Fender's California Standard Redondo™ CE Acoustic Guitar Review: A True Fender Fanatic's Delight
Fender's California series of acoustics is a unique and timeless addition to the brand's legacy. It offers everything players seek in an acoustic guitar while drawing inspiration from Fender's iconic electric models. The California Standard Redondo™ CE is the perfect acoustic for a true Fender enthusiast.
The Redondo™ is a Dreadnought, a classic shape known for its robust, deep tone and versatility. It features a generous cutaway for excellent fret access and a beautiful three-color sunburst finish with a six-in-line headstock, reminiscent of a Stratocaster without looking out of place.
This guitar boasts a resilient and sturdy construction despite its lightweight design, and its unique look is very easy on the eye. The Redondo™ features an all-laminate construction with a beautiful Spruce top and lovely Sapele back and sides that match perfectly with a walnut fretboard. The choice of tonewood not only looks fantastic but also produces a truly excellent sound.
The classic dreadnought shape is super comfortable to play, and the neck is spot on, with a nice, slim C shape that isn’t at all cumbersome. The neck has a 25.5" scale length, a 12" fingerboard radius, and carries 20 frets, providing a familiar and balanced playing experience. Out of the box, the Redondo™ is set up very nicely, with a slick action and solid intonation.
Small details add to the Redondo™'s simple but pretty aesthetic. A black body binding, inlaid dual-ring rosette, and very nice faded pearloid dot inlays elevate its look. The 'Modern Viking' style bridge is a cool shape and is made of walnut to match the fretboard, a nice touch.
The Redondo™ sounds exceptionally bright and sparkly with a definite emphasis on the top end. It has a tight, controlled low end that balances nicely with a subtle, throaty midrange. The treble frequencies really shine through, bringing focus to a snappy attack, and each note rings out like a bell. The notable brightness adds character and never sounds harsh, even when digging in with a pick.
The brightness also enhances the clarity of fingerpicking, which can tend to sound dull at times. For those who like to get adventurous, the Redondo™ handles bends notably well, especially with a lighter gauge set of strings, and is quite suitable for playing leads.
When electrified, the Redondo™ takes effects very well, making it a good option for players who like to incorporate reverb, delay, or modulation into their acoustic playing. Fender has fine-tuned the onboard electronics to keep up with modern demands, and the onboard tone and volume controls are linear, allowing for sound tailoring for the gig.
The Redondo™ excels in both amplified and unamplified contexts, offering a versatile range. It has a very comfortable, slinky feel, a beautiful glossy appearance, and rock-solid construction. From its classic sunburst finish to its lovely chocolate brown walnut fretboard to its iconic Fender headstock, the Redondo™ is a great-looking guitar for the price and has the loud, lively sound to match its good looks.
It's an excellent choice for those with a modest budget, offering a cutaway Dreadnought with a bright, top-heavy tone. It's also a great first guitar for beginners or those with a low budget, providing plenty of value. If you've got some midrange-dominant guitars in your arsenal and need something brighter, this is a good choice.
In conclusion, the California Standard Redondo™ CE is a fantastic all-rounder acoustic for those who like a cutaway body and a bright, top-heavy tone. It's a solid guitar that won't let you down, whether you're practicing at home or hitting the open mics. If you're a Fender fan, all the better; the Redondo™ references Fender's iconic past while carving out a new niche for itself.
With quality tonewoods, a comfortable playing experience, and a bright, shimmering sound, the Redondo™ is definitely worth giving a try. Fender's acoustics may not have always been their forte, but the California series seems to be changing that for the better. They're making quality acoustic guitars built to last, straying from tradition in some areas but delivering exceptional results.
