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Exploring the California Player Series | Fender Acoustics | Fender

Exploring the California Player Series | Fender Acoustics | Fender

Description

Play something different with the Fender California Newporter Player acoustic-electric guitar. Featuring a Fender-exclusive medium-sized Newporter shape, this acoustic-electric guitar delivers a balanced tone that’s as articulate as it is powerful. With its gloss metallic solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides and matching painted 6-in-line headstock, this Fender Newporter Player acoustic-electric guitar is as stunning to look at as it is to play. This is the perfect performance guitar to accompany a singer with.

A Unique Take on an Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Fender California Newporter Player acoustic-electric is unconventional to its core. It defies acoustic instrument tradition with its distinctive looks, unique size and unmistakable Fender sound. What sets the Fender California Newporter Player apart is its unique body shape, which is a Fender exclusive and was first introduced in 1965. It offers a vintage-inspired look with modern tonal characteristics. Other unique features include optimized bracing for reduced mass and superior resonance.

Premium Tonewoods

The Fender California Newporter Player acoustic-electric features a lightweight slim taper C-shaped mahogany neck that’s comfortable and easy to play. The laurel fingerboard adds to the vibrant tone. This acoustic-electric guitar also features a solid spruce top, which is the ultimate tonewood choice when it comes to its strength, sound, and dynamic range. Solid spruce tops are also known for opening up and sounding better over time. The slim taper C-shaped mahogany neck is also supremely comfortable to play, and will feel familiar to electric players who are used to a slimmer neck. The walnut fingerboard also provides a pleasingly dark look, smooth feel and vibrant tone.

Fishman Electronics for Great, Plugged-In Tone

The Fender California Newporter Player acoustic-electric is equipped with a Fishman pickup/preamp system that offers a variety of onboard controls to amplify your sound while still maintaining the acoustic’s pure, rich and resonant tone. A convenient built-in tuner is also included.

Fender California Newporter Player Acoustic-Electric Guitar Candy Apple Red
Fender California Newporter Player Acoustic-Electric Guitar Candy Apple Red
Fender California Newporter Player Acoustic-Electric Guitar Candy Apple Red

Features

  • 2-ring B/W/B rosette  
  • Dot position inlays
  • Modern Viking bridge
  • Chrome hardware finish
  • 3-ply gold pickguard
  • Fender Dura-Tone Coated 80/20 Bronze (.012-.052 Gauge) strings
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Body
  • Body type: Newporter
  • Cutaway: Single
  • Top wood: Solid Sitka spruce
  • Back and sides: Mahogany
  • Bracing pattern: Not specified
  • Body finish: Gloss polyurethane
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Slim C
  • Nut width: 1.69" (43 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Walnut
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Scale length: 25.6"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Yes
  • Brand: Fishman
  • Configuration: Soundhole mounted preamp
  • Preamp EQ: 1-band
  • Feedback filter: No
  • Tuner: No
Other
  • Headstock overlay: Not specified
  • Tuning machines: Sealed nickel
  • Bridge: Not specified
  • Saddle and nut: Graph Tech NuBone
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Special features:
  • Case: Sold separately
  • Accessories: Info not available
  • Country of origin: Not specified

Reviews

4

38 Reviews

72%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Love it
Definitely a nice road guitar
Definitely a nice road guitar
Absolute stellar guitar!
Great guitar in its price range.
Don't underestimate this guitar
Don't underestimate this guitar
Don't underestimate this guitar
Don't underestimate this guitar
Don't underestimate this guitar
Don't underestimate this guitar
Don't underestimate this guitar

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Gorgeous Economy Guitar

I have several Acoustic & Electric Guitars from high end vintage to entry level box instruments . I was impressed with the appearance and theme of Fender's California line of acoustic guitars . Having played earlier models of Fender's acoustics I was somewhat skeptical of how they could achieve quality and tone at the given price . I was mildly surprised . No it doesn't sound or play like my Martin or Gibson flat tops but it does suit and fill the need for an affordable electric acoustic that you could travel with or use as practice instrument . The Fishman electronics which include a tuner , volume , bass and treble controls add to the playability and range of the Newporter . Pluses are the wood and finish from the walnut fretboard to the beautiful grain finish on the back . The compact body and cutaway make it comfortable and easy to play without affecting tone or clarity . I'll admit I did spend time reworking the action with nut , neck and bridge modifications to suit my style of playing which honestly I do with any guitar purchase . The tuners and pickguard could be of higher quality but are suffice and not necessarily needed to upgrade . The strings were my only change I've made so far and I've played and performed with mine nearly daily for over a year . Be reminded although this guitar is Indonesian made it is not a Squire ( nothing wrong with this brand ) and worthy of the Fender name . It brings to mind Fenders of the 60's and the Cali folk scene . A smooth mahogany C shaped satin finish neck is surprising for a guitar that cost so little . My Ocean Teal California Newporter sits at the end of my bed on a stand for quick & easy access . I would purchase this guitar again and recommend it for beginners to pro players

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

Very disappointing

I was very disappointed with this and yes, I did return it to GC one week after getting it. First, this is a good feel and the shallow profile is comfortable. But I got this after trading in a dreadnaught Fender California Sonoran (2014). The profile was a bit too deep on that guitar and started to cause pain in my shoulder which is why I wanted the thinner profile. I did research the Newporter Player for a while and played around with a model at the store. But when mine arrived, wow, I was really put off by this. This guitar simply does not project much at all. In the end this is more akin to a parlor guitar and is even a bit too light in terms of weight. I will say this does sound spectacular plugged in and with the effects I have on my Line 6 Pod HD 500 X, this sounded great. So it is really an electric guitar that sounds acoustic. But playing on its own without plugging in? No. I was simply accustomed to the much crisper and fuller projection and resonance from the dreadnaught. Tuner was off as well and for precise tuning I plugged into my tuner on the Line 6 and saw the onboard tuner was significantly deficient. Guitar Center was very cool with my return and did not hesitate to take it back and I glided into an Ovation Celebrity Elite. We'll get to that some other day when it arrives. But I was put off by this fender, it just didn't feel like they put the workmanship into this as they did my previous acoustic that felt like a real guitar. This almost seems like a toy or as I said a parlor guitar. It's a shame because I did like the satin olive color of the guitar I got here. One other note, the walnut fret board never felt fully comfortable and seemed a bit slow on movement up and down the fret board. Sorry, I wanted to like it. Drew Dixon

