Introduction to the Fender Paramount Series
Fender has a long history of producing iconic electric guitars, but over the past decade they have stepped up their acoustic guitar offerings as well. The Paramount Series, first introduced in 2015, represents Fender’s push into the premium acoustic market.
This series encompasses a range of body shapes and wood combinations, from classic dreadnoughts to concert-sized auditorium models. Fender utilizes solid tonewoods and quality appointments like ebony fingerboards across the Paramount lineup.
The PM-2 Deluxe Parlor model specifically aims to revive the vintage parlor guitar design with a compact, comfortable body size. Parlor guitars were popular in the late 1800s and have seen a resurgence lately. Fender brings a modern twist to this old school shape with the PM-2 Deluxe, featuring an all-mahogany body and built-in electronics. The goal is to deliver warm, refined acoustic tone in a portable package ideal for fingerstyle players.
Fender PM-2 Deluxe Parlor Specifications
The PM-2 Deluxe showcases Fender’s meticulous attention to detail in crafting a premium parlor acoustic. It starts with the compact parlor body shape, measuring just 15" across at its widest point. This gives the PM-2 Deluxe a vintage vibe and improved comfort for players used to larger dreadnought acoustics.
For tonewoods, Fender selected premium solid mahogany for the top, back, and sides. Mahogany produces a rich, warm sound with excellent mid-range presence perfect for fingerstyle playing. The slim mahogany neck has a comfortable C-shape profile with a 24.1" scale length and nut width of 1.69". It’s topped with an ebony fingerboard featuring 20 easily playable frets.
The electronics and hardware are also top-notch, with an ebony bridge and compensated saddle for improved intonation. It comes equipped with a Fender/Fishman preamp system, featuring volume and tone controls and a built-in tuner, making it stage-ready right out of the case. The PM-2 Deluxe also includes an upscale deluxe hardshell case for protection.
PM-2 Deluxe Build Quality & Aesthetics
Fender is known for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship, and the PM-2 Deluxe parlor guitar lives up to this reputation. From the moment you pick it up, you can feel the care that went into constructing each instrument.
The appointments and inlays showcase Fender’s vintage vibe. The headstock shape, binding, and aged toner are all inspired by classic parlor guitars of the past. The inlays follow a simple double dot pattern but are made from real abalone and mother-of-pearl.
You can choose between two gloss finish options for the PM-2 Deluxe – a natural gloss finish that accentuates the wood grain, or a classic sunburst that provides striking visual contrast. Both finishes are elegantly applied.
Overall, the PM-2 Deluxe gives off a refined yet understated look and vibe. Nothing feels over the top, but everything from the fretwork to the tuning machines shows evidence of master craftsmanship. This is a parlor guitar built to last.
Playability & Comfort
The PM-2 Deluxe Parlor really shines when it comes to playability and comfort. The slim C-shaped mahogany neck has a smooth, inviting feel that molds nicely to your hand. It’s a very playable neck profile that provides comfort without feeling too thin or flat.
The string spacing at the nut is excellent on this guitar, measuring 1.69 inches across. This gives your fingers plenty of room between the strings to move around and fret notes cleanly without buzzing. The action is set low but not too low out of the box, making it easy to fret chords and notes anywhere along the neck.
Overall the playability of the PM-2 Deluxe is fantastic. The fretwork from the ebony fingerboard is immaculate, with smoothly finished medium-sized frets. Bending strings and sliding up and down the neck feels natural and fluid. The guitar also stays in tune very well even during aggressive playing.
The compact parlor body size itself lends to the amazing playability too. With a smaller body than a dreadnought or orchestra model, the PM-2 Deluxe Parlor feels comfortable and balanced whether you’re playing seated or standing with a strap. It’s an extremely playable acoustic that you can easily practice on for hours without fatigue.
Unplugged Tone & Sound
The all-mahogany construction of the PM-2 Deluxe Parlor gives it a wonderfully warm and articulate unplugged tone. While mahogany may not be as loud as spruce, the PM-2 Deluxe still projects impressively well for a compact parlor-sized body. Don’t let the guitar’s smaller size fool you – this all-mahogany beauty can fill a room when played unplugged.
The solid mahogany top produces rich, rounded lows with a pleasantly smooth midrange and clear, yet polite highs. It’s a highly responsive tone that lends itself well to fingerstyle playing. Each note rings out clearly with excellent definition. The ebony bridge and fretboard only help to further articulate the notes and give an added touch of brightness to the PM-2 Deluxe’s unplugged voice.
When strummed, the PM-2 Deluxe has a wonderful dynamic range to its unplugged tone. It’s able to go from warm and mellow during lighter playing to a punchy, projecting bark when dug into more aggressively. The guitar also displays impressive tonal nuance from different strike positions and angles along the strings. Overall, the unplugged tone is versatile enough to handle both rich fingerstyle work as well as rhythmic accompaniment chording.
Plugged-In Performance
The Fender PM-2 Deluxe comes equipped with a Fender/Fishman electronics package, providing players with excellent amplified tone and versatility. The preamp system features an undersaddle piezo pickup and built-in tuner, with easy-to-use volume and tone controls mounted just inside the soundhole.
