What type of wood is used for the top of the Fender Newporter Player?

The guitar features a solid spruce top. This material is chosen for its ability to produce an articulate voice and strong projection.

What electronics are included in this model?

It is equipped with a Fishman Flex electronics system. This system includes elegantly integrated controls designed to maintain a modern look while providing natural amplified sound.

What is the neck profile of the Newporter Player?

The guitar features a slim-taper 'C'-shaped neck. This design is intended to offer a comfortable playing experience similar to that of a Fender electric guitar.

What are the back and sides made of?

The back and sides are constructed from sapele. Sapele is a tonewood known for providing a balanced and consistent sound profile.

What kind of bracing does the Newporter Player use?

The guitar utilizes X-bracing. This internal structure helps to optimise the resonance of the solid spruce top while ensuring durability.

What color is the Tidepool finish?

Tidepool is a distinctive metallic blue-green finish. It is part of Fender's modern aesthetic approach for the California Series guitars.

How does the Newporter Player compare to a Little Martin LX1E?

The Newporter Player is a larger, medium-sized guitar compared to the 3/4 sized Little Martin. It generally offers more volume and a different playing feel due to its electric-style neck.

Are the tuning machines modern or vintage style?

The guitar is fitted with vintage-style tuning machines. These are designed to provide smooth and accurate tuning while contributing to the guitar's unique look.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, its slim-taper neck and medium body size make it very accessible for beginners. The 'C' shape neck is particularly helpful for those finding traditional acoustic necks too bulky.

Can this guitar be plugged into an amplifier?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar. The onboard Fishman Flex system allows it to be connected to amplifiers, audio interfaces, or PA systems.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Fender Newporter Player in Tidepool typically retails for approximately £319. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.

How does it differ from a Yamaha APXT2?

The Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar, whereas the Newporter Player is a full-scale, medium-sized instrument. The Newporter offers a larger acoustic voice and a solid wood top.

Gear article

Fender Newporter Player Electro Acoustic Tidepool

The Fender Newporter Player is a mid-sized electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid spruce top and a distinctive Tidepool finish. Designed to bridge the gap between electric and acoustic playability, it incorporates a slim-taper C-shaped neck and Fishman Flex electronics for amplified performance.

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Overview and Construction

The Fender Newporter Player in Tidepool is a versatile electro-acoustic instrument that sits within Fender's California Series. The construction centres around a solid spruce top supported by X-bracing, which is paired with sapele back and sides. This combination is intended to provide a balance between structural integrity and acoustic resonance.

A defining characteristic of this model is its integration of electric guitar design elements. It features a slim-taper 'C'-shaped mahogany neck, which offers a familiar feel for players accustomed to Fender's electric range. The headstock follows the iconic 6-in-line Fender design, differentiating it from traditional acoustic aesthetic standards.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and recording, the Newporter Player is equipped with a Fishman Flex electronics system. This system is designed to provide a faithful reproduction of the guitar's natural acoustic voice when connected to an amplifier or PA system. The controls are integrated into the body in a streamlined manner to maintain the guitar's modern appearance.

Hardware includes vintage-style tuning machines, which are selected for their smooth action and tuning stability. The bridge and nut materials work in tandem with the spruce top to ensure articulate note definition across the fretboard.

Sound Profile and Playability

The Newporter Player delivers a voice described as both powerful and articulate. The use of solid spruce for the soundboard allows for a wide dynamic range, while the sapele back and sides provide a consistent and punchy mid-range. The X-bracing further enhances the guitar's projection.

Playability is a primary focus of the design. The Newporter body shape is a medium-sized frame, offering more volume than a parlour guitar but remaining more manageable than a full-sized dreadnought. The slim-taper neck profile reduces hand fatigue and facilitates faster movement across the frets.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This guitar is particularly suited for performers who transition frequently between electric and acoustic instruments, as well as intermediate players seeking a stylish, stage-ready instrument. In the electro-acoustic market, it competes with models such as the Takamine GN20CE and the Sigma DTC-28HE.

Compared to larger instruments like the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E 12-string, the Newporter offers a more compact and ergonomic experience. Conversely, it provides a larger sound and longer scale than travel-oriented guitars like the Martin LX1E Little Martin or the Yamaha APXT2.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of wood is used for the top of the Fender Newporter Player?: The guitar features a solid spruce top. This material is chosen for its ability to produce an articulate voice and strong projection.
What electronics are included in this model?: It is equipped with a Fishman Flex electronics system. This system includes elegantly integrated controls designed to maintain a modern look while providing natural amplified sound.
What is the neck profile of the Newporter Player?: The guitar features a slim-taper 'C'-shaped neck. This design is intended to offer a comfortable playing experience similar to that of a Fender electric guitar.
What are the back and sides made of?: The back and sides are constructed from sapele. Sapele is a tonewood known for providing a balanced and consistent sound profile.
What kind of bracing does the Newporter Player use?: The guitar utilizes X-bracing. This internal structure helps to optimise the resonance of the solid spruce top while ensuring durability.
What color is the Tidepool finish?: Tidepool is a distinctive metallic blue-green finish. It is part of Fender's modern aesthetic approach for the California Series guitars.
How does the Newporter Player compare to a Little Martin LX1E?: The Newporter Player is a larger, medium-sized guitar compared to the 3/4 sized Little Martin. It generally offers more volume and a different playing feel due to its electric-style neck.
Are the tuning machines modern or vintage style?: The guitar is fitted with vintage-style tuning machines. These are designed to provide smooth and accurate tuning while contributing to the guitar's unique look.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, its slim-taper neck and medium body size make it very accessible for beginners. The 'C' shape neck is particularly helpful for those finding traditional acoustic necks too bulky.
Can this guitar be plugged into an amplifier?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar. The onboard Fishman Flex system allows it to be connected to amplifiers, audio interfaces, or PA systems.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Fender Newporter Player in Tidepool typically retails for approximately £319. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.
How does it differ from a Yamaha APXT2?: The Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar, whereas the Newporter Player is a full-scale, medium-sized instrument. The Newporter offers a larger acoustic voice and a solid wood top.