Introduction
Fender has been a leader in the guitar world for decades, known for iconic electric guitars like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. More recently, Fender has also made its mark in the acoustic guitar market with its California Series that aims to blend modern style with great tone and playability.
The Fender Newporter Special is one of the more unique models in the California Series lineup. This acoustic-electric guitar strays from the traditional dreadnought shape with Fender’s exclusive Newporter body design for a different feel and sound. Key specs include an all-mahogany body, comfortable C-shaped neck, and quality Fishman electronics.
In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the Newporter Special to see how it stacks up. We’ll evaluate the guitar’s build quality, sound unplugged and amplified, playability and comfort, and how it compares to other acoustic options. Read on to find out if the distinctive Fender Newporter Special is the right acoustic for you.
Fender Newporter Special Specs & Features
The Fender Newporter Special stands out for its solid all-mahogany construction and unique Newporter body shape.
This guitar features a solid mahogany top, back, and sides which gives it a rich, warm, and resonant acoustic tone. Mahogany is a tonewood that emphasizes the midrange frequencies, providing excellent clarity and articulation.
The exclusive Newporter body shape is an appealing hybrid between a dreadnought and auditorium size. It has a nice depth that produces ample volume and projection, while still feeling comfortable to hold and play.
Other specs include a pau ferro fingerboard and bridge, which is an attractive tropical hardwood that offers crisp note articulation. It’s paired with a C-shaped mahogany neck for smooth playability.
For amplification, the Newporter Special comes equipped with Fishman electronics including an undersaddle pickup and built-in tuner. This allows you to plug in and amplify your acoustic tone with ease.
This guitar is available in several eye-catching finish options, like the popular Honey Burst which showcases the deep reddish-brown hue of mahogany. There’s also a Natural, Black, and Sunburst to choose from.
Playability
The Newporter Special has a comfortable and playable feel right out of the box. The neck has a modern C-shape profile that’s not too chunky, providing a nice in-hand feel that works well for most hand sizes.
The action is set to a very playable medium height, providing enough room for dynamic playing while still being low enough for comfortable chording. Fretwork from the factory is impressively smooth and consistent, with evenly dressed frets along the pau ferro fingerboard.
The Newporter’s unique body shape provides a nice balanced weight when seated or standing, with an ergonomic ribcage contour that hugs the body comfortably. The compact size won’t get in the way while playing, but still provides enough surface area for robust projection and tone.
Overall the Newporter Special offers very comfortable playability and has the premium feel of a high-end acoustic. The modern specs and setup allow you to play with ease right after unboxing it.
Sound
The Newporter Special delivers a rich, warm acoustic tone when played unplugged. The all-mahogany construction gives it a balanced, rounded sound across the tonal spectrum. Treble tones are smooth and refined, while the mahogany body offers plenty of midrange punch and low-end resonance. It’s a very versatile unplugged acoustic sound that works well for both fingerpicking and strumming.
When plugged in, the Fishman electronics accurately capture the Newporter’s natural acoustic voice. The undersaddle pickup combined with a discreet soundhole microphone provide excellent amplification without excessive feedback. The amplified tone retains the guitar’s tonal balance, with enough crisp highs and robust lows. The Newporter Special sounds full and organic plugged in, equally suited to performing live or recording in the studio.
The Newporter Special’s sound lends itself to many musical styles and playing techniques. Its balanced tone suits singer-songwriters who need a versatile accompaniment sound. The smooth trebles and refined voice work very well for intricate fingerstyle playing. Strummers will appreciate the punchy mids and solid low-end. Overall it’s a great do-anything acoustic with a musical, inspiring sound that makes you want to keep playing.
Fender Newporter Special vs Other Models
The Newporter Special has a few variations within the Fender Newporter line, as well as comparable models from other top acoustic guitar brands. Here’s how it stacks up:
Newporter Special vs Player vs Classic
The Newporter Special is similar to the standard Newporter Player, but with a solid mahogany top and back/sides rather than laminate. The Newporter Classic features a solid spruce top with mahogany back/sides. The Special has a richer, warmer tone thanks to the all-mahogany build. The Player is a more affordable option while the Classic provides a balanced tone.
Vs Other California Series Models
Compared to the other California series acoustics like the Redondo, Malibu and Santa Maria, the Newporter Special is smaller in size. This gives it a more mid-range focused voice that’s easy to record and amplify live. The other models produce more low-end and have larger bodies.
Vs Martin, Taylor, etc
The Newporter Special can hold its own against comparably priced Martins, Taylors and other big brands. Models like the Martin DX1AE or Taylor GS Mini have laminate construction, so the Fender offers better value with its solid wood build. The unique Newporter shape is also a standout.
Value for Money
The Fender Newporter Special offers excellent value at its price point based on the build quality, materials, and performance. The all-solid mahogany construction is found on more expensive guitars, resulting in rich, resonant tone.
The playability is very good out of the box, with comfortable action and quality fretwork. Fender’s attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident throughout, with no sharp edges or finish flaws.
Considering the solid top and back, Fishman electronics, and included gig bag, the Newporter Special punches above its weight class. Most acoustics under $500 have laminate construction and lack electronics.
At around $400-$450 street price, the Newporter Special sits in the affordable range for serious hobbyists and gigging musicians. It’s a noticeable step up from Fender’s entry-level models like the CD-60S.
The deluxe gig bag alone is a $50+ value, providing ample protection for transport and storage. Overall, the Newporter Special offers pro-level specs and quality at an accessible price point.
