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Guitars & Gear

New Cost-Friendly Acoustics From Fender: The California Series

Jesse Paliotto

• 3 min read

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) just announced a new cost-friendly series of acoustic guitars -

The California Series

.

The series name is a nod to the lifestyle and culture associated with Fender's home state and the brand's Southern California roots. Energetic and independent, this family of guitars aims to defy acoustic guitar conventions with a visible look and feel of Fender’s famous electric guitars – including the Stratocaster® headstocks and vibrant colors, and the distinctive Fender body shapes that have become iconic.

The California Series

Body Shapes

The series is comprised of three original Fender body shapes:

  • Malibu™
  • Newporter™
  • Redondo™

Price Points

These body shapes come in several colors at three price points:

  • California Classic ($799.99)
  • California Special ($699.99)
  • California Player ($399.99)

These exclusive shapes boast refined geometry and unique bracing patterns designed for responsive, articulate tone. They are diverse body shapes that can give any guitarist a comfortable playing experience– from the small and narrow-waisted Malibu, ideal for recording, to the larger Redondo, suited for ensemble playing.

Each model’s personality is also defined by 11 vibrant and slick Fender colors, including some popularized in the electric guitar world:

  • Cosmic Turquoise
  • Arctic Gold
  • Aqua Splash
  • Matte Black (California Special models only)
  • Hot Rod Red Metallic
  • Candy Apple Red
  • Champagne
  • Rustic Copper
  • Electric Jade
  • Belmont Blue and
  • Jetty Black.

About the Series

“The California Series captures the true meaning of a Fender acoustic guitar,” said Billy Martinez, VP Category Manager – Acoustics and Squier Divisions. “From the iconic 6-inline Stratocaster headstock to the original Fender body shapes and organic styling, everything about these guitars is uniquely Fender making them the ultimate tools for artistic creative expression. Whether you’re at the beach or rocking out with a band on stage, we’re offering players of all levels a chance to express their own creative style, standing out in the crowd with the bright colors and energy these guitars give off.”

Fender California Series acoustic guitars are already being used across multiple musical genres by top alternative, indie, punk and grunge artists/bands; they include: Culture Abuse – known for their try-anything approach to songwriting that wrestles disparate styles into something all their own; rising, LA-based punk act The Regrettes; Dear Boy, a bitter-sweet alternative rock band with roots in both post-punk and 90‘s British guitar pop, as well as singer-songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan and guitarist Angela Petrilli – accompanying each on their musical journey toward exceptional artistry.

The Guitar Models

Fender California Player series

CALIFORNIA PLAYER models express unique personal style with bold looks and inspiring sound. The satin finish mahogany neck features an easy-to-play, slim-taper "C"-shaped profile suitable for any playing style. When it’s time to plug in, solid-top California Player models also feature a Fishman pickup/preamp system for incredible amplified performance with pure, rich and resonant tone.

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Fender California Special

CALIFORNIA SPECIAL models mix no-compromise attitude with top-notch build quality and sound. Optimized bracing reduces mass for superior resonance, while the upgraded bone nut and saddle grant them exceptional sustain. Featuring all-solid construction, the fully-painted solid Sitka spruce top and matching 6-in-line headstock give the models a shot of electrifying attitude and unconventional Fender style that loves to be both seen and heard.

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Fender California Classic

CALIFORNIA CLASSIC models feature superb playability, distinctive looks and an unmistakable Fender vibe. The fully-painted solid Sitka spruce top and natural solid mahogany back and sides, as well as a matching painted 6-in-line headstock and koa binding and rosette, give them an elegant two-toned aesthetic that was made for the stage. California Special and California Classic acoustic guitars are equipped with a Fender- and Fishman-designed PM preamp specifically tuned to complement the unique shape and voice of each instrument—complete with tuner, frequency and phase controls.

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Price and Availability

The California Series is available beginning March 20, 2018 at local dealers and on www.Fender.com. Models include:

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