So, you’re in the market for a new acoustic guitar, but let’s be honest—you don’t want to spend a small fortune. I get it. Been there.
And you’re probably thinking about Fender Redondo Player. This acoustic-electric? It’s a bit of a surprise. It’s the kind of guitar that makes you want to pick it up and just play for hours.
Let me take you through why I love this guitar and why it might just be your next favorite.
My Experience with the Fender Redondo Player
I remember the first time I held the Fender Redondo Player, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Fender’s known for their iconic electrics, but acoustics? Different ballgame.
Yet from the moment I strummed the first chord, I knew it was something special. The sound had a nice depth to it, and the Slim „C” neck profile was incredibly comfortable to play.
The satin urethane finish on the neck made it feel super smooth—none of that sticky, gloss finish that drives me nuts after a long session.
And when it comes to sound, you have to listen to the demo below.
When I plugged it in, the sound didn’t thin out like I feared it might. Those Fishman electronics kept the natural warmth of the acoustic tone, so I didn’t get that artificial, boxy sound you sometimes hear with cheaper acoustic-electrics.
After a few hours of playing around with it, it became clear that this guitar would become a staple in my collection.
It’s reliable, fun to play, and looks cool while doing it.
5 Reasons Why the Fender Redondo Player is a Keeper
1. Solid Spruce Top for Clear, Dynamic Sound
One of the standout features on this guitar is its solid spruce top. If you’re into guitars, you know that a solid top, especially spruce, is a big deal. Spruce provides a nice balance between brightness and depth, making it perfect for different playing styles, whether you’re fingerpicking or strumming hard.
The beauty of spruce is that it ages well, too. The more you play, the richer the sound becomes over time. So, yeah, it sounds great now, but it’ll sound even better in a year or two.
2. Slim „C” Neck Profile for Easy Playability
Nothing kills your vibe faster than a clunky neck that feels like you’re gripping a baseball bat. The Slim „C” neck profile on the Redondo Player is thin enough to be comfortable but not too slim where it feels flimsy.
It’s just…right.
I found transitioning between chords super smooth, and barre chords? A breeze. And the satin finish on the neck? Total game-changer. It keeps things moving, no sticky hands after long sessions here.
3. Fishman Electronics: Natural Sound When Plugged In
When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, sound quality when plugged in is a dealbreaker for me. I hate that tinny, cheap sound you sometimes get when you amp up an acoustic.
But the Fishman electronics on the Redondo Player keep the tone natural and warm. The onboard volume and tone controls let you tweak the sound on the fly, and there’s a push/pull phase control that helps eliminate feedback during live performances.
Whether I’m practicing plugged into a small amp or playing live through a PA, it sounds full and clear.
4. Stylish Design with Vintage Vibes
Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for a good-looking guitar. The Natural Matt finish on the Redondo Player caught my eye right away.
It’s got this cool, understated vibe without trying too hard. The 3-ply golden pickguard gives it a bit of that retro charm, and the modern Viking bridge is sleek but functional, keeping everything stable and adding to the sustain.
And those vintage-style nickel machine heads? They look awesome and hold tuning well.
5. Affordable, But Feels Premium
The biggest kicker? This guitar is affordable. You’re getting a solid spruce top, Fishman electronics, and Fender’s build quality for a price that’s way below what I’d expect for a guitar of this caliber.
I’ve played guitars twice the price that don’t feel as solid or sound as good. It’s an absolute steal for what you’re getting.
Overall Rating
So, what’s the final score? I’d give the Fender Redondo Player a strong 9/10. It’s got all the qualities I want in an acoustic-electric: great sound, smooth playability, and a design that doesn’t feel cheap.
The only downside? It doesn’t come with a gig bag or case. Would have been nice, but considering the price, I’m not going to lose sleep over it.
This guitar is ideal for beginners looking to invest in something solid, or experienced players who want a reliable, affordable acoustic-electric for gigging or recording. It’s a versatile instrument that does more than you’d expect for the price.
