Fender Acoustic Guitars :A Guide to Features and Top Models-:Complete Guide

If you are looking for the perfect acoustic guitar to match your individual playing style, the Fender range offers plenty of possibilities.

You can find the dream instrument that will make every strum sound delightful and create unforgettable music.

Our guide provides a comprehensive overview of what Fender has to offer, so you can pick the right acoustic guitar for you!

The Fender brand is well-known and respected among guitar enthusiasts, defined by clarity of sound and quality construction. The Fender acoustic guitar line brings the same proven craftsmanship coupled with recognizable styling to the acoustics realm.

From tone woods to bracing patterns, Fender offers a number of models that caters to both the beginner and experienced musician alike.

In this guide, we’ll be discussing some key features of Fender acoustic guitars, and looking at some of their most popular offerings. We’ll cover everything from wood types to articulation in order to help you make an informed decision when it comes to deciding on a Fender acoustic instrument that suits your individual needs and budget.

Brief history of Fender

Fender has been a leader in the acoustic guitar industry since 1946. The company, founded by Leo Fender, began as an amplifier shop in Fullerton, California. Over the decades, they have released some of the world’s most iconic electric models such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster. However, they have also produced some amazing acoustic guitars over the years.

The first Fender acoustics were released in late 1965 and early 1966 with folk-style bodies and single-cutaway designs. They were designed for beginner musicians who wanted an affordable option without sacrificing quality or tone. Over time Fender improved on their initial designs with more advanced materials such as spruce and walnut construction, top-notch electronics, truss-rod adjustable necks and scalloped fingerboard bracing for a robust sound that projects well both unplugged or plugged into an amplifier.

Fender’s most popular acoustic guitars include models such as the Kingman series for blues players or professional concert accompanists; the Paramount (Modified Dreadnought) series for performance; and the Newporter Classic or Modern Player series to fill multiple roles both onstage and in studio recording sessions. These classic models have gone through various design features over time to suit different tastes and preferences of guitarists around the world.

Importance of acoustic guitars in music

Acoustic guitars are the foundation of many musical genres and an ideal way to get started with learning to play the guitar. With the explosion of independent and creative music over recent decades, acoustic guitars have become increasingly important. They can be used for everything from folk, country, jazz and blues to psychedelic rock, indie and pop.

Acoustic guitars provide a unique accompaniment for a variety of musical styles as well as offering convenience for solo performances. This is due in part to their ability to create rich tones without needing additional electrical equipment such as amplifiers or power supplies. As acoustic guitarists become more skilled and their individual tastes become more defined, they often seek higher quality instruments with special features that will take their performance skills to the next level.

Fender acoustic guitars offer exceptional quality when it comes to sound production, playability and custom features that players rely on; they continue to be among the most trusted names in acoustic instruments today. Fender produces a range of beautiful instruments that appeals to all levels of skill at an excellent value point. From beginners looking for their first instrument right through experienced professionals who take pride in owning higher end models – Fender is sure to have something that fits everyone’s intended use and budget.

Features to Consider

 

When selecting an acoustic guitar for yourself, an important consideration is the features of the guitar and how these features will influence its sound. There are several features to consider including the type and number of strings; body size, shape and construction; neck size and shape; scale length; soundhole location and size; type, number and quality of bracing; type of bridge, bridge pins and saddle placement; types of tuners used on the headstock etc. Taking into account all these factors can give you a better indication as to what type of sound to expect from your acoustic guitar.

The type of strings used on an acoustic guitar will have a big impact on its sound. Most commonly today, steel stringed acoustics are used because they bring out louder tones compared to classical Nylon strings which produce more mellow sounds in lower registers. Steel strings also work best with higher-toned instruments such as Fender’s Telecaster or Stratocaster electric guitars. For more vintage acoustics like Fender’s dreadnought-style instruments, nylon strings tend to produce warmer tones in the resonating low registers.

The body size refers to the dimensions (length in width) of the waistless part attached to the neck thus its size influences how much air can be moved by it when played which can affect volume levels coming from this part particularly in combination with proper bracing internally. Additionally when talking about playing comfortability larger body sizes are preferred over smaller ones due their bigger surface area giving greater leverage during action making it easier for guitarist move around freely along its contours while performing different chords or fingerpicking patterns for example plus other aesthetic considerations such as tight joints overall aesthetics etc..

In conclusion after taking into account all these factors mentioned above one should be able make informed decision when looking new instrument knowing well what distinguish different models apart than just looks great prices among others so they’re properly equipped make right choice first try obtaining desired results..

Tonewoods used in construction

The tonewoods used in the construction of a Fender acoustic guitar can profoundly influence its sound. Tonewoods are the wood used to construct the instrument in both its top and back plates. They can be the same wood or different woods, depending on the specific type of instrument. The choice of tonewoods is one of the most important decisions that guitar manufacturers make when constructing acoustic guitars; as well as factors such as scale length and bracing pattern, they must choose between a variety of tonewoods to achieve their desired sound.

