What body style is the Fender California Standard Redondo?

It features a Redondo body shape, which is Fender's take on the classic large-bodied dreadnought design.

What tonewoods are used for the body?

The guitar uses a laminated spruce top for brightness and sapele back and sides for a warm, balanced tonal foundation.

Does this guitar have an electric guitar-style neck?

Yes, it features a slim C-shaped okoume neck designed to feel familiar to electric guitarists.

What is the benefit of the Jazzmaster headstock?

The 6-in-line Jazzmaster headstock is designed to ensure stable tuning and provide even string tension across the nut.

What material is the fingerboard made of?

The fingerboard is constructed from walnut, which offers a durable and smooth playing surface.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Fender California Standard Redondo is typically priced around £149, placing it in the affordable entry-level category.

Is the finish gloss or matte?

This specific model features a sleek gloss black finish complemented by ivory-coloured accents.

Is the Fender Redondo suitable for fingerpicking?

While its dreadnought size is great for strumming, its balanced tone and slim neck also make it highly capable for fingerstyle picking.

How does it compare to the Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought?

Both are dreadnoughts, but the Fender offers a unique 6-in-line headstock and specific Fender-inspired neck ergonomics compared to the Hartwood's traditional styling.

Does this guitar include a pickup for amplification?

Based on the Standard specification, this is a purely acoustic guitar. For electronics, one would look at the Tanglewood Northstar Pro series as an alternative.

What strings should be used on this guitar?

As a steel-string acoustic, it should be fitted with standard acoustic guitar strings; nylon strings like those on the Yamaha CG142S are not compatible.

Who is the ideal player for the Redondo Standard?

It is ideal for students or hobbyists who want a full-sounding dreadnought that stands out visually with a modern Fender aesthetic.

Gear article

Fender California Standard Redondo

The Fender California Standard Redondo is a steel-string dreadnought acoustic guitar designed for high-volume performance and a distinctive aesthetic. It features a laminated spruce top paired with sapele back and sides, distinguished by its signature Jazzmaster-style headstock and slim-C profile neck.

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Overview

The Fender California Standard Redondo is an entry-level acoustic guitar that blends traditional dreadnought proportions with contemporary Fender design elements. Aimed at players seeking a bold visual presence, the instrument is finished in a sleek gloss black with ivory-coloured accents. It is part of Fender's effort to integrate electric guitar ergonomics, such as the 6-in-line headstock, into the acoustic medium.

Construction and Materials

The guitar is constructed using a laminated spruce top, a choice that provides durability and resistance to environmental changes while maintaining a crisp response. The back and sides are made from sapele, a wood known for its warm tonal characteristics similar to mahogany.

For the neck, Fender utilises okoume, carved into a slim 'C' profile to cater to players accustomed to electric guitars. The fingerboard is made of walnut, providing a smooth surface for fretting. A notable design feature is the Jazzmaster headstock, which is intended to provide even string tension and tuning stability across all six strings.

Sound and Performance

Sonically, the Redondo is designed for a big, full-bodied output. The dreadnought shape naturally emphasizes bass frequencies and overall volume, making it suitable for heavy strumming and vocal accompaniment. The combination of spruce and sapele results in a balanced tone that handles both rhythmic strumming and melodic picking with clarity. The slim neck profile is specifically engineered for comfort, reducing hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.

Target Audience and Comparison

This model is primarily suited for beginners and intermediate players who prefer the 'Fender vibe' over more traditional acoustic aesthetics.

In the budget acoustic market, it competes with models like the Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought and the Gear4music Single Cutaway. While the Yamaha CG142S offers a classical alternative with nylon strings, the Redondo remains a dedicated steel-string option. Compared to the Tanglewood Northstar Pro series, which often features open-pore finishes, the Redondo’s gloss black finish and electric-style headstock offer a more modern, polished appearance.

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Frequently asked questions

What body style is the Fender California Standard Redondo?: It features a Redondo body shape, which is Fender's take on the classic large-bodied dreadnought design.
What tonewoods are used for the body?: The guitar uses a laminated spruce top for brightness and sapele back and sides for a warm, balanced tonal foundation.
Does this guitar have an electric guitar-style neck?: Yes, it features a slim C-shaped okoume neck designed to feel familiar to electric guitarists.
What is the benefit of the Jazzmaster headstock?: The 6-in-line Jazzmaster headstock is designed to ensure stable tuning and provide even string tension across the nut.
What material is the fingerboard made of?: The fingerboard is constructed from walnut, which offers a durable and smooth playing surface.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Fender California Standard Redondo is typically priced around £149, placing it in the affordable entry-level category.
Is the finish gloss or matte?: This specific model features a sleek gloss black finish complemented by ivory-coloured accents.
Is the Fender Redondo suitable for fingerpicking?: While its dreadnought size is great for strumming, its balanced tone and slim neck also make it highly capable for fingerstyle picking.
How does it compare to the Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought?: Both are dreadnoughts, but the Fender offers a unique 6-in-line headstock and specific Fender-inspired neck ergonomics compared to the Hartwood's traditional styling.
Does this guitar include a pickup for amplification?: Based on the Standard specification, this is a purely acoustic guitar. For electronics, one would look at the Tanglewood Northstar Pro series as an alternative.
What strings should be used on this guitar?: As a steel-string acoustic, it should be fitted with standard acoustic guitar strings; nylon strings like those on the Yamaha CG142S are not compatible.
Who is the ideal player for the Redondo Standard?: It is ideal for students or hobbyists who want a full-sounding dreadnought that stands out visually with a modern Fender aesthetic.