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Average Price: $300

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$200

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Malibu SCE is your ticket to a seamless blend of acoustic richness and electric versatility. Designed to echo the sun-soaked vibes of California, this acoustic-electric guitar is a perfect partner for both stage and studio. Its folk-style cutaway design allows for effortless access to higher frets, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy intricate fingerstyle playing. Constructed with a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides, the Malibu SCE offers a warm tone with impressive projection, ensuring your sound resonates whether unplugged or amplified.

The vintage C-shaped maple neck and Stratocaster headstock provide electric guitar players with a familiar feel, making the transition between electric and acoustic a breeze. The onboard Fishman pickup system, complete with a preamp and tuner, ensures that your sound remains true and dynamic when plugged in.

Whether you're strumming on the beach or performing on stage, the Fender Malibu SCE delivers outstanding playability and style. Its vintage-inspired touches, such as the rosewood fingerboard with aged binding and white block inlays, add a touch of classic Fender charm to your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing
  • Laminated mahogany back and sides
  • Vintage C-shaped maple neck with dual-action truss rod
  • 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with aged binding and white pearloid block inlays
  • Fishman Pickup System with Preamp and onboard tuner
  • Stratocaster headstock shape
  • Gloss polyurethane finish
  • Rosewood bridge with compensated saddle
  • D'Addario EXP-26 Phosphor Bronze strings, gauges .011 to .052

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Fender Malibu SCE Natural?

The Fender Malibu SCE Natural features a laminated spruce top, solid mahogany back, and laminated mahogany sides, providing a balanced and warm tone suitable for various music styles.

How does the Fishman Presys pickup system enhance the Fender Malibu SCE Natural?

The Fishman Presys pickup system includes an active onboard preamp and tuner, ensuring accurate amplification and tuning, making it ideal for live performances and studio recordings.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Malibu SCE Natural, and how does it affect playability?

The Fender Malibu SCE Natural has a soft "C" shaped maple neck, offering comfortable playability and smooth transitions across the 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Is the Fender Malibu SCE Natural suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Malibu SCE Natural is equipped with a Fishman Presys pickup system and active preamp, making it well-suited for live performances with reliable sound projection and tuning stability.

Does the Fender Malibu SCE Natural have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the Fender Malibu SCE Natural features a built-in tuner as part of the Fishman Presys system, allowing for convenient and precise tuning adjustments on the go.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Described as feeling like a "toy" with small size affecting playability and producing a middy, muddy sound.

    Source
  • Owners have reported fret sprouting issues with the Fender Malibu SCE, which can cause discomfort and require luthier attention to fix.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Elixir strings improve sound significantly, though issues like cheap nut cutting and poor tuning pegs persist.

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  • Some users found the string action to be high out of the box, necessitating a setup to lower the action for improved playability.

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Comparisons

  • Often compared to a child's toy due to its hilariously small size, especially when played by larger individuals.

    Source
  • The Fender Malibu's sound is compared to Ibanez Artwood models, with users noting the Artwood offers superior quality and playability.

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User experience

  • Serves as a collector's item more than a practical instrument, with many owners using it primarily as a wall piece.

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  • A Fender Malibu owner noted it required setup adjustments, but post-adjustment, it became a favored guitar for open mic nights.

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Use cases and applications

  • Suitable as a bedroom guitar for those with small hands, but not ideal for live performances due to size and sound quality.

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  • The Malibu's smaller 000-style body is considered comfortable and preferred over larger guitars for casual or campfire settings.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Davies uses Fender Malibu SCE Natural

Dave Davies

Composer, Guitarist

The Kinks

...
Verified via YouTube

Dave Davies can be seen playing a natural finished acoustic Fender Malibu in the promotional video for his debute solo single "Death of a Clown" in 1967. The song was later featured on The Kinks' album "Something Else by The Kinks".

Either Dave shared this guitar with his brother Ray Davies, or they both had similar ones, since Ray often was seen performing and recording with a Fender Malibu.

See how Nils Lofgren uses Fender Malibu SCE Natural

Nils Lofgren

Singer, Guitarist

Crazy Horse

...
Verified via reverb.com

Small body six string Fender acoustic with a single Acoustic cutaway and onboard pickup and electronics. Used in home and to sing National Anthem at events. Hand written National Anthem lyrics are taped to the guitar. Guitar is a funky little plucker. Light. Small. Short scale and easy to play.

See how OSKÄR STALIN uses Fender Malibu SCE Natural

OSKÄR STALIN

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "PARTE 1 MARATON DE GUITARRAS," OSKÄR STALIN is shown playing a Fender Malibu SCE Natural, highlighting its compact size and impressive sound quality.

Album Usage

The Fender Malibu SCE Natural has been featured on the following albums:

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 Malibu SCE Natural, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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