The undersaddle pickup accurately captures the PM-2 Deluxe’s natural acoustic tone, with the volume and tone controls allowing players to shape their amplified sound. The volume knob provides overall loudness adjustment, while the tone knob cuts high end for a warmer, bassier tone or boosts treble for more cut and shimmer. The controls have a very smooth, gradual taper, making it easy to fine-tune your amplified tone.
Plugging the PM-2 Deluxe into an acoustic guitar amp or PA system results in a lush, well-balanced amplified sound. The guitar has plenty of dynamic range when plugged in, and the undersaddle pickup reproduces the mahogany top’s warm lows and clear, balanced highs very accurately. Due to the guitar’s smaller parlor size, feedback is also minimal even at higher volumes on stage.
Overall, the PM-2 Deluxe’s electronics package delivers an easy-to-use, great-sounding plugged-in performance that makes this parlor suitable for anything from coffeehouse gigs to larger live shows. The smooth controls and quality undersaddle pickup capture the guitar’s acoustic tone beautifully, while also providing the flexibility to shape your tone for any amplified situation.
PM-2 Deluxe vs Other Paramount Models
The Fender PM-2 Deluxe Parlor has a few key differences compared to the PM-2 Standard and PM-3 models that are worth examining for players trying to decide between the guitars.
VS. PM-2 Standard
The main upgrades on the PM-2 Deluxe are the solid mahogany back and sides (vs. layered mahogany), ebony fingerboard and bridge (vs. rosewood), and the included deluxe hardshell case. These premium appointments make the Deluxe model a more professional-feeling and better-protected instrument overall. The all-solid wood construction also gives it a bit more volume and responsiveness unplugged. However, the Standard uses the same body shape and has similar vintage aesthetics if cost is a concern.
VS. PM-3
The PM-3 is a larger orchestra-style body compared to the parlor-sized PM-2 Deluxe. It produces greater projection and richer low-end tones thanks to its larger size. The PM-3 also comes in more finish options. However, the PM-2 Deluxe’s compact parlor body is more comfortable for extended playing and ideal for fingerstylists who want an intimate feel. The PM-2 Deluxe’s electronics are also specially voiced for the parlor body style.
Best Uses for the PM-2 Deluxe
The PM-2 Deluxe parlor is optimized for fingerstyle playing and an intimate, warm tone. The compact body suits singer-songwriters and folk/blues players who want a vintage vibe. The built-in electronics also make it stage-ready for coffeehouse gigs or recording. The PM-2 Deluxe hits a sweet spot between vintage style and modern playability.
Value & Price Point
The Fender PM-2 Deluxe Parlor has an MSRP that falls in the $700-$1000 range for a premium acoustic guitar. This positions it as a high-end instrument aimed at discerning players who appreciate top-notch craftsmanship and tonewoods.
At this price point, the PM-2 Deluxe is competing with other all-solid wood parlors from respected brands like Martin, Taylor, and Guild. It holds its own in this company by delivering a flawlessly constructed all-mahogany guitar with elegant appointments and electronics.
For your investment, you’re getting an acoustic with long-lasting solid wood construction, not laminates. This guitar is built to last and sing for years to come. The ebony fingerboard and bridge are also signs of a quality build.
When considering what’s included, the deluxe hardshell case adds significant extra value. It’s a plush case that provides optimal protection during transport and storage. Cases of this quality often retail for $150+ on their own.
Overall, while not an inexpensive acoustic, the PM-2 Deluxe Parlor merits its premium price tag. For players who appreciate timeless tonewoods, ornate visual details, and bulletproof construction, this guitar delivers excellent value.
Final Verdict
The Fender PM-2 Deluxe Parlor offers a compelling blend of vintage vibe and modern playability. Its all-mahogany body produces a rich, warm tone perfect for fingerstyle playing. While the parlor size limits projection, the built-in electronics and feedback resistance allow for amplified gigs.
Pros:
- Classic parlor look with elegant appointments
- Comfortable neck and slim fretboard
- Articulate unplugged tone from all-mahogany
- Quality electronics for amplified use
- Premium specs and build for the price
Cons:
- Small body lacks volume for heavy strumming
- Electronics may be overkill for some players
- Not as tonally versatile as spruce/rosewood models
The PM-2 Deluxe is best suited for fingerstyle players who want a classy, compact acoustic with vintage vibe. The premium appointments and Fishman electronics make this a versatile stage and studio companion. While not the loudest guitar, the cozy parlor body is a joy to play.
Overall, the Fender PM-2 Deluxe Parlor punches above its weight, offering an impressive blend of vintage and modern features. For players seeking a high-end parlor acoustic, it’s easy to recommend.
4 out of 5 stars
Video Demo
This video provides an excellent demo of the Fender PM-2 Deluxe Parlor’s tone and performance. It shows the guitar being played both acoustically and plugged in, allowing you to hear the warm, rich voice of the all-mahogany body. The player demonstrates fingerstyle techniques to showcase the PM-2 Deluxe’s dynamic range and responsiveness. The sound when amplified through an acoustic amp is clear and balanced, with no feedback issues. Overall the video captures the vintage vibe and premium features that make this small-bodied parlor stand out.