic (black dots) * no bridge pins on CN-60S model (nylon string guitars do not require bridge pins) Bracing Scalloped "X" bracing * Quartersawn Scalloped "X" on CD-60S, CD-60S all Mahogany, and CC-60S Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 3 a side traditional * slotted headstock on CN-60S Neck Shape Fender® 'Easy-to-Play' shape with rolled fretboard edges Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Walnut Neck Binding I ply black Frets 20 *18 on CN-60S25.3" (643 mm) Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) *CP model: 24.75" (629 mm) Fretboard Radius 12" (305 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) Nut Material Plastic Inlays Pearloid * Side dot only on CN-60S Tuners Chrome Die-Cast * Amber Pearloid Buttons on CN-60S Electronics NA 60SCE The 60SCE series features cutaways and onboard electronics, including a tuner. SCE refers to standard + cutaway + electronics, hence the model name. Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Instructional DVD, Polishing Cloth Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth Fender CC-60SCE Concert Acoustic Guitar - Natural Fender CB-60SCE Acoustic Bass Guitar - Black Fender CD-60SCE Right Handed 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Dreadnaught Body - Natural Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Instructional DVD, Polishing Cloth Check Price on Amazon Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth Check Price on Amazon Fender CC-60SCE Concert Acoustic Guitar - Natural Check Price on Amazon Fender CB-60SCE Acoustic Bass Guitar - Black Check Price on Amazon Fender CD-60SCE Right Handed 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Dreadnaught Body - Natural Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: CD-60SCE Dreadnought (left-handed model also available) CD-60SCE Dreadnought, All-Mahogany CC-60SCE Concert (left-handed model also available) CB-60SCE Bass CD-60SCE Dreadnought 12-String Specs: 60S Body Top (Soundboard) Solid Spruce *Solid Mahogany on all-mahogany models Back and Sides Mahogany (Laminate) Finish Gloss Binding Multiple (Black and white) Rosette Pearloid Pickguard 1 ply black Bridge Pins White (black dots) Bracing Quartersawn Scalloped "X" * Scalloped "X" on CB-60SCE Bass Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Shape Fender® 'Easy-to-Play' shape with rolled fretboard edges Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Walnut * Indian Laurel on CB-60SCE (acoustic bass) Neck Binding I ply black Frets 20 * 22 on CB-60SCE (acoustic bass) Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) * 32" (813 mm) on CB-60SCE (acoustic bass) Fretboard Radius 12" (305 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) *1.77" (45mm) on CD-60SCE DREADNOUGHT 12-STRING Nut Material Plastic Inlays Pearloid Tuners Chrome Die-Cast Electronics Fishman® CD Preamp (Volume, Bass, Treble) 140SCE The 140-SCE differs from the 60-SCE in that it additionally includes a hardshell case and upgraded electronics in the form of the Fishman® CD Preamp, offering volume, bass, treble, tuner, and low battery light indicator. A 1-Ply Tortoiseshell pickguard and Graph Tech® NuBone™ nut are also included. Fender CD-140SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar - Natural Fender CN-140SCE Nylon - Walnut Fingerboard - Black - with Case Fender CD-140SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar With Case - Dreadnaught Body Style - Natural Finish Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender CD-140SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar - Natural Check Price on Amazon Fender CN-140SCE Nylon - Walnut Fingerboard - Black - with Case Check Price on Amazon Fender CD-140SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar With Case - Dreadnaught Body Style - Natural Finish Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include: CD-140SCE 12-String CN-140SCE (classical guitar) CD-140SCE All-Mahogany CD-140SCE Specs: 140SCE Body Top (Soundboard) Solid Spruce *Solid Mahogany on all-mahogany models Back and Sides Laminated Ovangkol *Laminate Mahogany on all-mahogany models Finish Gloss Binding Multiple (Black and white) Rosette Pearloid Pickguard 1-Ply Tortoiseshell *none on CN-140SCE (classic guitar) Bridge Pins White plastic (black dots) *none on CN-140SCE (classic guitar) Bracing Quartersawn Scalloped "X" *fan bracing on CN-140SCE (classic guitar) Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock 3 a side traditional *Slotted headstock on CN models (classic guitar) Neck Shape Fender® 'Easy-to-Play' shape with rolled fretboard edges Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Walnut Neck Binding I