Fender Redondo Player: Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top | Solid Spruce |
| Back and Sides | Sapele |
| Neck | Nato |
| Fingerboard | Walnut |
| Neck Finish | Satin Urethane |
| Neck Profile | Slim „C” |
| Fingerboard Inlays | White Dots |
| Fingerboard Radius | 400 mm (15.75″) |
| Nut Width | 43 mm (1.69″) |
| Nut | Graph Tech NuBone |
| Frets | 20 |
| Electronics | Fishman with Volume, Tone, and Phase Control |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Golden |
| Bridge | Modern Viking Bridge |
| Machine Heads | Vintage-Style Nickel |
| Strings | Fender Dura-Tone 880L Coated 80/20 (.012 – .052) |
| Color | Natural Matt |
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros:
- Solid Spruce Top: Great tone that improves with time.
- Slim „C” Neck Profile: Super comfortable and easy to play.
- Fishman Electronics: High-quality sound when plugged in.
- Stylish Design: Looks modern but has a vintage touch.
- Affordable: Amazing value for the price.
Cons:
- No Gig Bag Included: You’ll need to grab one separately.
- Bass Response: It’s not the deepest out there if you’re into super low tones.
Other Options
If the Fender Redondo Player doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, don’t worry—there are other great guitars at this price point worth checking out.
The Yamaha FG830 is a solid contender, offering a rich sound with rosewood back and sides that give it a deeper bass response. For something more compact, the Taylor GS Mini is an excellent choice, packing a surprisingly big sound into a smaller, travel-friendly body.
And if you’re looking for something with a bit of flair, the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro has a vintage vibe with a big, warm tone that’s perfect for folk, rock, and country. Each of these guitars delivers great quality for the price, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
For those with a VERY limited budget, the Harley Benton CG-45 may be the ultimate option (though it’s not an acoustic-electric – just a regular one).
FAQ
Is the Fender Redondo Player good for beginners?
Absolutely. The Slim „C” neck profile makes it easy for beginners to handle, and it’s light enough to be comfortable during longer practice sessions. Plus, it’s affordable without sacrificing quality, so it’s a great choice for someone just starting out.
How does it sound when plugged into an amp?
The Fishman electronics really shine when the Redondo is plugged in. The sound stays natural, clear, and full. You don’t get that thin, tinny tone that some cheaper acoustic-electrics give you. The onboard tone and volume controls also let you tweak the sound to your liking, and the phase control helps minimize feedback in live settings.
Does it come with a gig bag?
Unfortunately, no. You’ll need to buy a case or gig bag separately, but that’s pretty standard at this price point.
How does the Redondo Player compare to other Fender acoustics?
The Redondo Player offers a bigger, bolder sound compared to other models in the Fender California Series, like the Newporter or Malibu. Its solid spruce top gives it a more resonant tone, making it perfect for strumming and fingerpicking alike.
Does it stay in tune well?
Definitely. The Graph Tech NuBone nut and vintage-style nickel machine heads do a great job keeping the guitar in tune, even after long sessions or more aggressive playing.
Can you change the strings easily?
Yep, no issues there. The modern Viking bridge makes it easy to swap out strings, and it comes strung with Fender Dura-Tone 880L Coated strings that feel great and last longer than standard strings.
Final Thoughts
The Fender Redondo Player is a great all-rounder, perfect for both beginners and experienced players. It’s affordable, sounds amazing, and looks good while doing it.
The solid spruce top and Fishman electronics give it a tone that stands out, both unplugged and amplified. Sure, it doesn’t come with a gig bag, but that’s a minor inconvenience compared to everything else you get.
If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile acoustic-electric that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the Redondo Player is an excellent choice. And if you want to hear more about it, check out my YouTube channels Strefa Gitar and Best Guitars Now for reviews, demos, and more guitar goodness!
