Introduction
Fender has been a leader in the electric guitar market since the 1950s, but the company has also made some excellent acoustic guitars over the years. The Paramount series, launched in 2015, aims to bring Fender’s classic style and craftsmanship to the world of affordable acoustic guitars.
The Paramount PM-1 is an all-mahogany dreadnought acoustic-electric that delivers impressive bang-for-your-buck. Some key specs of the PM-1 include its solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, slim-taper mahogany neck, and Fishman electronics. For players seeking a great sounding, all-solid wood acoustic guitar for under $500, the PM-1 is definitely worth a close look.
Construction
The Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought features an all-mahogany construction, with mahogany used for the back, sides, neck and fretboard. This gives the PM-1 a rich, warm sound that mahogany is known for. The top is solid Sitka spruce, a popular choice for acoustic tops thanks to its balanced tone and good projection.
Inside, the PM-1 has scalloped X-bracing, which allows the top more freedom to vibrate for better volume and sustain. Overall, the materials used in the PM-1 are high-quality, especially considering its affordable price point. All-solid wood construction is not common at this price, making the PM-1 an excellent value.
The neck is also mahogany, with a slim-taper "C" profile that will accommodate most playing styles. It has a smooth satin finish for a natural feel. The fretboard is rosewood, which complements the warm tone of mahogany nicely. The craftsmanship and attention to detail on the PM-1 is impressive, with features like an authentic dovetail neck joint and a checkerboard rosette binding.
Sound & Tone
The Fender Paramount PM-1 has a wonderfully warm and resonant tone, thanks to its all-mahogany construction. The solid Sitka spruce top provides excellent balance and articulation across the tonal spectrum.
When strummed lightly, the PM-1 delivers a rich, full-bodied sound. The mahogany body produces plenty of bass response without muddiness, while the spruce top allows the mids and highs to ring out with clarity. Fingerstyle playing really showcases the guitar’s warm yet detailed voice. Each note sustains beautifully, with very even resonance across all six strings.
The PM-1’s mahogany and spruce pairing is a tried-and-true acoustic guitar tonewood combination. It offers the warmth and projection of mahogany, balanced by the crispness and headroom of spruce. This guitar has impressive dynamic range – it can go from hushed, intimate tones to loud, punchy rhythms with ease.
Overall, the PM-1’s tone profile is excellent for genres like folk, country, blues, and singer-songwriter styles. The guitar has enough richness to complement vocalists, while also providing rhythmic snap on percussive strumming. Those seeking an extremely bright or aggressive acoustic tone may want to look elsewhere, but the PM-1 hits a sweet spot of warmth, balance, and musicality.
Playability
The Fender Paramount PM-1 has a very playable slim-taper "C"-shaped mahogany neck. The neck profile is comfortable and accessible for most hand sizes, making it a great choice for both beginner and intermediate players.
The action and string spacing on the PM-1 Standard Dreadnought are set up well right out of the box. Many owners report the action being low and comfortable, while still having enough clearance to prevent fret buzz. This makes it easy and enjoyable to play barre chords and riffs up and down the neck.
The neck width at the nut is 1 11/16", which provides a good amount of space between the strings without feeling too wide. This allows for clear fretting and picking without your fingers cramping up. The neck thickness is also very comfortable, measuring .825" at the 1st fret and .95" at the 12th fret.
Overall, the playability of the PM-1 is one of its strongest assets. It’s an inviting guitar for newer players, yet still feels great for more experienced musicians. The comfortably slim neck profile and quality setup right from the factory make this a guitar you can easily pick up and start jamming on.
Hardware
The PM-1 utilizes quality hardware that complements the overall build and design of the guitar. It features Fender’s proprietary Butterbean tuning machines, which provide smooth and accurate tuning stability.
The nut and saddle are both made from synthetic bone, which gives excellent transfer of vibrations and sustain. The nut width of 1 11/16" provides comfortable string spacing for most playing styles.
The PM-1 comes equipped with a single strap button next to the heel of the neck. An additional strap button could potentially be installed on the bottom bout of the guitar for added stability when standing. However, the single button is typical for this style of acoustic guitar.
Overall, the hardware components Fender selected for the PM-1 are high-quality and enhance the guitar’s playability and resonance without driving up the cost. The tuning machines, nut, and saddle are all durable pieces built to last.
Electronics & Features
The PM-1 comes equipped with Fishman’s Sonitone pickup system, which allows it to be plugged directly into an amplifier or PA system for live performances or recording sessions. The Sonitone system utilizes an under-saddle piezo pickup that accurately captures the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and resonance.
The onboard preamp features simple and intuitive controls for shaping your amplified tone. There are volume, bass, midrange, and treble controls, giving you flexibility for dialing in anything from a bright, crisp sound to a deep, warm tone. The preamp is powered by a 9V battery, accessible via the guitar’s soundhole, so no external power source is required.
