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Average Price: $515

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Description

The Fender California Traditional Series Malibu Special is an acoustic guitar that seamlessly blends classic Fender style with modern playability. Designed for musicians who crave a unique and robust sound, this short-scale acoustic is perfect for both strumming and fingerstyle playing. The Malibu Special stands out with its compact body and slim-taper neck, making it exceptionally comfortable to hold and play for extended sessions. Its all-solid construction, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, delivers a rich, resonant tone with plenty of clarity and volume.

The guitar's signature 6-in-line headstock nods to Fender's electric legacy, while its scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance and projection. The onboard Fishman preamp system ensures that your tone remains true and full when amplified, making it ideal for gigs and studio recordings. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a budding singer-songwriter, the Malibu Special offers a versatile sonic palette that adapts to your unique musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides
  • Short-scale neck (24.1 inches) for enhanced playability
  • Slim-taper, C-shaped neck profile
  • Scalloped X-bracing for improved resonance
  • Fender-exclusive Malibu body shape
  • Fishman preamp system with volume, bass, treble controls
  • 6-in-line Fender headstock for a classic look
  • Walnut fingerboard and bridge
  • Nickel hardware

The Malibu Special is not just a guitar; it's an invitation to explore new musical horizons with every strum.

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model California Traditional Series Malibu Special
Year 2020
Made In China
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro
Model Family Fender Malibu
Model Sub-Family Fender Malibu Special
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender California Traditional
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Mahogany

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Fender California Traditional Series Malibu Special?

The Fender Malibu Special features a mahogany top, back, and sides, which contribute to its warm and balanced tone.

Is the Fender Malibu Special suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Malibu Special is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, making it ideal for amplified performances.

How many frets does the Fender Malibu Special have?

The Fender Malibu Special has 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.

What is the neck material of the Fender Malibu Special, and how does it affect playability?

The neck of the Fender Malibu Special is made from mahogany, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience with a warm tone.

Does the Fender Malibu Special have a unique body shape?

Yes, the Fender Malibu Special features a concert body shape, which is compact and offers a balanced sound suitable for various musical styles.

Scott Leak

Scott Leak

Fender Malibu Special Mahogany

Video thumbnail for Fender Malibu Special Mahogany by Scott Leak

Fender Malibu Special Mahogany

Scott Leak

Scott Leak

Video thumbnail for Musik Aktiv - Fender Malibu Special California Series by Musik Aktiv

Musik Aktiv - Fender Malibu Special California Series

Musik Aktiv

Musik Aktiv

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Owners describe the Malibu as feeling like a toy, with cheaply cut nuts leading to intonation issues and tuning pegs that seem flimsy.

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Features and functionality

  • The small body size is noted as "hilariously small," affecting sound quality, producing a middy and muddy tone, and limiting playability above a high G.

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  • The neck feel and playability are similar to a Fender electric guitar, providing a unique experience compared to typical acoustics.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Switching to Elixir strings has been reported to improve sound quality, though not significantly. Proper setup is essential for better playability.

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User experience

  • Some owners appreciate the guitar mainly as a collectible or wall piece, valuing its aesthetic and sentimental connection to Alkaline Trio rather than its playability.

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  • The guitar is noted as very fun to play, with some players finding it hard to put down after trying it in-store.

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  • The guitar is seen as adequate for learning purposes, with comfort being a notable highlight.

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Value and pricing

  • Initial purchase prices have significantly increased, with some paying up to seven hundred dollars due to its collector status, despite its perceived low craftsmanship.

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Comparisons

  • Yamaha guitars in the same price range are recommended as worthy alternatives to consider.

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Use cases and applications

  • It's deemed suitable for beginners looking to learn, as it's comfortable and has a pleasant sound.

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