Fender is a household name in the music world, celebrated for its legendary electric guitars, but its acoustic lineup also shines brightly. Fender’s acoustic guitar models cater to a wide range of players, from beginners to seasoned professionals, offering excellent craftsmanship, playability, and sound quality. This article will take you through Fender’s popular acoustic guitar models and what makes them unique.
Why Choose a Fender Acoustic Guitar?
Fender acoustic guitars stand out for several reasons:
- Player-Friendly Design: Slim necks, comfortable body shapes, and rolled fingerboard edges make Fender acoustics easy to play.
- Affordability: Fender offers high-quality acoustic guitars at competitive prices, making them accessible to players at all levels.
- Versatility: With various body shapes, features, and aesthetics, Fender guitars suit different genres and playing styles.
Fender Acoustic Guitar Models
Here’s a breakdown of Fender’s most popular acoustic guitar models:
1. Fender CD-60S
- Best For: Beginners and casual players
- Body Style: Dreadnought
- Features:
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides
- Easy-to-play neck with rolled edges
- Why It’s Popular: The CD-60S is a best-seller because of its great tone, durability, and affordable price, making it perfect for beginners.
2. Fender CD-140SCE
- Best For: Intermediate players and performers
- Body Style: Dreadnought Cutaway
- Features:
- Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
- Built-in Fishman electronics for amplification
- Cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
- Why It’s Popular: This acoustic-electric guitar offers great value for players transitioning to live performances.
3. Fender CC-60S
- Best For: Fingerpickers and small-framed players
- Body Style: Concert
- Features:
- Compact body for comfort and intimate sound
- Solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides
- Slim neck for smooth playability
- Why It’s Popular: Its smaller size and brighter tone make it ideal for players who prioritize comfort and precision.
4. Fender Redondo Player
- Best For: Style-conscious musicians
- Body Style: Dreadnought (California Series)
- Features:
- Bold, retro-inspired design
- Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
- Slim C-shaped neck profile
- Why It’s Popular: The Redondo Player combines striking aesthetics with versatile sound, perfect for both practice and performance.
5. Fender Paramount Series PM-1 Standard Dreadnought
- Best For: Advanced players and professionals
- Body Style: Dreadnought
- Features:
- All-solid wood construction with Sitka spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides for warm tones
- High-end appointments like ebony fingerboard and scalloped X-bracing
- Why It’s Popular: Its premium craftsmanship and balanced tone make it a top choice for serious players.
6. Fender Malibu Player
- Best For: Singer-songwriters and performers
- Body Style: Compact, short-scale (California Series)
- Features:
- Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
- Fishman preamp system for stage performances
- Shorter scale length for easier playability
- Why It’s Popular: The Malibu Player is perfect for vocalists who need a guitar with a balanced tone and easy playability.
7. Fender FA-115
- Best For: Budget-conscious beginners
- Body Style: Dreadnought
- Features:
- Laminated spruce top
- Basswood back and sides
- Includes starter pack with picks, strap, and tuner
- Why It’s Popular: The FA-115 provides a complete package for beginners at an unbeatable price.
8. Fender Villager 12-String
- Best For: Players seeking a rich, layered sound
- Body Style: Concert (California Series)
- Features:
- Solid spruce top
- Unique Fender “hockey stick” headstock
- Fishman electronics for amplification
- Why It’s Popular: The Villager offers the distinctive chime of a 12-string guitar with excellent playability and modern features.
Fender Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Fender’s acoustic-electric models, such as the CD-140SCE and Redondo Player, come equipped with Fishman preamp systems, making them ideal for live performances. These guitars allow players to seamlessly switch between acoustic and amplified sound.
Key Features Across Fender Acoustic Guitars
- Solid Tops: Most models feature solid spruce tops for improved resonance and tonal clarity.
- Slim Necks: Fender’s signature slim neck profiles enhance playability, especially for beginners.
- Durability: High-quality materials and construction ensure longevity.
- Built-in Electronics: Many models include Fishman preamps for amplified sound.
Choosing the Right Fender Acoustic Guitar
Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect Fender acoustic guitar:
- Skill Level: Beginners should look at the CD-60S or CC-60S, while intermediate players may prefer the CD-140SCE or Redondo Player.
- Body Shape: Choose a dreadnought for bold, full sound or a concert body for a more balanced tone.
- Budget: Fender offers guitars in a wide price range, so decide your budget beforehand.
- Electronics: If you plan to perform, opt for an acoustic-electric model with built-in preamps.
Conclusion
Fender’s acoustic guitar lineup offers something for every player, from entry-level instruments like the CD-60S to premium options like the Paramount Series. Known for their affordability, playability, and great tone, Fender guitars are a solid investment for musicians of all levels.
Whether you’re strumming at home, performing on stage, or recording in the studio, there’s a Fender acoustic guitar that’s perfect for your needs!