Overall, the Fishman preamp allows the PM-1 to be heard clearly in any live or studio scenario, while still retaining the excellent resonance and organic quality of an all-mahogany acoustic. The tone shaping options let you tweak your amplified sound to match your musical needs or preferences. It’s a great addition that makes the PM-1 stage-ready right out of the box.
Styling
The Fender Paramount PM-1 has classic dreadnought styling with several attractive aesthetic appointments. The guitar features a traditional dreadnought body shape with a wide lower bout that provides excellent projection and volume.
Binding on the top and back gives the PM-1 a refined, upscale look. There is crisp white binding on the body and neck which contrasts nicely against the all-mahogany construction. The rosette is particularly eye-catching, with a checkerboard pattern inlaid around the soundhole.
The PM-1 has an elegant satin finish on the body, neck and headstock. This gives it a smooth, natural feel while avoiding any sticky gloss. The finish is thin enough to allow the mahogany grain to show through clearly. Small details like the vintage-inspired Fender logo and mother-of-pearl fretboard inlays complete the refined aesthetic.
Overall the PM-1 has timeless dreadnought styling with just enough modern appointments to look sharp without venturing into over-embellishment. The mahogany binding and checkerboard rosette give it visual flair while retaining an organic, understated elegance. Players who appreciate fine craftsmanship will enjoy the PM-1’s refined aesthetics.
Included Accessories
The Fender Paramount PM-1 comes with several useful accessories right out of the box. Most notably, it includes a Fender-branded hardshell case to protect your guitar when not playing or transporting it. The hard case features plush lining to keep the instrument safe and secure. It’s much higher quality than the gig bags often included with guitars in this price range.
Fender also includes a polishing cloth so you can keep your PM-1 looking shiny and new. A set of Fender strings are another handy extra—you’ll have a backup set ready when it’s time to change your strings.
The included case and accessories add to the overall value proposition of the PM-1. You’re getting a high-quality dreadnought acoustic packed with everything you need to start playing right away. The addition of the hard case is a particularly nice perk that isn’t always standard for guitars under $500.
Comparable Models
The Fender Paramount PM-1 sits in a competitive price range, with many comparable models from leading acoustic guitar brands like Taylor, Martin, and Gibson. Here’s how the PM-1 stacks up:
Taylor
The Taylor Academy 12e is a similar all-mahogany dreadnought with a solid spruce top that retails for $399. The Taylor has a slightly brighter tone thanks to its layered sapele back and sides, compared to the PM-1’s all-mahogany body. It also features Taylor’s ES2 pickup system, which some players may prefer over the Fishman electronics on the PM-1. The Taylor has a wider nut width (1.69" vs 1.68") but a similar 25.5" scale length. Overall, the Taylor may appeal to players looking for added brightness and articulation.
Martin
In the same price range, Martin’s X Series D-10E Retro is an all-solid mahogany dreadnought with Fishman MX electronics for $499. This guitar shares the same rich, warm tone and mahogany patterned hardshell case as the PM-1. The Martin differs with its mortise/tenon neck joint, diamond volute, and higher end Fishman pickup system. The Martin name may appeal to some players, but the PM-1 is comparable in its all-solid wood construction.
Gibson
For players looking for that Gibson logo on the headstock, the J-15 is available for around $499. The J-15 is an all-mahogany round shoulder dreadnought, so it has a slightly different body shape and aesthetic compared to the PM-1. It has a shorter 24.75" scale length and slim-taper neck similar to the PM-1. The Gibson is a great acoustic, especially for that Gibson tone, but some players may prefer the comfort and playability of the PM-1.
Overall, the PM-1 can hold its own against the big names and compares very favorably, especially considering the affordable price point. The all-mahogany tone is right in line with comparable models, and Fender’s excellent build quality and electronics make this a great value purchase. The PM-1 should definitely be on any player’s short list when shopping in this price range.
Summary & Recommendation
Overall, the Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought presents an excellent value for players seeking a high-quality, all-mahogany acoustic. Its rich, warm tone is ideal for various musical styles, especially fingerstyle and mellow strumming. The guitar’s superb craftsmanship and playability make it accessible for intermediate players, while still offering room to grow.
Some key pros of the PM-1 are its resonant mahogany tone, slim neck profile, and Fishman electronics. Potential cons are limited tone shaping options when plugged in, and the heavier neck that may not suit smaller players.
This guitar is best suited for intermediate players looking for an affordable all-solid-wood dreadnought with classic acoustic tone shaping. The PM-1 works well for mellow genres like folk, country, and blues. Players needing more sparkle and brightness may want to consider a spruce top model instead.
Given the exceptional materials and construction at this price point, the Fender Paramount PM-1 Standard Dreadnought represents an excellent value. While not the cheapest option, it outperforms many comparably-priced all-mahogany acoustics. For players seeking a rich, organic acoustic tone without breaking the bank, the PM-1 is easy to recommend.