Introduction
The Fender Newporter Classic is a compact yet full-voiced acoustic guitar that offers a versatile tone at an accessible price point. Part of Fender’s California Series, the Newporter Classic incorporates a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides to deliver balanced sound across the tonal spectrum. This makes it a great choice for guitarists looking for an affordable, all-purpose acoustic.
In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the specs, sound quality, playability, aesthetics, and accessories of the Newporter Classic. We’ll help you determine if this could be the right acoustic guitar for your needs and playing style. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first "real" guitar or a seasoned player seeking a high-value option for gigging and practice, read on to see if the Newporter Classic is a good match.
Fender Newporter Classic Overview
The Fender Newporter Classic acoustic guitar features a unique Newporter body shape designed by Fender specifically for this series. The Newporter shape is a compact, comfortable body size that provides balanced tone and playability.
At the heart of the Newporter Classic is an all solid wood construction, with solid Sitka spruce on the top and solid mahogany back and sides. This combination produces warm, resonant tones thanks to the rich sound of mahogany. The mahogany lends a pleasing midrange focus to the guitar’s voice.
The 25.3" scale length along with the smooth satin finished C-shape neck profile make this an easy playing instrument. The nut width measures a comfortable 1.69", providing ample room for fingerstyle playing while still playable for strumming chords.
Overall, the Newporter Classic delivers the premium solid wood construction and unique body shape that discerning players expect from Fender in an accessible, enjoyable instrument. The compact body size combined with the warm mahogany tones make this a versatile acoustic for a variety of playing styles and musical genres.
Tone & Sound Quality
The Fender Newporter Classic delivers a rich, warm, and balanced tone, thanks to its solid tonewood construction. The solid Sitka spruce top provides excellent clarity and articulation while also allowing the guitar to breathe. Notes ring out with a balanced sparkle and definition.
When strummed, the Newporter Classic produces a warm, resonant, vintage-inspired tone. The solid mahogany back and sides provide a deep low-end and lush midrange. There is a pleasing roundness and even response across the tonal spectrum. Compared to other Fender acoustics like the CD-60 and PM-1, the Newporter Classic has a more balanced voicing throughout the registers. The solid spruce top prevents the mahogany from becoming too boomy or overpowering.
The Newporter Classic has smooth highs and balanced mids that complement a wide range of playing styles and musical genres. It has enough projection to keep up in a jam session, while also providing a rich and nuanced voice for fingerpicking. The tone profile lends itself well to various techniques and allows the guitar’s inherent warmth to shine. Overall, players looking for a vintage-inspired acoustic tone will find a great match with the Newporter Classic.
Playability & Feel
The Fender Newporter Classic features a comfortable C-shape neck profile that makes it easy and enjoyable to play. The neck has a smooth satin finish that allows your hand to glide up and down the fretboard with ease.
Many acoustic guitars can have uncomfortably high action right out of the box, but the Newporter Classic comes optimized for playability. The action is set low enough to make chords and lead lines fluid, while still avoiding buzzing on the frets. Players looking for an acoustic that feels great right away will appreciate the Newporter’s ready-to-play setup.
For protection during transport and storage, Fender includes a deluxe gig bag with the purchase of the Newporter Classic. The padded bag will keep your guitar safe from bumps, dings, and scratches. It’s an excellent accessory for taking your Newporter to jam sessions, band practice, and shows.
Fender Newporter Classic Aesthetics
The Fender Newporter Classic is a visually striking acoustic guitar, featuring an eye-catching aged cognac burst finish on the solid Sitka spruce top. This vintage-inspired finish gives it the look of a well-loved and broken-in acoustic, adding to its vintage vibe.
The sides and back are crafted from solid mahogany, which provides a rich, deep brown backdrop for the two-tone burst finish on the top. This combination of spruce and mahogany results in a very appealing look.
The Newporter Classic incorporates several decorative design elements including an elegant checkerboard rosette around the soundhole and mother-of-pearl acrylic fretboard inlays. The headstock shape, logo, and body binding are also reminiscent of Fender’s classic acoustic and electric guitars from the 1950s and 60s.
Overall, the Fender Newporter Classic has a striking vintage-inspired aesthetic that calls to mind the company’s most iconic acoustic and electric guitars. The aged finish and decorative appointments give it a well-loved appearance and strong visual identity. For players seeking a unique looking acoustic with strong vintage vibe, the Newporter Classic delivers on aesthetics.
