Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $584
Standard/Professional
$200
$601+
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Budget
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Description
The Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu is a signature acoustic guitar that embodies the punk-rock spirit of Alkaline Trio. It's an instrument that holds its own in any music genre, with a Mahogany top, back, and sides that produce a rich, balanced tone. The Rosewood fretboard, updated to Walnut in 2018, adds to the guitar's overall warmth and resonance. This guitar is a nod to the past while being grounded in modern aesthetics and playability, making it a perfect choice for musicians who appreciate the fusion of tradition and innovation.
Key Features:
- Signature acoustic guitar of the Alkaline Trio
- Mahogany Top, Back, and Sides for a balanced tone
- Rosewood Fretboard, updated to Walnut in 2018 for added warmth and resonance
- A blend of traditional and modern aesthetics and playability
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Alkaline Trio Signature Malibu, Alkaline Trio Signature Malibu with Walnut Fretboard |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 2012 - 2018 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Concert Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Artist | Alkaline Trio |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Color Family | Brown, Natural |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood, Walnut |
| Model Family | Fender Malibu |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Artist Series, Fender California |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Mahogany |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu best suited for?
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The Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu is ideal for a variety of styles, particularly those that benefit from its warm, full tone, such as folk, rock, and acoustic pop. Its concert body shape provides a balanced sound suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking.
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Does the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu have any built-in electronics?
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No, the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu does not have built-in electronics or an active preamp. It is a purely acoustic guitar, making it ideal for unplugged sessions or use with an external microphone for amplification.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu?
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The Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu features a mahogany top, back, and sides, a maple neck, and a fretboard made from either rosewood or walnut. This combination of materials contributes to its warm tone and attractive natural finish.
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How many frets does the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu have?
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The Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu is equipped with 20 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing across various musical genres.
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Is the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable concert body shape and smooth playability. Its quality construction and pleasing tone make it a great choice for new guitarists looking to invest in a reliable acoustic guitar.
Videos
Guitar Center
Alkaline Trio "Hell Yes" At: Guitar Center
Alkaline Trio "Hell Yes" At: Guitar Center
Guitar Center
Review Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu
MoreThanGuitar
Fender - Alkaline Trio Malibu Demo at GAK
GAK
Alkaline Trio Fender Malibu Acoustic
Dylan M
Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
Musician's Friend
Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu
Eiland Muziek
Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu
Ryan's guitar stuff
Reviews
PROS
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Gorgeous appearance, more striking in person than in photos
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Crisp, clear sound quality that impresses players
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Highly playable neck, suitable for various skill levels
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Great for gifting, leaves a lasting impression
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Compact 3/4 size, ideal for travel or smaller players
CONS
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Durability concerns, may not withstand heavy use over time
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Lower tuning stability, may require frequent adjustments
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Smaller size might not suit players preferring full-sized guitars
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Limited features compared to other models in the category
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu.
Build quality
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The nut is cheaply cut, leading to intonation issues, and the tuning pegs are notably flimsy.
Source -
The guitar is noted for its extremely lightweight construction, making it easy to handle and ideal for relaxed playing environments.
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Owners find the red finish attractive but some avoid adding sound hole pickups fearing damage to the finish around the heart design.
Source
User experience
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Owners describe the Malibu as feeling toy-like, with its small size being a key factor.
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It's highlighted as a collector's piece rather than a primary instrument for regular play.
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Owners frequently use this guitar for casual, quiet strumming sessions, appreciating its lightweight build and ease of play, especially in settings where loud playing isn't ideal.
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Despite owning multiple guitars, some users still favor the Malibu for its comfort and playability, indicating a unique appeal despite its tonal limitations.
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Several owners mention the guitar's comfort due to its smaller size, especially for users with smaller hands.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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The Alkaline Trio Malibu has gained value as a collector's item, often selling for significantly more than its original price.
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Some buyers have acquired this guitar secondhand at significantly increased prices, highlighting its value as a collectible rather than purely as a musical instrument.
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Originally priced around $200, these guitars now often sell for $400-$600, with some listings reaching $1000 due to their collectible status.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
This acoustic guitar was sold by Frank Iero on his official Reverb.com shop. He states that Matt Skiba (of Alkaline Trio and Blink-182) gifted him and several other My Chemical Romance members these guitars when they were first released. He also speaks very highly of the guitar, mentioning that he often used it backstage or at home, as well as when recording demos, and called it “such a great parlor acoustic”.
Matt Skiba uses this guitar in this performance which can be seen at :24s.
Grace tweeted this photo of her Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu, with the caption:
"So stoked to have this, thanks again @danielandriano"
One of two acoustic guitars given to Matt by Fender.
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Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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