Fender acoustic guitars are widely regarded as reliable, playable instruments with strong value and design innovation, especially in the entry-level to mid-range market segments. Fender acoustic guitars have steadily improved in quality and consistency, earning recognition for solid construction, beginner-friendly features, and dependable performance for their price.
Fender acoustic guitars are often evaluated in the context of Fender’s legacy as an electric guitar manufacturer. Fender’s identity as the builder of iconic electric models has led to assumptions that Fender acoustic guitars are secondary products. However, Fender applies decades of manufacturing experience to its acoustic lines, incorporating features such as “Easy-to-Play” neck profiles with rolled fingerboard edges. These features reduce hand fatigue and enhance comfort, making Fender acoustic guitars particularly well suited for new and developing players.
Fender acoustic guitars are produced at different manufacturing locations based on price and tier. Fender entry-level acoustic guitars, including the FA Series and Classic Design Series, are made in China and Indonesia. Fender mid-range acoustic guitars, such as the Player Acoustasonic, are built in Ensenada, Mexico. Fender premium acoustic guitars in the American Acoustasonic Series are handcrafted in Corona, California. This tiered structure reflects increasing levels of quality, features, and cost across the catalog.
This article provides a comprehensive evaluation of Fender acoustic guitars. It examines Fender’s overall acoustic quality and reputation, outlines the main models and pricing tiers, and highlights key beginner recommendations. It also compares Fender acoustic guitars to competing brands like Yamaha and breaks down the different types of acoustic instruments Fender produces.
What Is the Overall Quality and Reputation of Fender Acoustic Guitars?
Fender acoustic guitars are considered reliable, affordable, and highly playable across entry-level and mid-range segments. While historically overshadowed by legacy acoustic brands such as Martin and Gibson, modern Fender acoustic guitars offer improved build quality and consistent performance. Their overall reputation has strengthened in recent years, particularly for beginner and intermediate players seeking value.
Fender acoustic guitars in the budget range often use lower-cost materials and simplified construction, but maintain solid quality control and playability. Key features like rolled fingerboard edges and “easy-to-play” neck profiles are designed to assist beginners. Fender acoustic guitars benefit from decades of electric guitar manufacturing expertise, which carries over into their acoustic models.
Most Fender acoustic guitars are manufactured in China and Indonesia. These manufacturing locations allow Fender to reduce labor and material costs, enabling competitive pricing in the FA and Classic Design series. Consistency is maintained through quality control processes in established Asian factories.
Higher-end Fender acoustic guitars are built in Fender’s Ensenada, Mexico facility. Premium models in the American Acoustasonic series—including Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Jazzmaster variants—are handcrafted in Fender’s Corona, California factory. These premium Fender acoustic guitars represent the brand’s flagship offerings and highlight their American manufacturing capabilities.
The manufacturing origin of Fender acoustic guitars is typically marked on the back of the headstock or inside the soundhole. Fender also offers an online serial number lookup tool to verify authenticity and manufacturing location. Industry reviews now acknowledge that Fender delivers dependable quality across multiple price tiers, balancing affordability with solid playability. Fender’s acoustic guitar catalog is organized into clearly defined series and models, making it easier to evaluate based on budget and player needs.
What Are the Main Fender Acoustic Guitar Series and Models?
Fender organizes its acoustic guitars into multiple guitar series, including the California Series, Classic Design Series, FA Series, Artist Signature Models and American Acoustasonic Series . Each Fender acoustic guitar series is designed to meet specific player needs, ranging from visually distinctive stage guitars to affordable beginner options and artist-endorsed models.
The Fender California Series: Malibu, Newporter, and Redondo
The Fender California Series combines bold visual aesthetics with performance-ready features. Launched in the late 2010s, this Fender acoustic guitar series draws on 1960s Southern California design influences, offering vibrant color finishes and electric-style headstocks.
The Fender California Series includes 3 distinct body shapes, listed and described below:
- Malibu: A small-bodied concert-style guitar with a 24.1″ (612 mm) scale length. The Malibu produces a clear, articulate tone suited for songwriting and recording.
- Newporter: A mid-sized acoustic positioned between concert and dreadnought sizes. The Newporter features a narrow waist and large lower bout, creating a balanced tone adaptable to multiple playing styles.
