Introduction
Fender is best known for its iconic electric guitars like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. However, over the past decade the company has made a big push into the ukulele market by applying its expertise in guitar craftsmanship to the small Hawaiian instrument.
In 2009, Fender released its first line of ukuleles which included concert, tenor and baritone models. Since then, the brand has continued expanding its ukulele offerings with various series that highlight different tonewoods and aesthetic designs.
One of Fender’s most recent ukulele additions is the California Coast Series, which aims to capture the laidback vibes of the Golden State. Within this line is the Montecito Tenor ukulele, featuring an all-koa build and vintage-inspired styling.
With the growing popularity of the tenor ukulele for its rich, full sound, the Montecito Tenor promises to be another hit for Fender’s burgeoning uke catalog. Its solid koa construction allows it to produce a warm, resonant tone perfect for everything from Hawaiian slack key to rock and pop.
Montecito Tenor Ukulele Specs
The Montecito Tenor has several specs that contribute to its warm, rich tone and comfortable playability. It features a solid koa top, back and sides, which provides resonance and projection. Koa is prized for its balanced sound across the tonal spectrum.
The fingerboard and bridge are made of walnut, which complements the look of the koa while also providing a smooth playing feel. The nut and saddle are bone, which improves intonation and sustain.
Some other key specs include:
- Scale Length: 17 inches
- Nut Width: 1.375 inches
- Neck Profile: C-shape
- Frets: 18
- Tuning Machines: Vintage-style open back with white buttons
The 17 inch scale length is the standard for tenor ukuleles, and allows comfortable playing for those used to guitar necks. The nut width provides room for fingerpicking while not being too wide for chord shapes.
Build Quality & Aesthetics
Fender’s attention to detail and craftsmanship shine through in the Montecito Tenor Ukulele. This instrument features elegant acacia wood binding that adds a touch of refinement to the ukulele’s overall look and feel. The binding not only accentuates the ukulele’s contours but also provides additional strength and protection to the solid koa wood body.
The Montecito Tenor is available in two classic finish options – Natural and Shaded Edge Burst. Both finishes allow the beautiful koa tonewood to take center stage through the translucent finishes. The Natural finish provides a clean and understated look, with the koa’s natural grain patterns on full display. The Shaded Edge Burst offers a two-tone sunburst effect, with a darker burst color along the edges that gradually lightens towards the center. This finish option provides added visual interest while still highlighting the koa wood.
Other aesthetic details include an abalone rosette inlay around the soundhole, which adds an ornate and upscale touch. The headstock features the Fender logo inlayed in abalone as well, paired with vintage-inspired open-back tuning machines. Overall, the Montecito Tenor demonstrates Fender’s commitment to elegant and purposeful design.
Sound Quality
The Montecito Tenor Ukulele produces a beautifully balanced and resonant tone thanks to its all-solid koa wood construction. Koa is prized as a tonewood for its warmth and complexity across the tonal spectrum, adding richness to the ukulele’s voice.
When played unplugged, the Montecito delivers the koa’s natural acoustic resonance and sustain. There’s a pleasing roundness to each note that makes the uke a joy to play unamplified. The koa tonewood doesn’t dominate the sound but rather provides a refined voice.
Plugging in the Montecito through its built-in Fishman preamp system allows players to harness its acoustic tone in amplified scenarios. The preamp has an easy-to-use volume knob and tone control so you can shape your amplified sound. There’s plenty of volume on tap to hold your own in jam sessions or live performance settings.
The preamp system also includes a chromatic tuner which makes staying in tune a breeze. Overall the electronics showcase the ukulele’s balanced tone across all registers, translating the koa’s warm, vintage voice into amplified playing. From mellow fingerstyle to energetic strumming, the Montecito Tenor sounds fantastic plugged in or unplugged.
Playability
The Montecito Tenor has a comfortable and easy-playing neck profile that makes it enjoyable for extended playing sessions. It has the standard 17" scale length found on most tenor ukuleles, allowing for smooth transitions between chords and runs up and down the neck.
The string action on the Montecito Tenor is set up nicely right out of the box. The action height allows for comfortable fretting without buzzing while still providing enough room for dynamic and articulate playing. The bone nut and saddle help produce an optimal action height.
The fretwork on the Montecito is very well done, with smooth and rounded fret ends that don’t have any sharp edges. The frets are nicely crowned and leveled, allowing for clean and clear fretting all the way up the neck. There are no issues with dead spots or uneven frets.
