Best Fender Acoustic Guitar. 8 Suitable Acoustics For All Skill Levels
You may know Fender for your go-to electric guitar, but are they really up there with all those other guys when it comes to constructing top-quality acoustic instruments?
I have been playing for 25 years and am very much involved in examining different models over time. I wanted to carve out the best fender acoustic guitar as they are an excellent option for those on lower budgets.
I’ll admit it – before starting this project, I wasn’t sure what kind of state the Fender acoustic world was in. However, after trying out various stately qualities of nasty plastic-bodied ones (they do exist!) to elite high-end acousticasonic. I’ve found an array of guitars that suits all skill levels and budgets from the giant Fender brand.
We all need some advice and guidance when shopping for our guitar brands and models. So I am only too glad to share what I have discovered through my own experiences.
Below are eight fantastic Fender Acoustic Guitars that should be considered whatever your guitar situation.
The Fender CD 60SCE Acoustic Guitar. An excellent and affordable starter acoustic built by the skilled luthiers at Fender.
What makes this acoustic guitar so popular? What makes the CD 60SCE better than its competition?
Although you may think Fender is better known for its classic electric guitars. The Fender CD 60S series also goes quietly about its business as a massive seller for acoustic guitars.
The Fender CD60 is the same as the CD60SCE; only the SCE can be amplified with a built-in preamp. Both models are definitely worth their weight in gold.
I chose the electric/acoustic over the standard acoustic as it has a built-in tuner a preamp for the possibility of playing through an amp or P.A.
As the difference in price wasn’t a lot, I personally felt the CD60SCE was a better all-around guitar with these extra plug-in features.
The CD60SE is a dreadnought body style acoustic; it gives you a nice midrange scoop.
This is precisely why this particular model is very popular with vocalists. The vocals also sit in the midrange of the eq.
The fat, bold low end is ideal for powerful bar chords and riffs. However, it’s not overpowering and ‘boomy’ like the Jumbo-style acoustic model.
You can get some sharp clarity and shimmering highs when using a pick.
Fender’s acoustic line of CD guitars is a perfect entry level option for those wanting to learn quickly and comfortably.
I’ve written a more in depth article on the Fender CD 60se here if you need further info.
The massive plus is the very friendly price tag and the 5-star reviews this model boasts.
If you’re searching around for a lower budget acoustic guitar, this is the best you’ll get for the price. I have no doubt.
Introducing the Fender Malibu Player acoustic-elec guitar! This perfect small body acoustic is excellent for fingerstyle players or anyone who prefers a shorter scale length and a more petite body.
It’s also ideal for children, making it the perfect starter instrument.
Featuring a built-in pickup and onboard preamp, the Malibu Player gives you great sound whether you’re playing unplugged or plugged in.
With a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar gives you a clear, articulate sound whether you’re playing solo or in a band.
The Fender Malibu Player acoustic-electric guitar has a balanced and articulate old-style sound, making it the perfect partner on stage or in the studio.
Its mahogany neck features a comfortable slim-taper profile, inspired by Fender’s electric legacy.
The guitar is fitted with optimized bracing for superior resonance. GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle with Fishman electronics preamp. These ingredients allow you to reproduce the guitar’s ‘natural sound’ when plugged into an amplifier.
An absolute steal for a friendly price. Stunning, unique looking acoustics with a beautiful range of colors from Midnight Satin, Burgundy Satin, Arctic Gold, and Aqua Splash.
The Hellcat 12 String acoustic guitar by Fender is a beautifully crafted instrument that features premium materials and construction.
Its sweet, rich sound is perfect for solo gigs or band performances, and its unmistakable style is sure to turn heads.
Thanks to Tim Armstrong’s design input, this guitar has quickly become one of the best-selling artist models in Fender’s history.
With a natural mahogany finish and scalloped X bracing, this guitar has a rich, warm tone perfect for folk or country music.
The maple neck with a satin finish gives it a smooth feel. At the same time, the Fishman Isys III pickup system ensures clear sound quality.
12 String Acoustic Guitar might be small, but don’t let its size deceive you. This acoustic is perfect for gigging musicians who need a lightweight guitar that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality or durability.
This premium acoustic is perfect for beginners and experts alike, thanks to its comfortable design and rich tone.
The walnut fingerboard feels like silk in your hands, while the mahogany top provides a robust sound that will fill any room.
If 12 string is your thing, this beautiful low-priced option is safe to start.
The Fender PM-2 Parlor NE acoustic guitar is a must-have for any level of guitarist.
This guitar gives you a vintage look and feel with its mahogany top and indented texture. Plus, the thin ‘open-pore’ satin finish leaves the organic look of the wood unhindered.
The 60s-inspired headstock, open gear tuners, and Fender logo and motif set the tone. And don’t forget the checkerboard purfling for the top, rosette, and back strip!
