Alright, so you’ve decided it’s time to pick up a Fender acoustic guitar? Excellent choice, my friend!
I gotta say, choosing the one from their lineup can feel like trying to find a needle in a pile of other, really awesome needles.
But don’t worry – I’ve got your back. Here are 8 best Fender acoustic guitars that are hands down worth your time (and hard-earned cash).
TL;DR – Quick Overview
In a rush? Cool, I get it. Here’s the lowdown:
- Best for Newbies: Fender FA-345CE Auditorium 3TB
- Best for Fingerpicking: Fender CD-140SCE All Mahogany
- Best for Seasoned Pros: Fender King Vintage Mojave
- Best for Classic Rockers: Fender Joe Strummer Campfire
- Best Bang for Your Buck: Fender Redondo Player NAT
- Most Versatile: Fender Newporter Player TPL WN
- Best Stage Guitar: Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat
- Best for Studio Work: Fender Highway Dreadnought NAT
Okay, let’s dig a little deeper into what makes these guitars awesome (and maybe not-so-awesome).
List Of 8 Best Fender Acoustic Guitars
1. Fender CD-140SCE All Mahogany
The CD-140SCE is the kinda guitar that you pick up and immediately go, “Whoa.” It’s all mahogany, which gives you that deep, warm tone that makes everything sound like a cozy campfire jam. Oh, and it’s got a built-in Fishman preamp with a tuner – you’re welcome.
Key Features:
- Dreadnought body with a cutaway (because who doesn’t like hitting those high frets?)
- Solid mahogany top (none of that fake stuff)
- Fishman CD1 preamp with built-in tuner (trust me, you’ll appreciate this)
- Walnut fretboard – it’s smooth, you’ll love it.
- 20 frets – enough for all your shredding needs
Why I Recommend It:
If you’re all about that warm, full sound, you’ll be obsessed with this guitar. It’s perfect for fingerstyle, strumming, or anything in between. Plus, mahogany is basically the acoustic guitar equivalent of comfort food – it just feels right. It’s built to last too, so you won’t have to worry about babying it. Just grab it and go. Honestly, why are you still here? Go play it. 🙂
2. Fender FA-345CE Auditorium 3TB
The FA-345CE is for those who want a guitar that looks as good as it sounds. It’s got a laminated maple top and lacewood sides – yep, lacewood. Even if you don’t know what lacewood is (same, honestly), just know that it looks pretty awesome.
Key Features:
- Grand Auditorium body (big sound, but not bulky)
- Laminated maple top (it’s flashy)
- Lacewood back and sides (what’s lacewood? I dunno, but it’s pretty)
- Fishman electronics (plug it in and let ‘er rip)
- Keystone inlays – a little extra bling on your fretboard
Why I Recommend It:
Not only does it look cool, but it also plays like a dream. The neck is super comfy, and the electronics sound fantastic. Great for beginners, but honestly, it’s nice enough that even seasoned players won’t be disappointed. Plus, that lacewood – I mean, come on, it’s too cool.
Looking for something even more powerful? Have a look on our list of top 7 jumbo acoustics!
3. Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic
Feeling a bit punk? The Tim Armstrong Hellcat might be your new best friend. Named after the frontman of Rancid, this acoustic just has that “don’t mess with me” vibe. It’s a smaller concert-sized body, which makes it super comfortable to play, especially if you’re someone who likes to move around when you jam (or jump around – no judgment here).
Key Features:
- Concert body size (compact but packs a punch)
- Solid mahogany top, mahogany back and sides (classic, reliable tone)
- Hellcat inlays on the fretboard – because why not?
- Fishman preamp with built-in tuner (yes, again with the Fishman – they know their stuff)
- Vintage open gear tuners (for that old-school flair)
Why I Recommend It:
First off, it just looks cool. The Hellcat logos are a nice touch, and the whole vibe screams “I don’t follow the rules.” Sound-wise, it’s warm, punchy, and perfect for anyone who’s into singer-songwriter stuff or playing punk covers. Plus, it’s super portable – take it anywhere and be the coolest person in the room (or on the street corner, whatever floats your boat).
4. Fender Newporter Player TPL WN
The Newporter Player is like the guitar version of a chilled-out surfer who’s also secretly amazing at everything. It’s got that laid-back vibe, but don’t let that fool you – this thing can hold its own in pretty much any situation. Wanna take it to the beach? Sure. Plug it in at an open mic? Absolutely.
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top (classic tonewood, you really can’t go wrong)
- Sapele back and sides (sounds fancy, right?)
- Slim „C” neck profile (your hand will thank you)
- Fishman electronics with volume/tone control (because, duh)
- Vintage-style tuners (adds a touch of nostalgia)
Why I Recommend It:
If you want a guitar that’s as versatile as your music tastes, this is it. It’s got a bright, crisp tone that cuts through the mix but still feels mellow enough for those relaxed sessions. Oh, and it looks pretty sweet too – definitely not your grandpa’s acoustic.
Lookin for cheaper options? Have a look on these 8 cheap acoustics for amateurs!
5. Fender Joe Strummer Campfire
Now, this guitar is all about simplicity. It’s named after Joe Strummer from The Clash (you know, one of the greatest punk bands of all time?). This one’s for those of you who want a no-frills guitar that you can take anywhere, play anywhere, and still sound great.
Plus, if you love a good campfire jam, well, the name says it all! This one’s great for a bit more advanced players out there. BTW, we have an article about best acoustics for pros – so if you’ve been playing for a while, you may want to have a look on that ;).
