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Average Price: $636

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$200

$1001+

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender California Series Malibu Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fender California Series Malibu Special is a captivating blend of classic Fender style and acoustic versatility, making it an ideal companion for songwriters and performers alike. With its distinctive okoume construction, this acoustic-electric guitar delivers a warm, rich tone with remarkable sustain that resonates beautifully whether unplugged or amplified. The slim "C"-shaped neck, crafted from mahogany, provides exceptional comfort during extended sessions, allowing you to focus entirely on your creativity without fatigue.

Plug into the Fishman Flex Body preamp system and unlock a world of sonic possibilities. This advanced system includes a body sensor and piezo pickup, offering you the ability to blend signals for a perfectly tailored sound. Equipped with volume, tone, and phase controls, the Malibu Special ensures your performance is always at its best, whether you're strumming by the campfire or on stage.

From the Pau Ferro fingerboard to the authentic bone nut, every detail of this guitar is designed for performance and style. Vintage-style tuning machines and a period-correct pickguard bring a touch of nostalgia, while the Modern Viking walnut bridge ensures stability and precise intonation. The Malibu Special is not just an instrument; it's a gateway to limitless musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Top, back, and sides made of okoume for richer tone and enhanced sustain
  • Slim "C"-shaped mahogany neck for comfortable playability
  • Pau Ferro fingerboard with 14 fret-to-body count
  • Real bone nut and Modern Viking walnut bridge
  • Vintage-style tuners and period-correct pickguard
  • Fishman Flex Body preamp with body sensor, piezo pickup, and blend control

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Malibu
Back & Sides Wood Solid Okoume
Top Wood Solid Okoume
Top Finish Satin
Binding Maple
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape Slim C
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Material Pau Ferro
Fingerboard Inlay Maple Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 24.1"
Nut Width 1.69"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone (nut)
Tuning Machines Vintage Style
Electronics Fishman Flex Body
Strings Fender Phospher Bronze, .012-.052
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Fender California Series Malibu Special?

The Fender California Series Malibu Special features a compact parlor-sized body shape, which is unique to Fender and offers a comfortable playing experience with an articulate voice suitable for various musical styles.

What type of wood is used for the Fender Malibu Special's top and back?

The top and back of the Fender Malibu Special are made from solid Okoume, providing a warm and resonant tone with a satin finish for a sleek look.

How does the neck of the Fender Malibu Special feel for players?

The Malibu Special has a slim C-shaped mahogany neck, known for its comfortable and easy playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

What electronics are included in the Fender Malibu Special?

The Fender Malibu Special is equipped with Fishman Flex electronics, which offer a natural amplified sound and flexible control for live performances.

Is the Fender Malibu Special suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Malibu Special includes Fishman Flex electronics, making it well-suited for live performances with its easy amplification and control options.

Fender

Fender

California Series Special Guitars with Aaron Lee Tasjan | Fender Acoustics | Fender

Video thumbnail for California Series Special Guitars with Aaron Lee Tasjan | Fender Acoustics | Fender by Fender

California Series Special Guitars with Aaron Lee Tasjan | Fender Acoustics | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Malibu Special Mahogany by Scott Leak

Fender Malibu Special Mahogany

Scott Leak

Scott Leak

Video thumbnail for Fender Malibu Special by dugbert5

Fender Malibu Special

dugbert5

dugbert5

Video thumbnail for Fender malibu Special  ★ Travel Guitar by KR MUSIC HOUSE

Fender malibu Special ★ Travel Guitar

KR MUSIC HOUSE

KR MUSIC HOUSE

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender California Series Malibu Special.

Use cases and applications

  • The Malibu's neck feel is similar to a Fender electric, appealing to electric guitar players transitioning to acoustic.

    Source
  • The Malibu’s compact size is suitable for casual evening strumming on a terrace or deckchair, offering comfort for relaxed play.

    Source
  • Owners frequently use the Malibu as a "couch guitar," highlighting its ease of play for casual settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the Malibu very comfortable to play, making it suitable for beginners learning guitar.

    Source
  • The Yamaha FG800 is favored for its durability and ability to withstand rough handling, making it ideal for travel or outdoor use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some suggest considering Yamaha models in the same price range for alternative options.

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  • The Yamaha FG800's full-size dreadnought can be unwieldy for smaller individuals, whereas the Malibu’s smaller body suits those needing a compact option.

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  • A Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlour guitar is suggested as another compact, affordable alternative, suitable for outdoor or casual play.

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Build quality

  • Some report the Malibu's smaller size can result in a "toy-like" feel, potentially impacting tonal richness compared to larger models.

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  • The Malibu Player series features a painted Fender headstock, which adds a premium touch to its aesthetic appeal.

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  • The dark blue satin finish not only looks appealing but is also praised for its quality in the Midnight Satin variant.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners find the Malibu Player series to be a fantastic investment at approximately $500 AUD, especially given its build quality and aesthetic features.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reviewed: Fender California Series Acoustics - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Fender California Series Malibu Special isn’t just a blast from the past but a fresh dive into nostalgia. With its classic tonewood combo of Sitka spruce and mahogany, it charms with a broad tonal spectrum, especially under the finesse of fingerpicking. While its portability and retro vibes nod to its ‘60s roots, it might not shake off the love/hate nuance of its parlour predecessors. Each guitar in the series, including the quirkier Newporter and the grandiose Redondo, has its own voice, thanks to a unique Fishman pickup system. While they’re not reissues, their distinct personalities make each model stand out. Overall, they’re unique yet not without quirks, appealing to those seeking a blend of vintage flair and modern playability.

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