The Fender PM-2 Parlor NE All-Mahogany Acoustic Guitar is perfect for players who want a small body guitar with low-end clout. In addition, the solid construction ensures that the guitar is versatile and can be used for a variety of genres.
This guitar has a solid mahogany body and neck and a Sitka spruce top for great tone and projection. The PM-2 also has an ebony fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, and Grover tuners for superior tuning stability.
If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar with a big sound, the Fender PM-2 Parlor NE is perfect for you. This all-mahogany guitar has a mellower tone than other acoustics, making it ideal for singer/songwriters and fingerstyle players.
They are reasonably priced around the midrange for Fender Acoustics.
An elegant natural acoustic due to the graceful curves and smaller body size gives the player a much more comfortable playing stance.
It is perfect for children, beginners, and all skill levels due to its reliability, beautiful looks, and ease of playability.
Without a doubt one of my favorite guitars in this review.
The Fender PM-1E Dreadnought Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a beautifully designed acoustic-electro guitar with plenty of the original ‘Fender DNA.’
The ’60s checkerboard rosette and purfling, headstock shape inspired by the ’70s F series acoustics, ’70s bridge design, and late -40s-style Fender logo create a look that is both classic and contemporary.
The Cloud pickguard seen on Kingman acoustics also appeared on this model, providing an aesthetic touch that gives this guitar a unique personality.
Players will appreciate the dreadnought body style’s deep bass response and well-rounded tone.
This instrument is perfect for players looking for an acoustic with a bigger overall sound than the previous guitars on show.
It’s the perfect choice for players looking for a great-sounding instrument that’s easy on the hands.
Featuring a mahogany neck and Ovangkol fretboard, this guitar offers a fast, comfortable playing experience for your fingertips.
The onboard electronics let you plug in and take your sound to new levels, while the beautiful finish ensures that this guitar will stand out on stage.
The Fender PM-1E acoustic-elec guitar is perfect for anyone who wants the rich sound of an acoustic guitar with the convenience of an electric.
With its contemporary design and updated electronics, this guitar sounds charming and bold, whether it’s unplugged or plugged in.
The bass and treble E.Q.s offer plenty of range, and the phase switch comes in handy on stage for feedback rejection.
Plus, the beautiful dreadnought design makes this guitar stand out from the crowd.
If you like a warm sound and vintage looks, your search is over.
The Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster is the perfect guitar for anyone who wants the comfort and feel of a solid body electric guitar. But with the acoustic volume and tone of a dreadnought.
With its comfortable body shape and lightweight design, this guitar is perfect for players who want the best of both worlds.
This hybrid-style guitar has a quick attack and a trim low-end, making it ideal for those who want to play acoustic songs on an electric guitar.
With its sleek, thin finish and quality build, this guitar looks as good as it sounds. At the same time, its intuitive physical and electronic design provide a wealth of features that set it apart from the competition.
The Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster is a marvel of modern engineering and design.
Its innovative build and execution make it the perfect instrument for plugged-in acoustic performances. At the same time, its clean-to-crunch magnetic voice provides an inspiring playing experience.
Plus, its lightweight Tele platform makes it a breeze to take with you wherever you go.
The Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster is a unique, intelligent guitar design that bridges the gap between a steel-string acoustic and a solid body electric guitar.
It features different-looking Telecaster styling, with natural mahogany sides, back, and neck, along with the distinctive small sound hole or sound port.
If you’re already curious, I would strongly recommend at least trying one out. It’s kind of a hybrid guitar that covers many musical avenues.
I’m very much a ‘sofa’ guitarist. No other guitar fits me in my ‘watching tv, noodling sofa slouch’ position, as well as the Acoustasonic does.
Are you looking for a guitar that can handle both acoustic and electric tones?
The Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster is a perfect choice! With its humbucker pickup, you’ll get richer sound than ever before when unplugged.
Plus, the neck offers a great feel and playability – making it easy to transition between acoustic and electric playing styles.
It’s a real luxury instrument that, let’s be fair, It’s stunning to feast your eyes upon.
Combining traditional design with innovative new features. The Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster is perfect for players who want a guitar that can cover the entire spectrum between fingerpicking and electric guitar madness.
With its Shawbucker pickup, this guitar delivers a rich, powerful sound that will make it unique to its brothers and sisters (the Strat and Tele).
With its larger Jazzmaster shape, this guitar feels more natural and comfortable to hold. At the same time, the soundhole provides a deeper low end and warmer tonality than other acoustic models in my review.
Ideal for players who want the uniqueness and feel of the traditional Fender Jazzmaster. But with all the added benefits of big acoustic guitar tones.
The mahogany body and satin finish give this guitar a smooth, natural feel. At the same time, the contoured neck heel makes it easy to reach higher frets.
This is an excellent choice for those with smaller hands or beginners too.