Typically, Fender uses select solid woods for their versatility, allowing for an instrument to have an incredible projection and clarity across all frequencies while still maintaining a warm tone that works well with both vocal accompaniments and fingerpicking styles. Tonewoods such as Sitka spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and maple are among some of the most common options available on Fender acoustics. While each tonewood has its own unique properties that add certain characteristics to a guitar’s tone; Sitka Spruce is perhaps the most vibrant-sounding timber with a powerful full-range projection that maintains clarity from low bass tones to bright trebles. Mahogany offers great resonance with increased volume output capabilities, providing excellent sustain with a darker overall tone compared to rosewood or maple woods. Rosewood is one of the heavier options available in terms of density which positively contributes excellent clarity within both lower and higher frequency ranges while also providing superb volume output capabilities targeting fingerstyle players looking for exceptional sustain values while receiving additional warmth from its strong natural mid-range tonality. Maple has always been closely associated with bright full-bodied tones due mostly thanks to its presence in archtop jazz guitars but offers exceptionally good all-around resonance due to its body density coupled with improved flexibility perfecting low-register bass tones and articulate midranges while highlighting gentle high frequencies without becoming overly bright or tinny sounding characteristics found elsewhere.

Body shape and size

When shopping for an acoustic guitar, one of the most important aspects to consider is the body shape and size. The primary shapes are Dreadnought, Grand Concert/Auditorium, and Jumbo. Each offers its own set of tonal characteristics that may appeal more or less to different genres or playing styles.

Dreadnought: Introduced in 1916, Dreadnoughts are currently the most popular type of acoustic guitar due to their large body size and projection. This body shape was intended to be used by players who frequently perform on stage or with larger ensembles such as bluegrass bands. Therefore, they sound louder and fuller than smaller models hence they’re often associated with country/folk music genres and traditional bluegrass-style picking techniques. Compared to other body shapes, Dreadnoughts produce a balanced overall tone but with more emphasis on lower frequencies.

Grand Concert/Auditorium: Grand Concerts are slightly smaller than Dreadnoughts and usually come equipped with a shorter scale length (though still long scales). This design provides mellower tones due to its reduced low-end frequency response. Grand Concerts also produce a tighter midrange punch as well as slighter decreased highs from their pickup designs which minimize overtones produced by larger bodies; this makes them suitable for fingerstyle playing techniques where precision is paramount like jazz or classical music genres. It is also good for intimate settings due to its relatively louder but still full sound when compared with small-body guitars like Parlors or Mini Guitars.

Jumbo: The largest acoustic guitar model available today is the Jumbo with its beefy large upper bout combined with small waist that produces an even symmetrical tone across all six strings making them ideally suitable for fingerpicking styles requiring both accuracy and volume such as blues or rock n’ roll genres where more note articulation may be needed in comparison with other models. Acoustic Shapers can further adjust the sound parameters based on preferences since these instruments project very loudly when strumming hard; players can use these models in tandem with pickups if amplification is necessary when performing live settings on stage or in recordings where loudness levels need adjustment in order for each individual instrumentist heard clearly without drowning everyone else out within any given mixdown environment.

Neck shape and width

When it comes to Fender acoustic guitars, neck shape and width are two features that often go hand in hand. The neck of your guitar determines how easy it will be to play and how comfortable it is in your hands. Fender manufacturers a wide range of different neck shapes and widths so you can find the guitar that best fits your playing style.

The traditional Fender acoustic guitar neck shapes include “C” shape, “V” shape, jumbo V shape and slim C profile, among others. The “C” shape is the most popular amongst beginner and professional players alike due to its comfortable feel and ease of playability. It tends to have a slim profile which makes it easier for beginners or smaller fingers to reach chords higher up on the fretboard. The “V” shape is also quite popular amongst players who prefer a slightly wider neck as this allows for maximum comfort when playing chords higher up on the fretboard. Jumbo V necks are slightly wider than standard “V” necks but offer more room at the nut which allows for smooth transitioning between frets. Slim C profile necks offer a deep cutaway that increases upper fret access while maintaining comfort when strumming or picking chords high up on the fretboard.

No matter what style you choose, all Fender acoustic guitar necks offer excellent intonation and sustain so you can get the most out of your instrument regardless of which model you choose!

Fretboard material

The fretboard of an acoustic guitar is the group of frets and the connecting strings in which the players’ fingers press down to make notes. Knowing what material is used for the fretboard – along with a guitar’s body – are both critical components when shopping for a new acoustic guitar. Here are some of the materials commonly found on acoustic guitars today:

– Rosewood: A classic choice for a fretboard material, rosewood is scratch-resistant and durable, yet naturally soft and absorbent. It provides warm tones, making it ideal for both thick chords and subtle leads.

– Ebony: Though ebony is slightly harder than rosewood, it’s actually very smooth in terms of overall playability. Generally prized as an attractive aesthetic choice due to its dark coloration, ebony also provides extra resonance and sustain while enhancing higher frequencies.