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing29
  2. Jamming22
  3. Small Venues16
  4. Recording13
  5. School Bands7
Cons
  1. Poor Quality8
  2. Flat Sound5
  3. Requires Constant Tuning3
  4. Not Consistent2
  5. Needs fret level1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced18
  2. Novice14
  3. Professional Musician5
  4. Child1
Pros
  1. Good Feel27
  2. Stays In Tune26
  3. Fun To Play25
  4. Good Audio19
  5. Consistent11

Reviewed by 38 customers

  • Overpriced beginner guitar

    2

    submitted2 years ago

    byCraig

    fromCleveland, OH

    Satin finish. Acoustically, all midrange and not loud. Plays well on the cowboy chords, but for anything else, a fret leveling is required. High frets from the factory. Have not plugged it in, but basic electronics for an acoustic are cheap. The frets level will add about $80 or so to the pricetag. For a purely acoustic guitar, there are models made by Washburn and Yamaha that are cheaper, have solid tops, and sound like an acoustic should sound. Weigh this when shopping. Electronics can always be added, but the quality of the guitar's natural tone can only change so much.

  • Excellent sounding guitar

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byNeal

    fromSyracuse, NY

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    When I went to the store I listened to the tone of the acoustic guitars and this one was excellent. Great sound and easy to play. I like the built in tuner and pickup.

  • Great for an apartment

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byEvan

    fromPortland

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Guitar is not the loudest which is perfect for me. Dont get me wrong its not exactly quiet either but doesn't project like some acoustics do. The tone is excellent. Very comfortable play. Neck feels like an electric, also very nice.

  • yes

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byMartin

    fromDallas, TX

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I went to GC for a strat and walked out with this because it felt good in my hands. It's made in Indonesia but they've really upped their game lately. No dead frets, no string buzz, no fret sprout, frets are nicely crowned, and tunning is stable. Moving on to the body, the finish is great and has a metallic quality to it. Soundwise, it lacks some bass, as is true for all cutaway bodies, but it still works for my style of music. I'm having a lot of fun with it.

  • Love it

    4

    submitted3 years ago

    byChristian

    fromNew York, NY

    Try before you buy and inspect thoroughly as some copies may have some minor/major defects. Beautiful and highly resonant solid top with a fast comfy 1pc Strat-style neck. Great for strumming and some lead work. I could play for hours! On-board tuner/Fishman electronics a bonus. If you are looking for a perfect travel instrument, then the Newporter Player is tough to beat. Highly recommended!!

  • Great guitar

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byLouis

    fromKalamazoo Michigan

    It is absolutely a great guitar especially it's playability is on another level better than the rest I would say it feels good to play this guitar.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byRand

    fromLaguna Beach

    Does it come with a case?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, the Fender California Newporter doesn't include a case.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byRick

    fromundisclosed

    How heavy is the guitar? Want to hang it up on a wall.

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It's about 7 lbs.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byJULIE

    fromSwampscott Ma

    Can I customize neck or size on this guiter

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Please contact a Sales Agent for Special Order Placement.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byTeddi

    fromAshland, VA

    Can you please tell me the difference (other than color) between the Fender California Newporter Player Acoustic-Electric Guitar Candy Apple Red Item #:1500000152037 #: 113861405 And Fender Newporter Player Limited-Edition Acoustic-Electric Guitar Midnight Wine Item #:1500000328771 #: 116508516

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Everything is the same, other than the limited edition Midnight Wine finish.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byRobin

    fromundisclosed

    What hard case will this fit in?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The case that will fit is: "Musician's Gear MGMADN Molded ABS Acoustic Guitar Case"

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byLaudiceia

    fromFall River MA

    The California Newporter is made in?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This model is made in China

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byJose Luis

    fromLawrenceville, GA

    What would be a good size for a Fender gig bag for this guitar?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Fender FA610 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag would work well and be a good choice.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byBob

    fromNashville, Tennessee

    Three years since this question, does anyone know how thick in inches the guitar is from front to back?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This guitar body is 3 & 5/8" thick.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byEric

    fromMinnesota

    Can anyone recommend a particular model of hard shell case for this guitar? Wondering if thinner body would be suited for a thinner case.

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Take a look at - Musician's Gear Deluxe Gypsy Jazz Hardshell Guitar Case Black.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byMark

    fromGermany

    Dear Sirs and Madames, is it possible to send this guitar to Germany? Unfortunately, this model is not available in Germany and I definitely want this model. I was in New York 2 weeks ago and tried it out! but unfortunately I didn't know that they don't exist in Germany! best regards mark

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    If you go to our website and click the flag on the bottom of the webpage, you will be able to select your country. From there you can also select your currency and any other options you think you might need. After that is done, all items that show up are eligible for shipping to your location and will also give you a total with duties and taxes. We unfortunately can't discuss pricing over this means of communication, but once you are on your country's version of the website, you will be able to view pricing yourself. If you should run into any further issues or if there is anything else we can do for you, please feel free to reach out to us. Thanks for contacting us
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