With its great tone and versatile features, I really cannot find anything negative to say about this gorgeous-looking Fender guitar.
The Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster gives electric guitarists a whole new sonic palette to work with. This acoustic-electric hybrid sounds exquisite unplugged but really shines when plugged in.
It’s an incredibly versatile tool that will let you create stunning acoustic tones and textures. With its fast response and dynamic range, this guitar can handle any style of music you throw at it – from country to bluegrass to classic rock.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, just like its famous brother, the Fender Strat, It’s able to cover a considerable amount of musical genre with ease.
With its master volume control and five-position lever Voice Selector, you can create any tone you want. Plus, with five pairs of voicing to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect sound for your music.
The active electronic circuit is charged via USB, so you can take your music wherever you go. Nice touch, eh!
Its neck is crafted from the same high-quality tonewood as Professional series guitars, with a deep C profile and flat fingerboard radius. And thanks to its dual pickups, you can get classic dreadnought or fingerstyle tones with ease.
Plus, the 4 and 5 positions on the controls give you, even more sonic possibilities. You need to sit down and explore every avenue. This in itself is something I enjoy doing.
It’s nice to have the opportunity to dial in and play with textures and tones. As opposed to playing with what the manufacturers have given you.
The tonal qualities are definitely a huge plus point for me when comparing the Strat acoustica with the Jazzmaster and Tele models.
All I can say is this guitar makes you feel like a professional with its range of features and ease of playability. It’s lush, just like driving a Bentley (I would imagine!)
If you already like the Strat and want to add an acoustic version to the family. The American Acoustasonic Stratocaster is a must for you.
What Factors Should You Look For in a Fender Acoustic Guitar?
Comfort
Comfort is an essential part of playing an instrument. If your guitar is not comfortable, you’ll have difficulty concentrating on what you need to achieve on the fretboard. So go try a few guitars out and get a general idea of whether you prefer a concert/dreadnought/3/4 size or 12 String?
You’ll know when you find’ the one!’ It’s a little like trying a pair of gloves on. It’ll just fit.
Cost
I think it’s crucial when buying an instrument to find what you need it for. A child, a beginner, an expert? If you spend below $300, you’ll probably end up buying a ‘toy.’ You may end up purchasing another guitar due to constant tuning and breaking strings. This generally leads to people quitting early on. So please do yourself a favor and stay away from the cheap guitars. They are usually only suitable for firewood. If you want it to last, the more you spend, the more quality of wood you’ll receive. Playing an instrument should be taken seriously if you’re going to do it properly.
Reliability
One of the most necessary things in buying a new guitar is reliability. If your guitar is always going out of tune and strings are snapping, you won’t want to play it. Think about your playing scenario. Are you’re traveling to a tutor every week via bus? Get yourself a sturdy dreadnought. If you’re a bedroom player, get something light. If you play in clubs and bars, you’ll need an electro/acoustic. In the guitar world, you get what you pay for. Aim as high as you can if you want to take your playing seriously.
Sound
Many Fender guitar models are designed with specific musical styles in mind. Some are built for strumming big open chords—some for beautiful fingerpicking and some primarily for studio or live performance. Check out a guitarist you like the sound of. Research their gear and setup. This will give you a much better idea of what instrument you’ll require to gain that particular sound.
Pickups and amps have a lot to do with sound, but so does wood. So I have the perfect article for you to read on guitar wood types and what to expect from each: https://authorityguitar.com/ultimate-acoustic-guitar-wood-guide/
Acoustic or Electric/Acoustic?
If you’re a live performer, I imagine you’d want to plug in through the P.A, so in this case, I would go for an electro/acoustic. This isn’t to say you can’t get a great tone from micing up your acoustic. However, it can be tricky if you’re playing different venues as all buildings have different shapes. Also, the sound can bounce off back towards you, causing feedback.
You’ve got so much choice with both departments these days, so fire away. Try some out.
Fingerpicking or Strumming?
Are you an open chord strummer? Then look at the more prominent guitars as they have more body to resonate. If you’re a wizard around the fretboard, you’ll need something with a petite neck possibly. All guitars have different flavors. Check the reviews and see what your style is most suited towards.
Live/Studio or Bedroom?
If you’re a bedroom guitarist, then any guitar is fitting, unless you’re a child and you’d need the correct size for your age/height. See here if so.
There are outstanding acoustic guitars for the studio environment. And guitars built like tanks to withstand live music’s traveling and a rowdy beer-swilling audience.
Always check your reviews from real guitar players (like me!), rather than the big brands trying to push an unsuitable guitar onto you.
Lee has been playing guitar for over 25 years. In the 1990's he made a few TV appearances in London and supported a few big bands at festivals. He's recently sung on radio and worked as a full-time guitarist/singer. Lee is the founder of Authority Guitar, a site where he wants readers to enjoy every aspect of learning the guitar.