- Redondo: A full-sized dreadnought with strong bass response and high volume. The Redondo is ideal for strumming and ensemble performance.
Most California Series models are acoustic-electric, equipped with Fishman-designed preamps and built-in tuners. Premium trims, such as the California Special and California Classic, feature body-shape-specific preamps co-developed by Fender and Fishman, including tone and phase controls to manage feedback. Typical construction includes a solid spruce top with laminated mahogany or sapele back and sides, plus a mahogany neck. The series is visually distinctive, with finishes like Aqua Splash, Cosmic Turquoise, and Candy Apple Red.
Most California Series guitars retail around $420–$499, targeting intermediate players and gigging hobbyists seeking comfort, flair, and stage-ready electronics.
The Fender Classic Design (CD) Series
The Fender Classic Design Series offers traditional acoustic guitar shapes at accessible prices. Fender Classic Design acoustic guitar series focuses on playability and value for beginners and intermediate musicians.
Key variants of the Fender Classic Design Series are listed below.
- Dreadnought (CD-prefix)
- Concert (CC-prefix)
- Parlor (CP-prefix)
- 12-string and nylon-string variants
The CD-60S is the most popular model, featuring a solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, scalloped X-bracing, and a gloss finish, priced around $209. The CD-60S All-Mahogany variant offers a warmer tone and appearance. The CD-60SCE adds a cutaway and Fishman electronics for acoustic-electric performance, typically costing $100–$150 more.
Fender Classic Design Series models feature Fender’s Easy-to-Play neck profile with rolled fingerboard edges, designed to reduce hand fatigue and simplify chord transitions. The CD-140SCE adds further upgrades such as a hard case, solid mahogany top option, and a more advanced preamp with mids EQ and phase control, generally priced around $450. Left-handed versions are available for models like the CD-60S and CD-60SCE. The Classic Design line also includes the CB-60SCE acoustic bass.
The Fender FA (Fender Alternative) Series
The Fender FA Series is Fender’s entry-level acoustic guitar line. This Fender acoustic guitar series emphasizes affordability, durability, and beginner accessibility.
The FA-125 Dreadnought is a core model of the FA series. The FA-125 is an all-laminate guitar featuring a laminated spruce top with basswood back and sides, retailing around $150. FA-125 prioritizes structural stability over tonal richness.
FA Series starter packs, such as the FA-115 Dreadnought Pack, include a gig bag, strap, picks, spare strings, and 90 days of online lessons, typically priced around $150. These kits aim to provide a complete beginner solution.
FA Series guitars feature laminated construction for resistance to temperature changes and basic but functional hardware. Common neck materials include nato wood. Visual elements like the 3+3 Fender headstock and Viking-style bridge add style. Available finishes include natural, black, sunburst, and limited-edition veneers such as flame maple on the FA-345CE.
Despite their low price, FA models use the same comfortable neck profiles as higher series guitars. While tonal output is modest due to laminate construction, FA guitars are reliable tools for early learning and casual practice.
Fender Artist Signature Models
Fender Artist Signature acoustic guitars are developed in collaboration with professional musicians and feature artist-specific designs, finishes, and specifications. These Fender acoustic guitar models offer upgraded components and custom aesthetics. Good examples of the Fender Artist Signature Models are Tim Armstrong Hellcat, Alkaline Trio Malibu and Joe Strummer Campfire.
Tim Armstrong Hellcat: A concert-style acoustic guitar with a solid mahogany top, laminated mahogany back and sides, and Fishman electronics. Distinctive fretboard inlays, including Hellcat symbols and double skulls at the 12th fret, reflect Tim Armstrong’s punk background. Priced around $450–$500, the Tim Armstrong Hellcat combines punchy tone with a unique visual identity.
Alkaline Trio Malibu: An all-mahogany, short-scale acoustic guitar with a maple Strat-style neck. The Alkaline Trio Malibu features a 24.75″ (629 mm) scale length, a 7.25″ (184 mm) fretboard radius, and the band’s heart logo on the headstock. The Alkaline Trio Malibu emphasizes compact size and visual style.