Overall, the playability of the Montecito Tenor makes it a joy to play. The comfortable neck, optimized string action, and quality fretwork come together to offer a very playable instrument equally suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Accessories
The Montecito Tenor comes with a few handy accessories right out of the box. Most notably, it includes a sturdy gig bag for safe transport and storage. The padded gig bag features backpack straps, making it easy to carry the ukulele while keeping your hands free. It provides protection against bumps, dings, and other minor impacts.
In addition to the gig bag, the ukulele also comes with a polishing cloth so you can keep the instrument looking its best. Some retailers may include a few extras like an extra set of strings or a Fender sticker.
While the included gig bag is sufficient for most players, you may want to upgrade to a hard case if you’ll be traveling extensively with the Montecito Tenor. Optional accessories like a ukulele strap or clip-on tuner can also come in handy. But the ukulele itself comes with the essentials you need to start playing right away. The included gig bag strikes a nice balance between protection and portability.
Comparable Tenor Ukuleles
The Fender Montecito Tenor resides in the upper tier of tenor ukulele pricing at around $349.99 MSRP. Here’s how it stacks up against some other quality tenor ukes in a similar price range:
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Kala KA-TE Mahogany Tenor – This all-mahogany tenor uke has a similar price point at $349.99 MSRP. The mahogany construction gives it a balanced, warm tone perfect for various styles. The satin finish gives it a smooth feel and vintage vibe. The Montecito edges out the Kala in ornamentation but it comes down to tonewood preference.
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Cordoba 20TM Tenor Ukulele – Cordoba is known for their quality nylon-string guitars and ukes. The 20TM model has an all-mahogany body with rosewood fretboard for around $299, so slightly less than the Montecito. It has a more traditional look without the Fender stylings. The Montecito likely has a bit more projection but the 20TM is still an excellent instrument.
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Ohana TK-35G Tenor Ukulele – This koa tenor uke comes in around $325, so closer in price to the Montecito. It features an all-koa build for a rich tone. The satin finish gives it a very natural look. The Montecito has a bit more ornamental appeal but the Ohana TK-35G stacks up nicely in terms of tone and playability.
Within Fender’s own ukulele lineup, the Montecito is a step above their standard tenor models like the FM-62SE SPALTED MAPLE and around the same tier as the Limited Edition FSR Tenor. It brings some extra ornamentation and attention to detail worthy of its premium price tag within the Fender family.
Who It’s For
The Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele is a great option for intermediate to advanced players looking for a high-quality instrument with rich tone. Its tenor size and scale length make it ideal for guitarists interested in expanding into the ukulele.
The Montecito Tenor works well for players who want to explore a variety of musical styles. Its all-koa construction produces a balanced, warm tone that shines when strumming Hawaiian and island songs. It also has enough projection and dynamic range to handle energetic pop and rock songs. Fingerpickers will appreciate the Montecito’s clear note separation.
Due to its premium appointments like the solid koa top and built-in preamp, the Montecito Tenor leans towards the needs of serious hobbyists and performing musicians rather than casual players or beginners. Players who appreciate fine craftsmanship and want an instrument that will last for years are likely to appreciate what this ukulele offers. Its smooth playability also makes it a good choice for seasoned players who want the classic sound of koa wood.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Warm, balanced tone from all-solid koa wood construction
- Premium aesthetics with natural finish and abalone rosette
- Built-in preamp allows for amplified performance
- Comfortable neck profile and smooth walnut fingerboard
- Includes protective gig bag
Cons
- Higher price point compared to laminate models
- May be too small for some players who prefer concert/baritone
- Doesn’t come with a hard case for maximum protection
- Koa tone may not appeal to those wanting a brighter sound
Conclusion
The Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele brings together the best of vintage aesthetics and modern playability. Its all-solid koa body produces a beautifully balanced and resonant tone, while the smooth walnut fingerboard provides a premium playing experience. The built-in preamp gives players the versatility to plug in and perform amplified as well.
While the Montecito sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, Fender’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship makes this a tenor ukulele worth investing in. The attention to detail in terms of materials, hardware, and electronics result in an instrument that looks, sounds, and plays fantastically.
For intermediate to advanced players seeking a professional-grade tenor uke with rich, warm tone, the Montecito is easy to recommend. Its versatile sound can handle anything from Hawaiian slack key to pop and rock. While beginners may want to start with something more affordable, the Montecito would make an excellent upgrade down the road.
Overall, Fender delivers excellent value for money with the Montecito Tenor. Players who appreciate high-end tonewoods, smooth playability, and versatile electronics will find this tenor ukulele to be a superb addition to their collection.