– Maple: Maple fretboards offer good durability due to their hardness. As one might expect from a maple neck, notes sound bright and clear with plenty of punch.

– Other materials include Ovangkol, Pau Ferro and Granadillo wood – each offering its own tonal qualities that can be optimized through customization and personal modification.

Electronics options

Fender is perhaps best known for their iconic electric guitars, but their acoustic range also includes several impressive models. Many feature a pickup, allowing you to plug the guitar into an amplifier or sound system. When shopping for a Fender acoustic, it’s important to understand the various electronics options available. Here’s a breakdown of the options for Fender acoustic guitars and some of the top models in each category.

Single-Coil Pickup: The most basic option is a single-coil pickup. This type features just one pick up coil which operates using simple piezo technology to capture and reproduce sound vibrations from the strings when plugged in via a standard ¼ inch mono jack at the base of the body. This type of pickup is designed for simple amplification and does not offer any tone manipulation capabilities such as treble or bass boost/cut. Examples include models such as: Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Guitar with Electro Bracing System, Fender CF-100CE Folk Acoustic Guitar with Electro Bracing System and Fender CC-60SCE Concert Body Acoustic Guitar with Electro Bracing System.

Split Coil Pickup: Also known as humbucker pickups, these feature two coils operating in tandem with an opposing polarity to eliminate hum when plugged in an amplified environment. Just like single coils pickups they have no tone manipulation capabilities but have an enhanced output level compared to single coil pickups which results in a thicker, more robust sound when amplified. Examples include models such as: Fender CD-140SCE All Mike Electronically Braced Steel String Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Guitar and Fender Squier SA Series SA150N Dreadnought Cutaway Solid Top All Mahogany Koa Natural Acoustic guitar with Fishman Isys III Electronics System Preamp With D tuner onboard tone & volume controls.

Preamp Systems: Preamps take things up another level by adding electronic controls (including treble/bass boost/cut) within their onboard systems – giving users greater control over how they want their instruments heard when amplified or recorded externally. Different preamp systems come with different additional features such as Aux inputs, notch filter (to eliminate feedback) etc., depending on manufacturer / model specifications). These are generally found on mid range / high end instruments – examples include models such as: Fender PM-2 Deluxe Parlor Indian Rosewood Natural Aged Stain Satin Indioacustica with Fishman’s™ Matrix VT Enhance™ kentwood® 3D Preamp System ,Fender PM2 Deluxe Grand Auditorium Sitka Spruce electrum Shine ebanized Rosewood 2–Color Sunburst Glossster Beyerdynamic Electronics Matrix VT Enhance™ kentwood® 3D Preamp System.

Conclusion

Fender acoustic guitars are a staple in the world of stringed instrumentation, from classical to folk and traditional styles. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Fender has something for all levels of playing. With a wide variety of body sizes and neck profiles, there is something for everyone and every guitar style. From great sound quality to unique craftsmanship, Fender has always been known for creating great instruments with timeless appeal.

No matter which model you choose — dreadnought, parlor, hollow-body or travel — all Fender acoustics share the same commitment to quality, tone and innovation. Whether it’s a classic bevel body shape or a combination of several different materials like mahogany and rosewood — find the perfect guitar that suits your playing style today!

FAQs

Which Fender acoustic guitar is best for beginners?

The Fender CD-60S is considered one of the best Fender acoustic guitars for beginners due to its affordability, ease of play, and quality sound.

What is the most popular acoustic guitar model?

The Martin D-28 is considered one of the most popular acoustic guitar models of all time due to its rich sound and versatility.

What is the top of the range Fender acoustic guitar?

The Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster is currently considered the top-of-the-line Fender acoustic guitar.

Is the Fender acoustics good?

Yes, Fender acoustics are generally considered good quality instruments that offer a great sound and playability.

Which Fender is easiest to play?

The Fender CD-60S is considered one of the easiest Fender acoustic guitars to play due to its comfortable neck and low action.

What is the best Fender to start?

The Fender CD-60S is often recommended as the best Fender acoustic guitar to start with due to its affordability, playability, and quality sound.

Which is the No 1 guitar for beginners?

The Yamaha FG800 is often considered the No. 1 guitar for beginners due to its affordability, quality sound, and ease of play.

What is the best brand of acoustic guitar?

There are several great brands of acoustic guitars, but some of the most highly regarded include Martin, Taylor, Gibson, and Yamaha.

Which guitar is best for sound?

The guitar that is best for sound is largely a matter of personal preference, but some highly regarded acoustic guitars for their sound include the Martin D-28, Taylor 814ce, and Gibson J-45.

How do I choose a good acoustic guitar?

To choose a good acoustic guitar, consider factors such as your budget, the sound and playability of the instrument, the type of wood used in its construction, and the reputation of the brand. It’s also important to try out several guitars in person to find one that feels comfortable and sounds good to you.

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