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Average Price: $328
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$200
$1001+
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Description
Step into a world of inspiring acoustics with the Fender Malibu Player, a part of the California Series that bridges the gap between classic tradition and modern innovation. Perfect for both the studio and the stage, this steel-string acoustic guitar offers a unique combination of playability and style. Its comfortable compact body and short scale make it an ideal companion for players who desire a smooth, easy playing experience without sacrificing sound quality.
The Malibu Player features a solid spruce top, known for its bright and clear tone, ensuring that your melodies ring out with exceptional clarity. Paired with mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers a balanced sound with a warm resonance. The mahogany neck with a slim-taper C-profile provides a comfortable grip, making it easier for you to explore intricate fingerpicking or strum powerful chords effortlessly.
Equipped with a Fishman preamp system, the Malibu Player takes your performance up a notch, whether you're plugged in or playing acoustically. Its intuitive controls allow for easy adjustments on the fly, ensuring your sound is always just right. The guitar's vintage-inspired aesthetics, including a 6-in-line Strat headstock, add a touch of retro flair while maintaining a modern edge.
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
- Fishman preamp system for enhanced live performance
- Mahogany neck with slim-taper C-profile
- Short scale for easy playability
- Vintage-inspired design elements, including a 6-in-line Strat headstock
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | California Series Malibu Player |
| Finish | Aqua Splash, Arctic Gold, Burgundy Satin, Candy Apple Red, Jetty Black, Midnight Satin |
| Year | 2018 - 2019 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Concert Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Red, White |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Walnut |
| Model Family | Fender Malibu |
| Model Sub-Family | Fender Malibu Player |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | Undersaddle Piezo Pickup |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender California |
| 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 body of the Fender Malibu Player?
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The Fender Malibu Player features a body made from mahogany for the back and sides, with a spruce top. This combination provides a warm, resonant tone with bright, clear projection.
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Is the Fender Malibu Player suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Fender Malibu Player is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, making it well-suited for live performances and amplified settings.
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Malibu Player like?
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The Fender Malibu Player has a slim-taper "C"-shaped neck profile, which offers comfortable playability and is particularly suitable for players who prefer a fast, easy-playing neck.
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How many frets does the Fender Malibu Player have?
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The Fender Malibu Player is equipped with 20 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing.
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What is the finish style of the Fender Malibu Player?
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The Fender Malibu Player features a satin finish, which gives it a smooth feel and a stylish, understated look.
Videos
PMTVUK
Fender Malibu Player Electro-Acoustic Review - 2018 California Series
Reviews
PROS
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Arrives ready to play with no setup needed
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Clear, bright sound that is particularly appealing
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24 inch scale length is ideal for travel and couch playing
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Beautiful binding and aesthetic appeal
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Great value with nice features at a reasonable price
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Satin-finished mahogany neck feels great, similar to a Strat
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Balanced sound, especially exceptional when plugged in
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Inspiring and comfortable to play with a shorter scale
CONS
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Low E-string can twang with heavy strumming
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Built-in tuner is low quality and may arrive with a low battery
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Surface of the frets may feel rough initially
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Not as full sounding as some regular acoustic guitars
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Some units may arrive with cosmetic imperfections and buzzing frets
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Malibu Player - California Series Acoustic.
Comparisons
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The Fender Malibu Player's smaller body and 24.1” scale length suit petite players, while the Yamaha FG800's 25.6” dreadnought may be cumbersome for shorter users.
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While the Malibu is seen as fine for its purpose, it's suggested to compare it with Yamaha models in the same price range for potentially better sound quality.
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Fender California series is noted for including features like preamps and strap buttons, unlike the Grestch Jim Dandy, which lacks these but is praised for feel and sound.
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Build quality
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Fender acoustics are noted for prioritizing aesthetics over tone, with some users finding them visually appealing but less satisfying to play.
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User experience
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The Yamaha FG800 is described as robust and reliable, with users reporting long-lasting performance even after decades of use.
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Some find the Malibu's neck feel and playability similar to Fender electric guitars, which can be appealing for electric guitar players transitioning to acoustic.
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One user found the Yamaha acoustics to be bland and muffled compared to the Fender California series, which provided a more balanced feature set.
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After trying a guitarlele, a user found that a regular-sized steel-string guitar like the Malibu provided a more satisfying playing experience.
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Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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Despite Fender's higher resale value due to branding, Yamaha is frequently deemed the superior choice in terms of sound quality and reliability at this price point.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
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Artist usage
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