Now, let’s make things interesting. What if
one were to take that iconic electric guitar
headstock and place it on another guitar?
Now, let’s take it to the next level. What if one
transplanted that headstock on to an acoustic
guitar? Madness! That acoustic guitar would
have a lot to live up to, wearing the crown of
such an iconic instrument! This is how I felt
after first seeing the Fender Newporter Classic
acoustic-electric guitar. But let me tell you
something, this instrument really surprised me.
Upon opening the beautifully designed and
robust gig bag, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Blue.
The spruce top and headstock are blue! While
the purist inside me wondered, “Why?” The
artist in me said, “Why not!” Fender is a master
of color and, while it caught me off guard at
first, this ‘cosmic turquoise’ quickly grew on
me. It makes a statement. It announces that
it is in the room. It makes sure you see it on
stage. I have never owned an acoustic guitar
with a colored top, but this color is a stunning
consideration. Combine this with a gorgeous
bridge shape, very reminiscent of a gypsy
guitar from an old black and white photo, and
a Koa rosette with matching binding, and you
can see exactly what Fender had in mind – a
well-crafted instrument that is also an eye-
sound that emanates from a guitar built of solid Looks, feel, tone, value. These are the qualities
wood - without getting overly spiritual about I look for in the guitars I play. The Newporter,
Picking up and playing this guitar was yet this idea, let’s just say that the instrument feels for its price, is right in the sweet spot. Eye-
another wonderful surprise – the fit and feel alive. catching,
catching piece of art.
comfortable,
alive,
economically
priced and comes with pre-installed Fishman
of the neck is a very familiar one. Fender’s
signature C-profile neck can be found in full There are certain resonances and frequencies Electronics. At a street price of $799.99 this
effect, allowing for chords and lead lines up and that are heard (and felt - more on this shortly). is an awesome below $1,000.00 guitar with
down the beautiful pau ferro fretboard. In fact, The and which to start learning on, worshipping with,
further up the neck, the profile begins to flatten mahogany back and sides resound with all the and writing music for – and at the same time
out in the back, offering the perfect shape as makings of a living instrument. Now allow me it is a beautiful ‘cosmic turquoise’ piece of art
the hand changes its position. Its 1.69” wide to take this one step further. Every guitarist will for the living room! Fender continues to impress
bone nut and matching bone saddle are a great tell you that playing guitar goes beyond just the with the Newporter, and I am proud to share
fit and a premium addition on a guitar in this sound that can be heard, but into the feeling that the iconic and defining headstock it wears
price range. of the instrument’s vibration against the core. is well earned and deserved.
Newporter’s
solid
spruce
top
The Newporter Classic has this very quality, the
The biggest, and best surprise of all was
mark of a truly well-built guitar.
$799.99 MAP
revealed upon my first strum – premium solid
wood tone. There is a very special and distinct
This instrument, in a phrase, blew me away.
October 2018
WorshipMusician.com
shop.Fender.com
93