ply black Frets 20 *18 on CN-140SCE (classic guitar) Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) Fretboard Radius 12" (305 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) *1.77 on CD-140SCE 12-String Nut Material Graph Tech® NuBone™ Inlays Pearloid *side dot only on CN-140SCE (classical guitar) Tuners Chrome Die-Cast *3-In-Line (Amber Pearloid Buttons) on CN-140SCE (classical guitar) Electronics Fishman® CD Preamp (volume, bass, treble, tuner, and low battery light indicator) Prices range from $199 for the ‘S’ (standard) models. The 60 SCE models which include Fishman electronics come in at $329, and the 140SCE with a hardshell case and upgraded electronics will set you back $439.00 The classic design series are firmly entrenched in the sub $500 category and for this price you won’t normally see solid wood construction back and sides. Are they any good? Average rating: 4.58 stars Serious guitarists aren’t going to be lining up for a CD60 anytime, but this isn’t the intended market for these guitars which otherwise represent good value for money, if not a little inconsistent (according to reports from some customers) with regard to manufacturing quality and quality control. Below are the average individual ratings the guitars in the Classic Design Series received from customers. CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Amazon: 4.6 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 4 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.53 CD-60S Amazon: 4.6 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: 3.7 Avg Rating: 4.56 CD-60S Dreadnought, All-Mahogany Amazon: 4.7 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 3 Avg Rating: 4.42 CP-60S Parlor Amazon: 4.7 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: 4 Avg Rating: 4.64 CC-60S Concert Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.87 CN-60S Amazon: 5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 5 CD-60S Dreadnought, All-Mahogany Amazon: 4.7 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 3 Avg Rating: 4.3 CD-60SCE Dreadnought Amazon: 4.6 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: 4.1 Reverb.com: 4.4 Avg Rating: 4.42 CD-60SCE Dreadnought, All-Mahogany Amazon: NA Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 4.7 Avg Rating: 4.6 CC-60SCE Concert Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.66 CB-60SCE Bass Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 4 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: 4.5 Avg Rating: 4.6 CD-140SCE Amazon: 4.3 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.6 CD-140SCE All-Mahogany Amazon: 4.3 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: 4.5 Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.56 CD-140SCE 12-String Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.66 CN-140SCE Amazon: 3.8 Sweetwater: 4.6 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 4.5 Avg Rating: 4.3 The Fender® Alternative series Fender® pitch the alternative series as the perfect beginner's instrument, in fact just for good measure, the alternative series even includes a ¾ size guitar for children. Visually they’re somewhat of a compromise between Fender's® earlier, less traditional acoustic guitars, combined with a sense of the more traditional in terms of body shape. The alternative series features four series of guitars. The 15, 100, 200, and 300 series. All guitars feature laminate back and sides, which Fender® market as being more durable and more feedback resistant. FA15 Models The 15 models include two 3/4 size guitars, including the nylon string 15n (hence the ‘n’ in the name. Ideal for children or for use as an inexpensive travel guitar. Fender FA-15N 3/4 Scale Nylon String Beginner Acoustic Guitar Fender FA-15 Steel String 3/4 Scale Acoustic Guitar - Rosewood Fingerboard - With Gig Bag $149.99 $195.49 Fender FA-15N 3/4 Scale Nylon String Beginner Acoustic Guitar $149.99 Fender FA-15 Steel String 3/4 Scale Acoustic Guitar - Rosewood Fingerboard - With Gig Bag $195.49 Guitars in this range include the: FA-15N 3/4 Nylon FA-15 3/4 steel Specs: FA15 Body Top (Soundboard) Agathis (laminate) Back and Sides Sapele (laminate) Finish Gloss poly Binding 1 ply black Rosette Concentric rings * wood mosaic on the 15N Pickguard NA Bridge Pins Black plastic (white dots) *NA on 15N model (nylon string guitars don’t require bridge pins) Bracing X bracing Neck Neck Nato Headstock 3 a side traditional *Slotted headstock on 15N model Neck Shape C Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Walnut Neck Binding 1 ply black Frets 18 Scale Length 23.3" (592 mm) Fretboard Radius 11.81" (300 