Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $500

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

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Description

Discover the harmonious blend of classic craftsmanship and modern innovation with the Fender El Rio Acoustic-Electric Guitar. Crafted in Japan from 1983 to 1987, this thinline body guitar is a testament to Fender's commitment to quality and style. Its solid spruce top combined with a sycamore body delivers a bright, resonant sound, perfect for both intimate sessions and live performances.

The El Rio's built-in electronics provide seamless amplification, featuring controls for volume, tone, and a notch filter, letting you shape your sound with precision. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, adorned with elegant snowflake and fleur-de-lys inlays, offer a smooth playing experience, while the Florentine cutaway design ensures effortless access to higher frets.

A Stratocaster-style headstock and in-line tuners not only add to the iconic Fender look but also ensure reliable tuning stability. The ebony mustache bridge and shell pickguard enhance the guitar's aesthetic appeal, while the multi-strip rosette and binding on the top and back provide a touch of sophistication.

Whether you're strumming in a cozy venue or recording in the studio, the Fender El Rio is your perfect companion, promising a rich acoustic sound that is effortlessly amplified with its onboard electronics.

Key Features:

  • Thinline body with Florentine cutaway
  • Solid spruce top with sycamore body
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Built-in electronics with volume, tone, and notch filter controls
  • Stratocaster-style headstock with in-line tuners
  • Ebony mustache bridge and shell pickguard
  • Made in Japan (1983-1987)
  • Includes case
P/B Guitars

P/B Guitars

Fender El Rio, Japan (Demo)

Video thumbnail for Fender El Rio, Japan (Demo) by P/B Guitars

Fender El Rio, Japan (Demo)

P/B Guitars

P/B Guitars

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Fender El Rio Acoustic/Electric (MU Aug 83)

muzines.co.uk

While the Fender El Rio attempts to revive the brand's acoustic legacy, it falls short in execution. The solid spruce top and sycamore body are visually appealing, but the pronounced rippling and high action make for an uncomfortable playing experience. Sound-wise, it disappoints with a tinny tone lacking depth, warmth, and character, especially for its price point. Though the built-in notch filter offers some feedback control for stage use, the overall acoustic performance leaves much to be desired. Given the multitude of better alternatives on the market, the El Rio is a frustrating encounter for players seeking quality in both sound and craftsmanship.

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Artist usage

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See how Marty Willson-Piper uses Fender El Rio

Marty Willson-Piper

Guitarist

The Church

...
Verified via Marty Willson-Piper

Marty Willson-Piper used the Fender El Rio acoustic-electric guitar to write the song "Spark," as detailed on his official website.

See how Kiyoshiro Imawano uses Fender El Rio

Kiyoshiro Imawano

Singer, Guitarist

RC Succession

...
Verified via CROSS BRIDGE

Kiyoshiro Imawano frequently used the Fender El Rio during his time with RC Succession, and continued to use it with a magnetic pickup attached when he formed The Timers, as documented by Cross Bridge.

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 El Rio, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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