Quintessentially Fender, the California series of acoustics is a unique and timeless addition to the legacy brand’s ever-expanding catalogue. Providing everything players look for in an acoustic guitar whilst drawing upon what makes Fender’s classic electric models so specific and beloved, the California Standard Redondo™ CE is the perfect acoustic for a true Fender fanatic.
The Redondo™ is a Dreadnought, a classic shape known for its robust, deep tone and versatility, and features a generous cutaway for excellent fret-access. Adorned with a beautiful three colour sunburst finish and a six-in-line headstock, it is immediately reminiscent of a Stratocaster without looking out of place.
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It’s immediately obvious that this guitar features very resilient and sturdy construction despite being very lightweight, and its unique look is very easy on the eye. The Redondo™ features an all-laminate construction with a beautiful Spruce top and lovely Sapele back and sides that match perfectly with a walnut fretboard. The choice of tonewood here not only looks fantastic but also works together to produce a truly excellent sound.
The classic dreadnought shape is super comfortable to play, and the neck on this guitar is spot on, with a nice, slim C shape that isn’t at all cumbersome. The neck has a 25.5″ scale length, a 12″ fingerboard radius and carries 20 frets, a very familiar feeling and balanced guitar. Out of the box, the Redondo™ is set up very nicely, with a slick action and solid intonation.
Small details really add to the Redondo™’s simple but pretty aesthetic. A black body binding, inlaid dual-ring rosette and very nice faded pearloid dot inlays elevate this guitar’s look. The ‘Modern Viking’ style bridge is a really cool shape and is made of walnut to match the fretboard, which is a nice touch.
The Redondo™ sounds exceptionally bright and sparkly with a definite emphasis on the top end. That’s not to say the lows and mids aren’t there; they are, but the notable characteristic of this guitar is its shimmering high-end presence and powerful projection. Equally suited to strumming or fingerpicking, the Redondo™ has a really snappy attack that cuts through without being shrill or unpleasant.
The Dreadnought body shape allows for some pretty serious volume and projection, which the Redondo™ certainly has, but its focused frequency range allows it to sit in the mix nicely with other acoustic instruments without blowing them away. Plugged in, the Redondo™ sounds fully defined and retains its sparkle thanks to high-quality Fender electronics. With a convenient onboard tuner and controls for volume and tone, the onboard preamp brings electric versatility for players who need to plug in to play live or utilise effects.
Sealed gear tuning machines ensure smooth and accurate tuning action, and the classic in-line design and Fender headstock shape provide the brand’s classic look. The tilt-back design produces a very consistent break angle on all strings for even response and string feel. Not many acoustic guitars have an in-line headstock, so though it may catch your eye at first, the familiar Fender aesthetic feels just like home and sets this guitar apart from the Dreadnought pack, which can be quite homogenous.
Most importantly, however, is the sound. The Redondo™ has a tight, controlled low end which balances nicely with a subtle, throaty midrange. The treble frequencies really shine through and bring focus to a snappy attack, and each note rings out like a bell. The notable brightness of this guitar adds a lot of character and never sounds harsh, even when really digging in with a pick.
The brightness also really helps with the clarity of fingerpicking, which has a tendency to sound a bit dull at times. For those who like to get a little adventurous on their acoustic, the Redondo™ also handles bends notably well, especially with a lighter gauge set of strings and is quite suitable for playing leads.
When electrified, the Redondo™ takes effects very well, so if you’re a player who likes to incorporate some reverb, delay or even modulation into your acoustic playing, this guitar could be a good option for you. Fender has obviously paid attention to fine-tuning the onboard electronics to keep up with modern demands. The onboard tone and volume controls are nice and linear, opening up the possibility of tailoring your sound for the gig at hand.
All in all, the California Standard Redondo™ CE is a great all-rounder acoustic for those who like a cutaway body and a bright, top-heavy tone. Due to its low price, it would also make an excellent first guitar for a beginner or anybody with a low budget, and there’s plenty of bang for your buck. If you’ve got some more midrange-dominant guitars in your arsenal and need something a bit brighter, this is also a good choice for you.
With a very comfortable, slinky feel, a beautiful glossy appearance and rock-solid construction, I can’t see the Redondo™ letting anybody down. From its classic sunburst finish to its lovely chocolate brown walnut fretboard to its iconic Fender headstock, the Redondo™ is undoubtedly a great-looking guitar for the price and has the loud, lively sound to match its good looks.\
So if you have a modest budget and you’re looking for a cutaway Dreadnought, the Redondo™ is a great choice for you. Whether you’re practising at home or hitting the open mics, this is a solid guitar that won’t let you down. If you’re used to Fenders, all the better; the Redondo™ does a great job of referencing Fender’s iconic past whilst carving out a new niche for itself.
With quality tonewoods, a comfortable playing experience and a bright, shimmering sound, the Redond0™ excels in both amplified and unamplified contexts and has a very versatile range. Fender hasn’t always been known for their acoustics, but that seems to be changing with the California series and for good reason. Whilst they may stray from tradition in some areas, they’re making quality acoustic guitars that are built to last. Definitely worth giving one a go.
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