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top with mahogany sides and back (classic)
- Slim „C” neck profile (comfortable for those long nights around the fire)
- Strat-style headstock (yup, it’s on an acoustic – deal with it)
- Built-in pickup system with volume, bass, and treble controls (plug and play)
- Includes a gig bag (so you’re ready to roll anytime)
Why I Recommend It:
It’s a cool, simple, rugged acoustic that you can take on the road without worrying about it. Sounds awesome unplugged, but if you do plug it in, it still shines. Whether you’re channeling your inner punk or just want to jam some tunes by the fire, this one’s a great choice.
6. Fender Redondo Player
The Redondo Player is part of Fender’s California Series, and it totally looks the part. Big, bold, and a little flashy, this guitar is for those who aren’t afraid to be seen. You know, the kind of person who strums three chords and somehow makes it sound epic? Yeah, that’s who this guitar is for.
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top (because tone matters)
- Sapele back and sides (solid construction = solid sound)
- Slim „C” neck profile (no hand cramps here)
- Fishman electronics (yep, another one with Fishman – they know what they’re doing)
- Golden pickguard (yes, golden – feeling fancy yet?)
Why I Recommend It:
This guitar is just plain fun. It’s got a big sound, great playability, and enough flair to turn heads. Plus, at its price point, you’re getting a heck of a deal for a solid top guitar with Fishman electronics. And come on, that golden pickguard? Yeah, you know you want it.
7. Fender King Vintage Mojave
The King Vintage Mojave is what happens when you want to feel like you’re playing a guitar straight out of a 1970s music video. Big, bold, and dripping with vintage vibes, this guitar is for the pros (or at least those who want to look like pros).
Key Features:
- Dreadnought body (because bigger is better, right?)
- Solid spruce top and Ovangkol back/sides (rich tone, beautiful wood)
- Modern “V” neck profile – great for fast playin’
- Fishman electronics with volume/blend controls (perfect for stage use)
- Includes vintage-style hardshell case (fancy af)
Why I Recommend It:
This guitar is for the serious players out there. The tone is rich and full, and the Fishman system lets you blend your sound perfectly for any gig or recording session. Plus, it just looks incredible. It’s all because of the premium materials – guitar tonewoods REALLY do matter!
8. Fender Highway Dreadnought NAT
The Highway Dreadnought is all about clean, powerful sound – perfect for recording or live gigs. It’s got a Fishman Fluence pickup, which is basically magic for recording – you’ll get an acoustic tone that sounds just as good plugged in as it does unplugged.
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top with solid mahogany back/sides (classic tone combination)
- Fishman Fluence Acoustic pickup system (crystal clear sound)
- Rosewood fretboard – smooth as butter
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut (great for keeping the intonation spot-on)
- 20 frets – plenty of space for all your licks
Why I Recommend It:
This one’s ideal for players who record a lot or need a solid live guitar. The Fishman Fluence system is top-notch, and the natural acoustic tone is to die for. Plus, it’s built like a tank – perfect for those of you who are hard on your gear (no shame).
My Ratings
And now, the moment of truth. Here’s how these guitars stack up in my totally unbiased (but still 100% correct) opinion:
| Guitar | Rating |
|---|---|
| Fender CD-140SCE All Mahogany | 9/10 |
| Fender FA-345CE Auditorium 3TB | 8/10 |
| Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat | 9/10 |
| Fender Newporter Player TPL WN | 8.5/10 |
| Fender Joe Strummer Campfire | 9/10 |
| Fender Redondo Player NAT | 8/10 |
| Fender King Vintage Mojave | 10/10 |
| Fender Highway Dreadnought NAT | 9/10 |
Why the Fender King Vintage Mojave Gets a Perfect 10
I mean, come on, this guitar has it all – rich tone, killer looks, professional-level electronics, and a vintage-style hardshell case to boot. If you’re a pro (or just want to feel like one), this is the one. Simple as that.
For more tips and fun guitar stuff, check out my YouTube channels – Strefa Gitar (Polish) and Best Guitars Now (this one’s in English).
FAQ
1. Which Fender acoustic is best for beginners?
The Fender FA-345CE is an excellent choice. It’s affordable, looks killer, and sounds amazing. What more could you ask for?
2. Can I plug these guitars into an amp?
Yep! All of these guitars are acoustic-electrics, meaning they’ve got built-in pickups so you can plug in and play as loud as you want.
3. Do these guitars come with cases?
Some do! For example, the King Vintage Mojave comes with a hardshell case, and the Joe Strummer Campfire comes with a gig bag. For others, you’ll need to grab a case separately.
4. Which one is best for fingerpicking?
Definitely the Fender CD-140SCE. Its all-mahogany build and dreadnought body make it super responsive to fingerstyle playing.
5. What’s the difference between a dreadnought and an auditorium guitar?
A dreadnought is bigger and gives you more bass and volume, while an auditorium body is smaller, offering more balance and a bit more clarity. Pick your poison.
6. Are these good for live performances?
Absolutely. With brands like Fishman handling the electronics, these guitars are stage-ready. Just plug in and go.
7. Which one is the most vintage-looking?
The Fender King Vintage Mojave wins here, hands down. It’s dripping with retro vibes and even comes with a vintage-style case.
Final Thoughts
Fender’s got something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a pro looking for the next addition to your collection.
Whether you go with the warm mahogany tones of the CD-140SCE, the punk-rock flair of the Tim Armstrong Hellcat, or the pro-level King Vintage Mojave, you can’t go wrong. So, pick your favorite, plug in, and start making some noise!
And if you don’t have budget for any of these… well, that’s a bummer. But no worries! Perhaps Harley Benton CG-45 would be a better fit for you, it’s extremely cheap!
Thanks for reading and happy strumming! 🙂
