Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $567
Standard/Professional
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Malibu". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.
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Description
Step into the spotlight with the Fender Malibu, a beautifully crafted instrument that harmonizes classic aesthetics with modern functionality. Designed for musicians who crave a blend of style and sound, this steel-string acoustic guitar offers a resonant voice with a punchy, articulate tone. The body is meticulously crafted from sapele, while the top is made of solid spruce, delivering a bright and clear sound. Its nato neck, finished in satin urethane, offers a comfortable playing experience, complemented by a slim "C" profile that fits snugly in your hand.
The Malibu's walnut fingerboard is adorned with white dot inlays and a 400mm (15.75") radius, making it an ideal choice for both strumming and intricate fingerpicking. A standout feature is the Graph Tech NuBone nut, which enhances sustain and ensures precise intonation. Vintage style nickel machine heads and a modern Viking bridge add to its visual and functional charm.
For those who love to perform, the Malibu is equipped with built-in electronics that include volume and tone controls, along with a push tone knob for phase control, allowing you to tailor your sound to any venue. Complete with a 3-ply tortoiseshell pickguard and strung with Fender Dura-Tone 880L Coated 80/20 strings, this guitar is as durable as it is delightful.
Key Features:
- Body: Sapele
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Neck: Nato with Satin Urethane Finish
- Fingerboard: Walnut with White Dot Inlays
- Fingerboard Radius: 400mm (15.75")
- Nut: Graph Tech NuBone
- 20 Frets
- Controls: Volume, Tone, Push Tone Knob for Phase Control
- Pickguard: 3-Ply Tortoiseshell
- Bridge: Modern Viking
- Machine Heads: Vintage Style Nickel
- Strings: Fender Dura-Tone 880L Coated 80/20, .012-.052 Gauges
- Finish: Poly lacquer
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Malibu |
| Finish | Black, Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1965 - 1971 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Black, Natural, Orange, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| 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 Vintage CBS Era |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the Fender Malibu's body?
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The Fender Malibu features a body made from mahogany for the back and sides, and a spruce top, providing a balanced and resonant tone typical of dreadnought acoustic guitars.
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Is the Fender Malibu suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender Malibu is suitable for beginners due to its shorter 24-inch scale length, which makes it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.
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Does the Fender Malibu have an active preamp or pickups?
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No, the Fender Malibu does not have an active preamp or pickups, making it a purely acoustic instrument ideal for unplugged performances.
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What is the neck material of the Fender Malibu?
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The neck of the Fender Malibu is made from maple, which contributes to its bright tonal characteristics and smooth playability.
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How many frets does the Fender Malibu have?
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The Fender Malibu has 20 frets, offering a sufficient range for most acoustic guitar playing styles.
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What are the finish options available for the Fender Malibu?
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The Fender Malibu is available in Black, Natural, and Sunburst finishes, providing aesthetic options to suit different player preferences.
Videos
PMTVUK
Fender Malibu Player Electro-Acoustic Review - 2018 California Series
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Malibu.
Build quality
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The neck profile is appreciated by some, but others find the strat neck less ideal for an acoustic guitar.
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Features and functionality
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The Malibu has a unique heart-shaped soundhole, which some users find aesthetically pleasing despite its compact size impacting sound quality.
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Value and pricing
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Many owners consider it more of a collector's item due to its increasing resale value and limited production.
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User experience
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Users describe the guitar as "hilariously small," likening it to a toy, and note that it is best suited as a display piece.
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The Malibu is described as having playability similar to Fender electric guitars, making it comfortable for electric players transitioning to acoustic.
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A user found the guitar hard to put down at a Guitar Center, indicating a high level of engagement and enjoyment during play.
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Owners report that Yamaha guitars, even older models, remain durable and playable over decades, suggesting a long lifespan despite frequent use.
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It's noted that the Malibu feels toy-like and lacks the robust sound and build quality seen in higher-end Yamaha models, impacting its suitability for serious play.
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Setup and maintenance
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Upgrading to Elixir strings significantly improves the sound, though it remains a lesser instrument compared to higher-end acoustics.
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Comparisons
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Some owners note that their other guitars, like Taylor and PRS models, outperform the Malibu in both sound and build quality.
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Yamaha guitars in the same price range are suggested as alternatives, implying similar value and functionality.
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The Malibu's smaller body is notably more comfortable for petite players compared to a dreadnought like the Yamaha FG800, which may feel cumbersome when seated.
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The Yamaha FG800 is preferred for its consistent build quality and reliability, unlike Fender acoustics, which often face quality control issues at lower price points.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
85
Artist usage
Add artist
Harry Styles is seen with a black Fender Malibu adorned with stickers, as shown in a photo on his Instagram.
In this youtube video, Alex can be seen using this guitar. There is a chance this may be a Fender Del Mar, but these are very similar guitars and the Del Mar is not listed online.
On Dwight's official Instagram, you can see him playing what appears to be a 60's Fender Malibu acoustic guitar alongside Bob Weir and friends.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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