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) Nut Material Synthetic Bone Inlays White plastic dot Tuners Die-cast (sealed back) *Open-Gear with Pearloid Buttons on 15n model Electronics NA The 100 The more affordable and aptly named 100 models feature laminate soundboards and traditional dot inlays. Fender Alternative 6 String Walnut Fingerboard - with Case, Right (971210521) Fender FA-125CE Acoustic Guitar, Walnut Fingerboard, Natural Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Fender Alternative 6 String Walnut Fingerboard - with Case, Right (971210521) Check Price on Amazon Fender FA-125CE Acoustic Guitar, Walnut Fingerboard, Natural Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include the: FA-125 Dreadnought Walnut, FA-125CE Dreadnought, Walnut Fingerboard Specs: 100 Body Top (Soundboard) Spruce (laminate) Back and Sides Basswood (laminate) Finish Gloss Binding 1 ply black Rosette Concentric rings Pickguard 1 ply black Bridge Pins White plastic (black dots) Bracing X bracing Neck Neck Nato Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Shape C Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Walnut Neck Binding 1 ply black Frets 20 Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) Fretboard Radius 11.81" (300 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) Nut Material Synthetic Bone Inlays White plastic dot Tuners Die-cast (sealed back) Electronics NA The 200 series The 200 models feature flame maple tops and decorative inlays, which look beautiful. The 200 also includes lacewood back and sides, laminate flame maple soundboard, and Nato neck. Fender FA-235E Concert Bodied Acoustic Guitar - Moonlight Burst Check Price on Amazon Fender FA-235E Concert Bodied Acoustic Guitar - Moonlight Burst Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include the: FA-235E Concert Specs: 200 Body Top (Soundboard) Flame Maple (Laminate) Back and Sides Mahogany (Laminate) Finish Gloss Binding Aged white Rosette Keystone design Pickguard 1 ply black Bridge Pins White plastic (black dots) Bracing X bracing Neck Neck Nato Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Shape C Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Indian Laurel Neck Binding Aged white Frets 20 Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® TUSQ® Inlays Pearloid (keystone design) Tuners Open geared Electronics Fishman® Electronics (volume, bass, treble) The 300 Along with the updated features of the 200 models, the 300 also includes tortoiseshell binding, which combined with the flame maple top looks fantastic. Fender FA-345CE Auditorium Bodied Acoustic Guitar - Natural Check Price on Amazon Fender FA-345CE Auditorium Bodied Acoustic Guitar - Natural Check Price on Amazon Guitars in this range include the: FA-345CE Auditorium Specs: 300 Body Top (Soundboard) Flame Maple (Laminate) Back and Sides Mahogany (Laminate) Finish Gloss Binding Aged white Rosette Keystone design Pickguard 1 ply black Bridge Pins White plastic (black dots) Bracing X bracing Neck Neck Nato Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Shape C Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Indian Laurel Neck Binding Aged white Frets 20 Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® TUSQ® Inlays Pearloid (keystone design) Tuners Open geared Electronics Fishman® Electronics (volume, bass, treble) Are they any good? Average rating: 4.66 stars Considering the price of the guitars within this series, the Fender® Alternative series delivers for the most part and is well priced for the beginner market. With prices ranging from $149.99 for the FA-15N 3/4 Nylon, up to $439.99 for the FA-345CE Auditorium. FA-15N 3/4 Nylon Amazon: 5 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 5 FA-15 3/4 Steel Amazon: 4.7 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.7 FA-125 Dreadnought, Walnut Amazon: 4.5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.83 FA-125CE Dreadnought, Walnut Fingerboard Amazon: 4.4 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.6 FA-235E Concert Amazon: 4.3 Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.4 FA-345CE Auditorium Amazon: 4.4 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: NA Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 4.45 The Artist Design Series The artist design series, as the name implies, represents the collaborative design process between Fender® and artists such as Tim Armstrong (Rancid) and Alkaline Trio (Chicago Punk Band). The guitars themselves are released in limited numbers and as you might imagine, are unique and imaginatively designed featuring limited-edition bold colors and finishes, custom inlays and gold hardware. The models included