To get the best deal, watch for occasional sales around holidays when Fender offers site-wide discounts. Major retailers like Guitar Center and Musician’s Friend also run special financing offers that can make the Newporter Special more affordable.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Fender Newporter Special?
The Fender Newporter Special is a unique acoustic-electric guitar that certainly has appeal for players looking for something a bit different. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Exclusive Newporter body shape provides a comfortable playing experience
- All mahogany construction results in a rich, warm acoustic tone
- Quality electronics from Fishman capture the guitar’s natural voice
- Comes with a deluxe gig bag included for protection
- Generally good fretwork and playability right out of the box
- Provides great value at a reasonable price point
Cons
- The smaller body lacks the projection of a dreadnought
- Electronics could be improved with an under-saddle pickup
- Only available in a satin finish which some players may not prefer
Overall, the Newporter Special is an intriguing option in Fender’s modern California Series lineup. The unique body shape helps it stand out from other comparably priced acoustics. While it may not be ideal for guitarists wanting maximum volume and projection, the warm mahogany tone and comfortable feel make it a great choice for at-home playing and recording.
If you’re a Fender fan looking to branch out from their classic models, the Newporter Special is definitely worth considering. The quality and value make it easy to recommend – especially if you connect with the distinctive look and sound. It covers a lot of musical ground and would make a solid workhorse acoustic for songwriting and practice sessions.
FAQs About the Fender Newporter Special
What body size is the Newporter shape? How does it compare to dreadnought?
The Newporter has a smaller, more comfortable body shape than a traditional dreadnought. It’s similar in depth to a concert or auditorium size, but with more unique curves inspired by classic Fender models. The Newporter isn’t as boomy or bass-heavy as a dreadnought, but projects nicely and is easy to handle.
Is it better to get the Special or Player version? What are the key differences?
The Special has a solid mahogany top, back and sides, while the Player uses laminate mahogany. Solid wood construction gives the Special a richer, more complex tone. The Special also comes with a gig bag and has nicer appointments like the Pau Ferro fingerboard. The Player is great for beginners, but the Special is worth spending up for.
How does the solid mahogany construction impact tone vs laminate?
Solid mahogany produces a very warm, mellow tone that’s nicely balanced across the frequency range. It has beautiful resonance and ages well over time. Laminate mahogany sounds thinner and doesn’t have the same complex overtones. The all-solid Special has a noticeably richer sound.
Can you use the Newporter Special for gigging and live performances?
Definitely. The Newporter Special is designed to be a versatile stage and studio guitar thanks to the Fishman electronics. It can be plugged into a PA system or acoustic amp. The smaller body size makes it comfortable for extended playing. Just be sure to keep it in a hardshell case for gigging.
What other acoustics should I consider in this price range?
The Seagull S6 Original and Yamaha A5R are both excellent acoustic-electric guitars for around the same price. Taylor’s Academy Series and Martin’s X Series are worth checking out if you want a premium brand. Ibanez also makes some nice mahogany models like the AC240OPN in this range.
Alternative Acoustic Guitar Options
The Fender Newporter Special provides great value in its price range, but it’s worth considering some other acoustic guitar models too before deciding. Here are some solid alternatives to compare within a similar budget:
Yamaha FG800
Like the Newporter Special, the Yamaha FG800 has an all-solid wood construction with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It’s known for its warm, balanced tone that works well for various playing styles. The FG800 comes in a bit cheaper than the Newporter, so it’s a great option if you want to save some money.
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO has a similar vintage vibe to the Newporter with its square-shouldered dreadnought body shape. It features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The Hummingbird PRO has a slightly bigger and deeper voice than the Newporter, and comes equipped with a Shadow ePerformer preamp.
Taylor Big Baby Taylor
The Big Baby Taylor is a high-quality option with Taylor’s signature bright and crisp tone. Although it has a smaller concert-style body, it still pumps out volume and sustains well. The Big Baby features layered sapele back and sides and a solid sitka spruce top. It’s an easy to play guitar perfect for travel and practice.
Martin LX1
For those looking for an all-solid wood Martin acoustic on a budget, the LX1 is a great choice. It has a comfortable smaller body size but still delivers Martin’s renowned tone. The LX1 features solid Sitka spruce on top and mahogany back and sides, resulting in balanced and detailed sound. The downside is it doesn’t come with electronics.
Seagull S6 Original
Known for their handcrafted quality and value, Seagull’s S6 Original offers an all-solid wood body with a cedar top and cherry back and sides. It produces a warm and resonant acoustic tone, with excellent clarity and sustain. The wider neck may take some getting used to, but it’s ideal for fingerstyle playing.
Summary
Final thoughts & recap
The Fender Newporter Special acoustic-electric guitar provides players with a unique option in the California Series lineup. Its exclusive Newporter body shape gives it a distinctive look and feel, while the solid mahogany construction delivers a rich, warm acoustic tone.
This guitar excels for fingerstyle playing and mellower musical styles that benefit from the focused, intimate projection of the smaller Newporter body. The playability is very comfortable right out of the box, with a smooth neck and quality fretwork. Players who prefer the feel of a concert or parlour-sized instrument will appreciate the Newporter Special’s dimensions and balance.
While it may not have the booming projection of a dreadnought, the Newporter Special makes up for it with balanced EQ across the tonal spectrum, and the Fishman electronics accurately capture its acoustic character when plugged in.
Overall, the Fender Newporter Special is an intriguing option for players looking to stand out from the crowd with its exclusive body shape and solid wood construction at an accessible price point. It’s an inspiring and rewarding acoustic guitar that punches above its weight.