Electronics & Accessories
The Fender Newporter Classic comes equipped with Fishman electronics and controls to amplify your sound when plugging into an acoustic guitar amp or PA system. It utilizes Fishman’s Sonitone preamp system, which includes volume, bass, and treble controls to shape your amplified tone.
The volume knob controls the overall output level of the guitar when plugged in. Turn it up to increase volume or down to attenuate the signal. The bass and treble knobs allow you to sculpt the EQ of the amplified sound. Boost the bass for more low-end punch or cut it to tighten up the lows. Similarly, boost the treble for more sparkling highs or attenuate it for a smoother sound. With the 3-band EQ, you can really dial in your ideal amplified tone.
The Fishman preamp includes a built-in tuner, activated by a push button control. This allows you to quickly tune the guitar on the fly before gigs or practice sessions. No other accessories are included with the Fender Newporter Classic. The guitar comes equipped with a set of Fender branded strings installed. Down the line, you may wish to experiment with different string gauges and brands to tailor the tone and feel.
Fender Newporter Classic vs Other Models
The Fender Newporter Classic stands out from other acoustic guitars in Fender’s lineup thanks to its unique body shape and all-mahogany construction. Compared to Fender’s popular dreadnought and parlor sized acoustics like the CD-60S and PM-2, the Newporter has a very balanced and articulate voice.
The slightly smaller Newporter body shape gives it a very comfortable feel, especially for smaller players, while still providing rich low end thanks to the solid mahogany back and sides. Tonally, the all-mahogany construction provides a warm, smooth sound compared to Fender’s spruce topped dreadnoughts.
The Newporter is comparable in price to Fender’s other mid-level acoustic offerings, but provides a more resonant and intimate voice thanks to its unique build. For players looking for a great all-purpose acoustic with vintage vibe, the Newporter Classic is an excellent value compared to other options in Fender’s acoustic lineup.
Ideal Buyer of the Fender Newporter Classic
The Fender Newporter Classic acoustic guitar is well-suited for players of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Its versatile sound and comfortable feel make it a great choice for a wide range of musical genres and playing styles.
Best Suited Playing Styles and Genres
With its balanced tone and smooth playability, the Newporter Classic works well for strumming chords and fingerpicking melodies. It’s a versatile acoustic that can handle anything from rock and pop to folk, country, and jazz. The compact body size also makes it great for singer-songwriters who need a comfortable guitar for composing and performing.
Good for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Players
Beginners will appreciate the comfortable neck, quality construction, and accessible price point of the Newporter Classic. The smooth playability right out of the box makes it easy for new players to get started. More advanced guitarists will enjoy the crisp articulation and balanced tone that responds well to their playing technique.
Compact Body for Smaller Players
The Newporter’s smaller body shape gives this acoustic a comfortable feel for players of all sizes. The compact body and slim neck profile make it easy for smaller players and younger students to handle. The lightweight design is also ideal for prolonged practice sessions. The Newporter Classic’s accessible size and playability make it a great choice for guitarists of all ages.
Conclusion
The Fender Newporter Classic acoustic guitar punches above its weight class, offering exceptional tone and playability at an accessible price point. Its compact Newporter body shape delivers balanced warmth and clarity courtesy of the solid mahogany back/sides and solid spruce top.
The smooth satin-finished neck promotes fluid playability while the optimal factory setup means beginners and experts alike can start strumming straight out of the box. Visually, the aged cognac burst finish paired with the vintage-inspired aesthetics give this guitar loads of character.
When it comes to plugging in, the Fishman electronics accurately amplify the Newporter Classic’s organic acoustic tone. Between the balanced mahogany warmth and spruce top articulation, this guitar suits all playing styles from delicate fingerpicking to energetic strumming.
Overall, the Fender Newporter Classic punches above its weight class, offering pro-level tone and playability at an accessible price point. Given the quality materials, electronics, and accessories included, this model represents excellent value for money. At the time of writing, the Newporter Classic bundles with a hardshell case for just under $500, an attractive offer for players seeking Fender’s acclaimed acoustic craftsmanship.
Video Review
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This video from Fender provides an excellent overview of the Newporter Classic’s features and sound. The demonstrator highlights the solid mahogany back and sides, which give the guitar a rich and resonant tone. He also shows the comfortable C-shaped neck profile and demonstrates some fingerstyle playing. Overall, this video gives potential buyers a good sense of what the Newporter Classic looks, feels, and sounds like. Watching the guitar be played allows you to better evaluate the tone and playability compared to just reading about it. This is a helpful supplement to this written review.