Joe Strummer Campfire: A black, compact-body acoustic-electric guitar with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The Joe Strummer Campfire includes star fretboard inlays and an onboard preamp system. Typically priced in the $500 range, the Joe Strummer Campfire is built for portability and stage-ready performance.
These guitars often appear as limited editions and may include custom neck shapes, aesthetic treatments, and unique tunings. Artist Signature models are priced above standard Fender acoustic guitars due to their personalized features and endorsements. They also offer insight into which musicians trust and perform with Fender acoustics.
The Fender American Acoustasonic Series
The Fender American Acoustasonic Series is Fender’s premium line of American-made hybrid acoustic-electric guitars. Fender American Acoustasonic guitars blend electric guitar design with acoustic tone flexibility. Fender American Acoustasonic guitars feature the body shapes of the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Jazzmaster, and combine traditional electric guitar playability with a wide range of acoustic and electric tones.
The core feature of Fender American Acoustasonic guitars is the “Acoustic Engine,” co-developed with Fishman. The Acoustic Engine in Fender American Acoustasonic guitars allows players to blend multiple acoustic body styles—such as dreadnought, parlor, and grand concert—and different wood combinations with a magnetic electric pickup. Fender American Acoustasonic guitars provide a wide range of traditional acoustic and electric tones from a single instrument.
Fender American Acoustasonic guitars use a fully hollow body design with a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck. This construction in Fender American Acoustasonic guitars supports acoustic resonance while maintaining a thin, comfortable profile. Fender American Acoustasonic guitars are designed for professional players who require high tonal versatility. These guitars enable seamless movement between acoustic and electric sounds in live or studio settings without switching instruments.
Fender American Acoustasonic guitars are built in Fender’s Corona, California factory. Fender American Acoustasonic guitars typically retail for around $1,999. The premium price of Fender American Acoustasonic guitars reflects American manufacturing and advanced acoustic-electric integration. While Fender offers a wide range of models and series, the cost of a Fender acoustic guitar varies significantly.
How Much Do Fender Acoustic Guitars Cost?
Fender acoustic guitars range in price from around $150 to $1,999+, depending on the series, specifications, and manufacturing origin. Fender acoustic guitars are priced across three main tiers: entry-level ($150–$299), mid-range ($300–$800), and high-end ($1,199–$1,999), offering options for a wide range of players and budgets. These prices of Fender Guitars were researched in September 2025 and are therefore relevant to that date.
Entry-level Fender acoustic guitars are priced between $150 and $299. This tier includes the FA Series and the Classic Design (CD) Series. The FA-115 model typically costs around $150 as starter pack, with beginner accessories included. Classic Design Series models, including the CD-60S dreadnought and CC-60S concert, are priced at approximately $209. Entry-level Fender acoustic guitars are designed to offer affordability and reliable playability for beginners.
Mid-range Fender acoustic guitars are priced from $300 to $850. This tier includes higher-spec Classic Design models, the California Series, select Artist Signature guitars, and Paramount Series instruments. California Series models such as the Malibu, Newporter, and Redondo Player typically cost $420–$499 new. The CD-140SCE, which includes a solid mahogany top and a hard case, is priced around $450. Artist Signature models such as the Tim Armstrong Hellcat and Joe Strummer Campfire are priced between $450 and $550. The Paramount Series, which features all-solid wood construction, costs around $830. The Paramount PD-220E, for example, is listed at $829.99 on Fender at the ime of writing this article. Mid-range Fender acoustic guitars offer upgraded materials, electronics, and build quality.
High-end Fender acoustic guitars reach up to $1,999 and more. This tier is defined by the Acoustasonic Series. The American-made Acoustasonic Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Jazzmaster models are priced at approximately $1,999. High-end Fender acoustic guitars feature hybrid acoustic-electric designs, advanced electronics, and premium build quality.
How much is a used fender acoustic guitar worth?
Used Fender acoustic guitar prices vary by model, condition, and original retail price. Fender acoustic guitars generally retain 65–85% of their new price when sold used, depending on the series and price tier, according to our research. The price comparisons from our research outlined below are most relevant for September 2025 when the research was conducted.
