California dreamin’
Fender’s colourful new acoustic series officially released
The most visually striking new line we saw in acoustics at this year’s NAMM show was easily Fender’s California Series electros, and now the company has them ready for players to try and buy.
These guitars suggest the company is keen to push in a bolder direction with acoustic design, alongside its more traditional Paramount series, but the Californias are also reflecting Fender’s roots as a company.
That’s not just with the distinctive and instantly recognisable headstock, unlike the usual six-a-side design found on most contemporary acoustics, but the series and models names too. All three of the series’ three designs is named after an iconic coastal area of the state with the Malibu, Redondo and Newporter.
And within those ranges there are three iterations; the entry level California Player, then the Special that offers solid mahogany back and sides, then the Classic with natural mahogany.
The Malibu (Player £310, Special £679, Classic £749) is the smallest body of the three, with the shorter 24-inch scale length giving this folky model a slinkier feel. All the California models come with C-shape mahogany necks that should feel welcoming for electric players too.
Speaking of electrics, the entry-level Players have Fishman-designed preamps with volume, bass, treble and tuner but the Specials and Classics have an upgraded Fender/fishman collaborative design (pictured above). These preamp systems are specially voiced for their respective body shapes and look more visually subtle on the guitars compared to the Player models.
The Redondo (Player £320, Special £679, Classic £749) is the largest body shape of the three with the mid-size Newporter (£320, £679, £749) revealing itself as candidate for all-rounder here
Unlike the Malibu these guitars are cutaway shapes. Specific colour options also depend on which iteration you choose, but there’s plenty of eye-catching hues on offer from the bold Belmont Blue and Cosmic Turquoise to the rather regal Champagne and the, um, black Jetty Black.
We’ll have a Newporter Player in for review next issue, but in the meantime you’ll see on page 35 that Milk Teeth’s Chris Webb’s already got his paws on a Malibu on tour with the band.