Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (3)
$949.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$999.99 $949.99 $50.00 · All time low
Amazon
$949.99 New
$559.35 Used (Very Good)
Musician's Friend
$999.99 $949.99 $50.00 · All time low

Average Price: $906

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Fender Malibu Vintage Acoustic-electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fender Malibu Vintage Acoustic-electric Guitar is a seamless blend of classic style and modern performance, perfect for musicians who value both aesthetics and acoustics. Drawing inspiration from its mid-century roots, this guitar boasts a retro visual appeal while delivering a rich and refined tone. The solid Sitka spruce top paired with ovangkol back and sides ensures a bright and balanced sound, making it suitable for various playing styles and settings, from intimate campfire sessions to bustling live performances.

A standout feature is the Fishman Sonitone Plus preamp system, which offers exceptional tone reproduction with its undersaddle piezo and internal body transducer. This ensures your sound remains faithful and clear when amplified. The modern "V" shaped okoume neck, with its sleek 25" scale length, provides a comfortable playing experience, ideal for extended performances.

The Malibu Vintage doesn’t just sound good; it looks the part too. Its bound ovangkol fingerboard with pearloid block inlays, vintage-style tuners, and a bone nut and saddle combine traditional charm with modern functionality. Whether plugged in or played acoustically, the Malibu Vintage offers a versatile and engaging experience for musicians at any level.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with ovangkol back and sides
  • Modern "V" shaped okoume neck for comfortable playability
  • Fishman Sonitone Plus preamp system for excellent amplified sound
  • Bound ovangkol fingerboard with pearloid block inlays
  • Vintage-style tuning machines
  • Real bone nut and saddle for superior tonal quality
  • Includes vintage-style hardshell case

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Malibu Vintage
Back & Sides Wood Solid Ovangkol
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Top Finish Gloss Polyurethane
Body Bracing Performance X
Binding Aged White
Neck Wood Okoume
Neck Shape Modern V
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Block
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25"
Nut Width 1.69"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone (nut)
Tuning Machines Vintage Style
Electronics Fishman Sonitone
Strings Fender Phospher Bronze, .012-.052
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Malibu Vintage Acoustic-electric Guitar?

The Fender Malibu Vintage features a Modern V neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that suits various playing styles and enhances playability.

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

This guitar has a solid Sitka spruce top and solid ovangkol back and sides, providing a balanced and resonant tone.

Does the Fender Malibu Vintage come with electronics for amplification?

Yes, the Fender Malibu Vintage is equipped with Fishman Sonitone electronics, allowing for easy amplification while maintaining the guitar's natural acoustic tone.

What kind of case does the Fender Malibu Vintage include?

The Fender Malibu Vintage comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

Is the Fender Malibu Vintage suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its Fishman Sonitone electronics and robust build, the Fender Malibu Vintage is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable amplification and a rich acoustic sound.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Malibu Vintage Acoustic-electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The Malibu is described as feeling like a toy, with cheaply cut nut and tuning pegs likened to tinfoil, impacting intonation and tuning stability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar features a unique heart-shaped soundhole, and its small "folk scale" size makes it more of a novelty or collector's item than a serious instrument.

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  • The Malibu's short scale (24.1") is contrasted with the full-size Yamaha FG800's 25.6" scale, affecting playability and comfort for different user sizes.

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Comparisons

  • The Malibu is noted for being hilariously small compared to other guitars, giving it a toy-like appearance when played by larger individuals.

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  • Players suggest exploring Yamaha guitars in the same price range for potentially better build and sound quality.

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  • The Yamaha FG800 is known for its reliability and durability, often outperforming other low-end acoustics, unlike the Malibu, which can be hit or miss.

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Use cases and applications

  • This guitar is often used more as a decorative wall piece due to its aesthetic appeal rather than for regular playing.

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  • The Malibu is considered a comfortable option for beginners, offering ease of play for learning guitar basics.

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  • The Malibu may serve better as a novelty or for casual play, while the Yamaha FG800 is favored for more serious playing and durability in various environments.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite initial lower pricing, second-hand models now sell for double or more, attributed to its collector's status, not its playability.

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User experience

  • Owners report using Elixir strings to improve tone slightly, though it remains middy and muddy compared to higher-quality acoustics.

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  • The Malibu's neck feel and playability are closer to a Fender electric guitar, appealing to electric players transitioning to acoustic.

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  • Owners mention that the Malibu's small size makes it suitable for young players or those with smaller frames, highlighting its comfort in casual settings like deckchairs.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Matte finishes, such as on the FG800, are less problematic with humidity than perceived, though they may show fingerprints more and develop shiny spots over time.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gracie Abrams uses Fender Malibu Vintage Acoustic-electric Guitar

Gracie Abrams

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

During the recording of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on May 8, 2024, Gracie Abrams was observed playing a Fender Malibu Vintage Acoustic-Electric Guitar in black. The visibility of "Fender Malibu" on the guitar's headstock and the distinctive shape of the pickguard, which aligns perfectly with the design specifications of the Malibu Vintage model, serves as conclusive evidence of the instrument's identification.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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