Entry-Level: Fender entry-level acoustic guitars commonly retain 60–80% of their original street price. The Fender FA-125, priced new at $209.99, often resells for $140 to $160, representing approximately 66–76% resale value. The Fender FA-125CE, with historical new prices ranging from $200 to $250, appears used on Reverb for $170 to $200. The Fender CC-60S, also priced new at $209.99, frequently lists used around $180 to $200, reaching up to 95% retention on clean units. The Fender Redondo Player, now listed between $419.99 and $449.99, often resells for $300 to $380, yielding 67–90% value retention depending on configuration and condition.
Mid-Tier: Fender mid-tier acoustic guitars commonly retain 70–85% of their original price. The Fender CD-60SCE, with a new price of $347.99, sells used between $260 and $300, or about 75–86% of its MSRP. The Fender CC-60SCE, also priced at $347.99, has used comps in the same $260 to $300 range. The Fender CD-140SCE, listed new at $449.99, often appears on Reverb between $320 and $390, resulting in resale values from 71–87%, especially when bundled with a hard case.
High-End (USA-Made Acoustasonic): Premium U.S.-made Fender Acoustasonic guitars generally retain 65–80% of their original retail price. The Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster, priced between $1,999.99 and $2,629.99, has recent used sales around $1,499.99, with active listings from $1,299 to $1,599, representing 65–75% retention. The Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster, listed new at $2,099.99, typically resells for $1,300 to $1,500 (about 62–71%). The Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster, priced at $1,999.99, has broader used comps from $875 to $1,600, depending on finish and edition, reflecting ~44–80% resale value.
Which Fender Acoustic Guitar Is Best for Beginners?
The best Fender acoustic guitars for beginners are the Fender FA Series starter packs and the Fender Classic Design Series models, including the CD-60S and CC-60S. Fender beginner guitars are consistently recommended for their playability, value, and beginner-friendly features.
For beginners seeking an all-in-one solution, the Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Pack is a top choice. The Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Pack is priced around $150 and includes a full-size steel-string acoustic guitar, a gig bag, strap, picks, spare strings, and 90 days of access to Fender Play online lessons. The Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Pack uses a laminated spruce top and laminated basswood back and sides, making it durable and resistant to minor impacts or humidity changes. These features make the Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Pack especially suitable for beginners who need a reliable first instrument with all necessary accessories included.
For improved tone and playability, the Fender CD-60S is recommended as a step-up model. The Fender CD-60S is priced around $209 and features a solid spruce top for enhanced resonance and depth. The Fender CD-60S includes Fender’s “Easy-to-Play” neck profile with rolled fingerboard edges, which improves comfort and reduces hand strain for new players. The Fender CC-60S, which offers the same features in a smaller concert body, is ideal for players who prefer a more compact guitar. For beginners interested in amplified sound or recording, the Fender CD-60SCE, priced around $347, includes a cutaway body and Fishman electronics for plug-in performance.
Fender beginner acoustic guitars are well-suited for first-time players due to several key features. Fender beginner acoustic guitars feature slim necks with rolled edges for ease of play, standard body shapes like dreadnought and concert for familiar feel, and low string action and light gauge strings for reduced finger pressure.
What Types of Acoustic Guitars Does Fender Offer?
Fender acoustic guitars include traditional 6-string models as well as a wide variety of specialized types. Fender offers acoustic-electric guitars, acoustic bass guitars, 12-string models, left-handed versions, nylon-string classical guitars, travel-size instruments, and hybrid acoustic-electrics.
Fender acoustic-electric guitars are available across most series, including the California, Classic Design, and Artist models. Fender acoustic-electric guitars feature onboard preamp systems—often co-developed with Fishman—that provide volume and tone controls, integrated tuners, and plug-in capability for live or studio use.
Fender acoustic bass guitars deliver unplugged bass tones in an acoustic format. Fender acoustic bass guitars include the 4-string CB-60SCE from the Classic Design Series and the Kingman Bass from the California Series, both designed with electric bass-style necks and headstocks for familiar playability.
Fender 12-string acoustic guitars produce a rich, shimmering sound by doubling each string. Models include the CD-60SCE-12 and the Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12, offering players expanded tonal depth within familiar Fender body styles.
Fender left-handed acoustic guitars provide southpaw-friendly versions of popular models without upcharges or feature reductions. Options such as the CD-60S LH ensure that left-handed players receive the same performance and value as right-handed versions.
