Fender’s California Deluxe Series blends 1970s style with electric-inspired comfort.
Recently, Fender’s California line has garnered much attention amongst acoustic guitar aficionados. The combination of 1970s aesthetic and modern appointments owes more to Fender’s electric heritage than it does to any traditional Dreadnought acoustic. 10 years in the making, these guitars really stand out from the pack!
In particular, Fender opting to spec a comfy, electric-inspired C-shape neck carve has plucked the heartstrings of players worldwide. This makes the California Series especially comfortable to play for extended periods of time, all the while evoking those classic sunset vibes.
If that wasn’t enough, Fender has all players covered, with the California Standard/Debut line being catered towards the entry-level demographic and the California Vintage lineup providing premium options for seasoned professionals.
Regardless of where you are at in your playing career there is a California Series acoustic for you, though in this article, we will be putting the mid-level California Deluxe series under the microscope.
California Deluxe Redondo
A full-sized Dreadnought, the Redondo delivers in spades when it comes to providing strong full-bodied projection and warm authentic tones. Finished in a stunning Sienna Sunburst, this guitar would be just as at home on stage with Joni Mitchell in 1976, as it is with country legend Jesse Daniel in 2026.
A solid Sitka Top with Mahogany Laminate back and sides contribute directly to the Redondo’s fantastic tones. Meanwhile, its scalloped “X” bracing provides adequate reinforcement, making for a high quality build that is sure to last decades.
A comfortable C-Shaped neck is paired with a very sleek 12” fretboard radius makes for an effortless playing experience. Clearly influenced by Fender mainstays like the Stratocaster and Telecaster, this comfortable concept is further backed up by the California series donning Fender’s classic 6-in-line electric headstock.
California Deluxe Newporter CE
The Newporter boasts a specially designed refined cutaway, providing unparalleled access to the upper registers. This makes for easier soloing and higher pitched chord voicings that may be hindered by a traditional Dreadnought body.
Its slope shouldered design will be instantly familiar to many, harkening back to classic designs whilst imparting an identity of its own, only bolstered by the White Blonde top that provides elegance.
Onboard electronics are provided courtesy of Fishman, this time around utilising their low profile CD-1 system to provide a means of clean, noise free, amplification. If that wasn’t enough, features like an intuitive onboard EQ and tuner are there to keep you gig ready at the drop of a hat.
Topped off with that aforementioned “C” neck profile and 12” radius fingerboard, the California Deluxe Newporter is ready to take you from the bedroom to the stage without missing a beat.
California Deluxe Villager E
The California Deluxe Villager E brings all of the features that we love about the California Series to an affordable and reliable 12-string format, without skimping on any of the important details
Providing a three dimensional, luscious tone, the Villager E features the same high quality construction as its 6 string brothers. Quality 12 strings are tough to come by in this price range, but the Villager E goes above and beyond when it comes to delivering authentic 12 string sounds.
Fender have again included the low profile Fishman CD-1 System to ensure that you have everything you need to go right out of the box. From its handy two-band EQ with straightforward volume control, as always, when Fishman are involved you know you are getting quality.
A Micarta nut and saddle materials maximise string vibration while the die cast split shaft tuners ensure that tuning stability is rock solid. All these elements come together to make for an extremely versatile instrument with tone for days.
California Deluxe Kingman Bass CE Mahogany
Boasting a beautiful Dark Mahogany finish, the Kingman Bass CE Mahogany oozes vintage appeal, while its specially designed body pushes resonant, deep low end without compromising on any high frequencies.
Open gear tuning machines keep things under control on the headstock side of things, utilising a modern ratio that makes for effortless and stable tuning regardless of what style of music you are playing on your Kingman.
Once again, the Fishman CD-1 system holds down the fort in the electronics department and a modern 9.5” fretboard radius ties everything together for an unparalleled playing experience, only enforced by the Deluxe Kingmans wonderful P and Jazz inspired C-shaped neck.
California Deluxe Redondo Jr E
Sporting the same high quality build and components of its larger brothers, the Redondo Jr E scales things down into a bite-sized body. This makes it a perfect choice for smaller players or even adults who are in the market for a capable travel guitar.
Tied together with the Fishman CD-1 system and the same neck profile that has made the California series such a hit. The California Deluxe Redondo Jr E is definitely one you need to put on your shopping list if you are in the market for a small bodied acoustic.
