What is the body shape of the Fender Villager 12-String?

It uses the Newporter body shape, which is a mid-sized auditorium design without a cutaway. This shape is intended to balance physical comfort with tonal projection.

What woods are used in the construction of this guitar?

The guitar features a solid spruce top for resonance and sapele back and sides for a warm, balanced tonal response. This combination is standard for high-quality intermediate acoustics.

What makes the headstock design unique?

It features a 1960s-inspired 'hockey stick' headstock. This design is a throwback to Fender's vintage electric guitars, setting it apart from standard acoustic headstocks.

Is the Fender Villager an electro-acoustic guitar?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic model, meaning it includes onboard electronics to allow for amplification and connection to PA systems or amplifiers.

What type of bracing is used inside the body?

The guitar uses X-bracing. This internal structure is designed to provide strength to the solid spruce top while allowing it to vibrate freely for better dynamics.

What hardware is used for the nut and saddle?

The Villager is equipped with GraphTech NuBone for both the nut and the saddle. This material is designed to mimic the tonal properties of bone while offering consistent performance.

How much does the Fender Villager 12-String typically cost?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £459. This places it in the intermediate price bracket for electro-acoustic 12-string guitars.

Does this guitar have a cutaway?

No, the Villager 12-String features a non-cutaway Newporter body. This design maximizes the internal volume of the soundbox for better natural projection.

What tuning machines come on this model?

The guitar features vintage-style tuning machines. These contribute to the retro aesthetic while providing the necessary stability for a 12-string setup.

Which strings are recommended for this guitar?

While it comes pre-strung, high-quality options like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-String strings (10-47 gauge) are commonly recommended for their longevity and tone.

How does the Villager compare to the Fender CD-140SCE-12?

The Villager has a smaller Newporter body and a 'hockey stick' headstock, whereas the CD-140SCE-12 is a larger dreadnought with a cutaway and a traditional headstock.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This specific model features an 'Aged Natural' finish. This provides a vintage, slightly darkened appearance to the spruce top compared to a bright natural finish.

Gear article

Fender Villager 12-String Electro Acoustic

The Fender Villager 12-String is an auditorium-style electro-acoustic guitar that blends traditional 12-string chime with iconic 1960s Fender electric design elements. It features a solid spruce top, sapele back and sides, and a distinctive 'hockey stick' headstock, offering a unique aesthetic and tonal profile within its price bracket.

See live prices

Overview

The Fender Villager 12-String Electro Acoustic is designed as a bridge between the world of electric styling and acoustic performance. Built with a non-cutaway Newporter body, it prioritises a balance of player comfort and acoustic projection. The instrument is notable for its 'Aged Natural' finish and vintage-inspired appointments that harken back to Fender's experimental acoustic designs of the 1960s.

Construction and Materials

The guitar utilizes a solid spruce top, which provides high levels of resonance and clarity, paired with sapele back and sides for a warm, mahogany-like tone. Internal X-bracing is employed to reinforce the top while allowing for dynamic vibration. To ensure stability and sustain across twelve strings, the instrument is equipped with a GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle, along with vintage-style tuning machines. The neck features a slim profile that complements the Newporter body shape, intended to reduce player fatigue during long sessions.

Fender CD-140SCE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Electro Acoustic Natural

Design Features

One of the most striking visual elements of the Villager is its 1960s-inspired 'hockey stick' headstock, a design cue borrowed from Fender’s electric guitar heritage. Unlike traditional 12-string acoustics that often feature bulky headstocks, this design provides a streamlined, retro appearance. The 'Aged Natural' finish adds a sense of vintage character to the overall aesthetic.

Sound Character

Due to the combination of a solid spruce top and sapele body, the Villager produces a harmonically rich and expressive sound. The 12-string configuration provides the characteristic 'chorus' effect, while the Newporter auditorium shape ensures the midrange remains clear without the overwhelming bass boom often found in larger dreadnoughts. This makes it a versatile choice for both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other 12-strings, the Villager occupies a unique middle ground. The Fender CD-140SCE-12 offers a larger dreadnought body with a cutaway for those needing more volume and upper-fret access. The Yamaha FG820II is a traditional alternative for players seeking a standard dreadnought look, while the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon provides a more flamboyant, large-bodied design. For those on a stricter budget or looking for electric-specific playability, the Gear4Music LA 12-String or Danelectro Vintage 12-String models serve as functional alternatives.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Fender Villager 12-String?: It uses the Newporter body shape, which is a mid-sized auditorium design without a cutaway. This shape is intended to balance physical comfort with tonal projection.
What woods are used in the construction of this guitar?: The guitar features a solid spruce top for resonance and sapele back and sides for a warm, balanced tonal response. This combination is standard for high-quality intermediate acoustics.
What makes the headstock design unique?: It features a 1960s-inspired 'hockey stick' headstock. This design is a throwback to Fender's vintage electric guitars, setting it apart from standard acoustic headstocks.
Is the Fender Villager an electro-acoustic guitar?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic model, meaning it includes onboard electronics to allow for amplification and connection to PA systems or amplifiers.
What type of bracing is used inside the body?: The guitar uses X-bracing. This internal structure is designed to provide strength to the solid spruce top while allowing it to vibrate freely for better dynamics.
What hardware is used for the nut and saddle?: The Villager is equipped with GraphTech NuBone for both the nut and the saddle. This material is designed to mimic the tonal properties of bone while offering consistent performance.
How much does the Fender Villager 12-String typically cost?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £459. This places it in the intermediate price bracket for electro-acoustic 12-string guitars.
Does this guitar have a cutaway?: No, the Villager 12-String features a non-cutaway Newporter body. This design maximizes the internal volume of the soundbox for better natural projection.
What tuning machines come on this model?: The guitar features vintage-style tuning machines. These contribute to the retro aesthetic while providing the necessary stability for a 12-string setup.
Which strings are recommended for this guitar?: While it comes pre-strung, high-quality options like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-String strings (10-47 gauge) are commonly recommended for their longevity and tone.
How does the Villager compare to the Fender CD-140SCE-12?: The Villager has a smaller Newporter body and a 'hockey stick' headstock, whereas the CD-140SCE-12 is a larger dreadnought with a cutaway and a traditional headstock.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This specific model features an 'Aged Natural' finish. This provides a vintage, slightly darkened appearance to the spruce top compared to a bright natural finish.