Fender nylon-string classical guitars offer a warmer, softer tone and are often used by fingerstyle or classical players. The CN-60S, for example, features a slightly slimmer neck profile, making it easier for steel-string players to transition.
Fender travel-size acoustic guitars are compact and lightweight, ideal for portability or younger players. Models such as the FA-15 3/4 and CT-60S are designed for easy handling while maintaining solid construction and tone.
Fender hybrid acoustic-electric guitars are represented by the Acoustasonic Series. Fender Acoustasonic guitars, including the Acoustasonic Telecaster and Acoustasonic Stratocaster, combine a thin hollow body with an advanced “Acoustic Engine” and magnetic pickup. These guitars model various acoustic body shapes and wood combinations while delivering electric performance capabilities, offering broad tonal versatility in a single instrument.
Fender acoustic guitars cover the full spectrum of acoustic formats, from traditional steel-string models to highly specialized designs for modern performers, making the catalog one of the most versatile in the acoustic guitar market.
How Do Fender Acoustics Compare to Brands Like Yamaha?
Fender acoustic guitars and Yamaha acoustic guitars serve similar market segments, particularly for beginner and intermediate players. Fender acoustic guitars emphasize design innovation and electric-inspired styling, while Yamaha acoustic guitars prioritize traditional craftsmanship and tonal consistency. The choice depends on whether a player values modern aesthetics and hybrid features or classic acoustic performance and tonal stability. Below we compare both brands’ low-cost beginner acoustics and mid-range priced acoustics.
Low-cost beginner acoustic guitars: Fender beginner acoustic guitars, such as the FA-115 and CD-60S dreadnoughts, come from the FA Series and Classic Design Series. These Fender acoustic guitars feature “Easy-to-Play” necks and rolled fingerboard edges to improve comfort. Yamaha beginner acoustic guitars, including the FG800 from the FG Series, are known for consistent build quality and reliable sound. Yamaha acoustic guitars in this range often reflect tight quality control and durable construction.
Mid-range acoustic guitars: Fender’s mid-range acoustics emphasize bold styling and hybrid functionality. The California Series—featuring the Malibu, Newporter, and Redondo—uses electric guitar-style headstocks and automotive-style finishes. Fender hybrid acoustic guitars in the Acoustasonic Series, such as the American Acoustasonic Telecaster, combine acoustic resonance with electric tone-shaping capabilities through advanced electronics and thin hollow bodies. Yamaha mid-range acoustic guitars focus on tonal improvement through acoustic engineering. Yamaha acoustic guitars use features such as proprietary bracing designs and A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement), a wood-aging treatment that improves resonance by mimicking the tonal characteristics of aged tonewoods.
Fender acoustic guitars offer more visual variety and crossover features from the electric guitar world. Yamaha acoustic guitars provide traditional acoustic tone and consistency across their catalog. Yamaha may offer an edge in pure acoustic tone in budget models, while Fender delivers ergonomic comfort and aesthetic diversity.
What Are the Best Acoustic Guitar Brands?
The best acoustic guitar brands include Martin, Yamaha, and Gibson, each recognized for consistent craftsmanship, tonal quality, and brand legacy.
Martin guitars have set the benchmark for acoustic tone and build quality since the company’s founding in 1833. Martin is known for clear articulation, balanced resonance, and long-term structural durability. Core models like the D-28 and OM-28 are widely used in folk, bluegrass, country, and acoustic rock.
Yamaha offers high-quality acoustic guitars across all price tiers, combining affordability with reliable construction. Yamaha guitars such as the FG830 and FS800 are widely recommended for beginners and intermediate players due to their strong value, stable quality control, and playability. Higher-end Yamaha models, like the LL16 or A-Series, provide performance-grade tonewoods and modern features at competitive prices.
Gibson is a legacy American manufacturer known for producing acoustic guitars with warm, full-bodied tone and strong low-end projection. Models such as the J-45 and Hummingbird are frequently used by professional artists across blues, country, and rock genres. Gibson’s acoustic line is built in Bozeman, Montana, and emphasizes traditional tonewoods, nitrocellulose finishes, and historic bracing patterns.