in the Artist Design Series include: Tim Armstrong Anniversary Hellcat (including 12 string and LH models) Alkaline Trio Malibu™ Tim Armstrong Anniversary Hellcat Tim Armstrong (Founder and Frontman for Rancid), so the word goes, does most of his writing on his 60s concert size Fender® acoustic guitar. Fender® and Tim Armstrong collaborated and came up with the Tim Armstrong Hellcat, a distinctively cool retro-looking acoustic guitar that features a couple of nice signature touches including custom ‘hellcat’ style inlays and gold hardware, but otherwise gives every indication of being more a workhorse than a show pony. The Tim Armstrong Hellcat Series includes three guitars, a standard 6 string, 12 string, and a left-handed model (Tim Armstrong is left-handed after all). Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic Guitar, Natural Check Price on Amazon Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic Guitar, Natural Check Price on Amazon Specs: Tim Armstrong Anniversary Hellcat Body Top (Soundboard) Solid Spruce Back and Sides Mahogany (Laminate) Finish Gloss Binding Aged white Rosette F style Pickguard 3 ply gold Bridge Pins White Neck Neck Maple Headstock 3 a side traditional Neck Shape C Neck Finish Gloss Fretboard Walnut Neck Binding Aged white Frets 19 Scale Length 25.3" (643 mm) Fretboard Radius 11.81" (300 mm) Nut Width 1.69" (43 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® TUSQ® Inlays Skulls, and Hellcat design Tuners White plastic (vintage style) Electronics Fishman® Isys™ III pickup system (volume, EQ, tuner) Alkaline Trio Malibu™ We’ve already met the Malibu in the California series. The Alkaline Trio Malibu is an all Mahogany signature version of the same guitar, that thanks to the distinctive heart-shaped soundhole and rosette, is a guitar that’s difficult to miss. Table could not be displayed. Specs: Alkaline Trio Malibu™ Body Top (Soundboard) Mahogany (Laminate) Back and Sides Mahogany (Laminate) Finish Gloss (poly) Rosette Signature Alkaline Trio silver heart Pickguard NA Bridge Pins White (black dots) Neck Neck Maple Headstock Stratocaster® style 6 inline Neck Shape Vintage C Neck Finish Gloss Urethane Fretboard Walnut Neck Binding white Frets 20 Scale Length 24.75" (629 mm) Fretboard Radius 7.25" (300 mm) Nut Width 1.625" (41.3 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® TUSQ® Inlays Pearloid Tuners White plastic (vintage style) Electronics NA Are they any good? Average rating: 4.773 stars The Tim Armstrong Hellcat (along with the Gretsch Jim Dandy) has long been one of those inexpensive acoustic guitars that, perhaps lacked some of the refinement and finishing touches of its more expensive counterparts but punched well above its weight, making it good value for its sub $500 price. The Alkaline Trio will appeal to some, and not to others but overall has been well received and seems good value at under $300. Tim Armstrong Hellcat Amazon: 4 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: 5 Reverb.com: 4.8 Avg Rating: 4.76 Tim Armstrong Anniversary Hellcat Amazon: NA Sweetwater: NA Guitar Center: 5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: NA Avg Rating: 5 * Tim Armstrong Anniversary Hellcat was only announced two months prior to this article being written. Alkaline Trio Malibu™ Amazon: 4.2 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 0 Avg Rating: 4.56 The American Acoustasonic series Lastly, we come to the American Acoustasonic Series, which, is perhaps the most radical departure from traditional acoustic guitar design seen yet. This is the first production acoustic guitar Fender® has built in the USA for almost 50 years and is priced accordingly, starting at more or less the $2000 mark. Another newcomer to the Fender® lineup, Fender® first showed the world the Acoustasonic Telecaster® in 2019 at Winter NAMM. And, while it’s raised more than a few eyebrows since then, most reviews, it has to be said, have been favorable, but the fact that you tend not to see a lot of them may be a sign of their popularity or lack thereof. The guitars themselves have several interesting features including a noiseless mounted bridge pickup and bolt-on 22 fret neck with tapered heel and ebony fretboard. But the real heart of the Acoustasonic series is the Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS), which Fender® has developed exclusively for the Acoustasonic. The Stringed Instrument Resonance System or SIRS regulates the airflow into the internal chamber of the guitar which is said to aid resonance and give the guitar greater resonance and dynamics. The American Acoustasonic Series includes both Telecaster® and Stratocaster® options including the following models: American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® Ziricote American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® American Acoustasonic® Telecaster® (including left-handed option) American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® Cocobolo American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® Released in March 2020, as a follow-up to the Acoustisonic® Telecaster®. The Acoustasonic Stratocaster®, possibly benefiting from its support act has for the most part been well-received and positively reviewed. Though, more or less relying on the same feature set and tech that paved the way for the Tele version. Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster Black w/Premium Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster Black w/Premium Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Specs: American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® Body Top (Soundboard) Mahogany *Black Limba on Ziricote model. *White Limba on Cocobolo model. Back and Sides Solid Sitka Spruce *Ziricote on Ziricote model. *Cocobolo on Cocobolo model. Finish Satin (matte) Rosette 2 ring (black/white) Pickguard NA Bridge Pins GraphTech Tusq® Bracing Transverse (Usually refers to a single brace that is closer to the neck joint and adds greater stability primarily to this area). Neck Neck Mahogany *Black Limba on Ziricote model. *White Limba on Cocobolo model. Headstock Stratocaster® style 6 inline Neck Shape Modern C Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Ebony Neck Binding NA Frets 22 Scale Length 25.5" (648 mm) Fretboard Radius 12" (305 mm) Nut Width 1.6875" (42.86 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® TUSQ® Inlays Plastic (white) * none on both Ziricote and Cocobolo models. Tuners Fender® Standard Cast Electronics Piezo under-saddle bridge pickup. N4 magnetic bridge pickup and internal body sensor pickup. 5-way selector switch. American Acoustasonic® Telecaster® The original Acoustisonic initially released in March 2019. The first American-made Fender® acoustic guitar in 50 years, while a very different guitar to the original 1963 models, the Acoustisonics share much of the same sentiment, caring little for tradition, preferring to break new ground. Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster Sunburst w/Premium Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster Sunburst w/Premium Gig Bag Check Price on Amazon Specs: American Acoustasonic® Telecaster® Body Top (Soundboard) Mahogany Back and Sides Solid Sitka Spruce Finish Satin (matte) Rosette 2 ring (black/white) Pickguard NA Bridge Pins GraphTech Tusq® Bracing Transverse Neck Neck Mahogany Headstock Stratocaster® style 6 inline Neck Shape Modern C Neck Finish Satin Urethane Fretboard Ebony Neck Binding NA Frets 22 Scale Length 25.5" (648 mm) Fretboard Radius 12" (305 mm) Nut Width 1.6875" (42.86 mm) Nut Material Graph Tech® TUSQ® Inlays Plastic (white) * none on both Ziricote and Cocobolo models. Tuners Fender® Standard Cast Electronics Piezo under-saddle bridge pickup. N4 magnetic bridge pickup and internal body sensor pickup. 5-way selector switch. Are they any good? Average rating: 4.695 stars The Acoustisonic series has been well-received by critics, including several high-profile reviews, including guitarworld.com and premierguitar.com. They’re not cheap, starting at just under $2000 but for an American-made Fender® that includes a number of innovative features including the Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS) for the most part they represent good value and have been well-received. American Acoustasonic® Telecaster® Amazon: 4.4 Sweetwater: 4.5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 4.7 Avg Rating: 4.52 American Acoustasonic® Stratocaster® Amazon: 5 Sweetwater: 5 Guitar Center: 4.5 Musicians Friend: NA Reverb.com: 5 Avg Rating: 4.87 Final Thoughts After taking a look at where Fender® began with regard to the acoustic guitar and a preview of where things are headed with the Acoustisonic series® it seems fairly apparent that Fender® will continue to look for new ways to approach acoustic guitar design. At the same time with a high volume number of guitars dedicated to the beginner marker including the FA and CD series, manufacturing good value, affordable yet highly playable acoustic guitars will also continue to take up a large part of Fenders® acoustic lineup. So, with all things considered are Fender® acoustic guitars any good? For what it’s worth, for a beginner on a budget a Fender® acoustic guitar is a great option, and considering the large range there really is something for everyone.