Your video made me to buy this masterpiece, it’s one of the most awesome acoustic I’ve ever played - I tried some expensive Martins, Ovations, but the Newporter Classic won, because its sound fits the best to my ears. So thank you for a great review of this guitar. Greetings from Prague - Czech Republic. 🙋♂️
I played one of these in a local L&M recently - I totally agree, a surprisingly good sounding, beautifully made guitar. Something one wouldn't expect given it's 'snazzy' appearance (many 'imagine'-type instruments are disappointing sound-wise, due to laminated build and heavy poly finishes). Great to see these kind of reviews!
I bought one of these Fender California Newporter Classics, used, off of Reverb, almost three years ago. And since this was my first guitar, I had no idea just how lucky I was. It is nice to see somebody else giving them love! Any other owners out there kind of wish there was a sound port on this thing so we could hear what everybody else hears? (It's a rare treat for me to hear all of the depth of its rich tone coming at me in full.)
@@Dennis-tf2cs Just bought it. Went for the Newporter matte black special which comes with gig case. Over $900, way more than other paint finishes, but way cooler than others too. Got a Boss Kartarna Air 12v portable wireless amp all up cost 1590 from Derringers in SA.
I recently bought a Fender Paramount pm2 Parlor deluxe, same thing, all solid wood and amazing attention to detail. Absolutely love it. It has the same pick up system as this, it’s Fishman made for Fender 😊
I have had my Fender California Classic Newporter in blue for 2 years. I absolutely love this guitar. It has hints of Gibson tonality. It’s deep abs throaty. I just love it. Thanks for the video.
the low end/low mids surprised me, as did the lack of "bite" in the highs. Very nice balance, and affordable as heck! I am really digging your demos. 🐰❤️🎸🎵✨🤝✌️
I like you a lot. I just found you and subscribed. Maybe I'm getting old, but I'm tired of the overly hyped young kids on RU-vid. I could listen to you all day, but I have some guitar shopping to do. UPDATE: I bought the sunburst Newporter. Loving it. Plays and sounds better than acoustics I've played at twice the price easily. What a great value.
Omg, she’s stunning! I’ve been eyeing the all mahogany newporter. My friends thinks my black apx600 is nicer...now that I’ve seen this, the Yamaha doesn’t compare 😍
I have both this guitar and The Redondo classic... I first bought the Newporter in the same hot rod red... I was so amazed by it and loved it so much I had to buy the Redondo too (in blue)... These are such amazing unbelievable guitars...and so comfortable... feel like playing an electric guitar...
@@ellis.hj1 I honestly love them both, The newporter is a tiny bit more comfortable since it is a little smaller... the Redondo however being bigger has a bit more projection... both sound wonderful and have their own unique sound compared to other acoustic guitars... the best thing would be to try them both and see which one you profer (or another guitar).
@@WilliamsShamir ok thanks for the rapid reply man! I’m looking to get a guitar for my birthday soon and I’m in the price range of $200-$300. What do you recommend as it will be my first acoustic, but I want to get a proper one that I can learn with and will last. Anything you can recommend?
@@ellis.hj1 I think it would be best to simply go to the store and try them... I think the fender California Classic series is above your price range tough as they are around ~ 800$ range... try and see on websites of your local stores which guitars they have in your price range and just look at youtube videos about them or read reviews of them... then narrow down your list to the ones you were maybe the most impressed by and then go to the store and try the ones you narrowed down + maybe other ones the store owner might recommend or ones you noticed... and just try them all and see which ones sounds and feels best for you. try to get a guitar with a solid top at least (not sure you will find one in that price range with solid back and sides as well but I might be wrong). Good Luck and enjoy your first guitar :)
Thanks for the video! I just picked one up. Can't wait to get it into my hands. I love watching people review and play who I can tell are clearly true guitar players.
That was surprising! Glad to see they make good acoustic's... Anyway, I hope fender watches this video and you get another sponser.keep up the great entertainment!
Great video. As a little kid the first guitar I fell in love with was my uncles american made fender redondo from the 70s. Just the look of a dreadnought with a strat style head did something for me. I was lucky enough to inherit it 2 years ago when he past.. the sound is amazing but it's not that comfortable to play.. ended up buying the newer model this year and after an initial setup it's easily my favourite toy. The simple fishman pick ups are also very good..
Today I got mine! A lefty model. I totally love it ❤ i own a gibson j45 studio but this fender newporter has something special. I bought this guitar after I watched at your video. Best regards, Giorgio from Italy
Sold me on one. I bought it today at Guitar Center. The action is low enough for lead licks and chording. I really enjoy it. It sounds amazing plugged in too.
Totaly agree, I tried this one and the Malibu Classic and whaou ! playability, sound, etc... never thinking at Fender acoustic guitar before and finaly the best sound of the shop... awesome
Just picked up one today from my local music store. They had 2 of the Fender classic line guitars, this one, the newporter classic in turquoise blue and the redondo classic in black satin. I loved the satin aspect of the redondo, (never been a fan of glossy finishes), but I liked the shape of newporter a little better, and it sounded noticably better, at least to me. The newporter was like 80 dollars more then the redondo but it was worth it. I love the colors on these, I've only seen the red and the blue so far but I specifically did not want any browns or any type of run of the mill tabbacco burst so was quite happy.
I was also blown away by the acoustic example you played. I've played Newports and the acoustic surf beach line when I've gone to Guitar Center but I've been underwhelmed by the sound quality. I like the look but aside from that, nothing made me want to play one very long. This is an exception. You have to be careful and get this particular model which is the Newporter Classic HRM. They have a Redondo Classic dreadnought also all solid wood. The player series selling for less money are laminate bodies and sides with just run-of-the-mill sound.
Greetings from Sydney, Australia. Thanks for your reviews of Yamaha & Fender guitars. I have a Yamaha LLX16 & an AC3R - both wonderful guitars - the build quality shines through. Nice to hear an accomplished player rate these mid-priced instruments.
I have this guitar in the champagne colour and, apart from my Martin guitar, it’s the most versatile electro acoustic I’ve ever played, still can’t believe it’s only £500
Am taking your advice. I've been saving up for a new addtion and wanted a mahogony as I've never owned. Was going to go for the new Paramount PD220 which is ridiculously reduced to €398 ($450) on Thomann. Just saw the all mahogany version of this in natural finish. All solid down to €355. Jumping at it!
I was lookin for a guitar, never played one but have played other stringed instruments, anyways so I'm looking and nothing I hear thus far has touched my ears and heart the way this guitar has. I was so fkin excited after hearing the sound of this guitar I cant even tell ya! Before clicking on your video I started feeling like I wouldn't find something that would satisfy my ears especially at a not all too bad price point for a beginner. Really happy you put this video out here cause I would've given into something that didn't sound as epic and mind blowing as this otherwise. Thank you!
Greetings from Macau, you're great!May I know the difference between the Fender newporter with pickguard and the Fender without pickguard you have shown?
Can not believe I just found your channel and you !! I am loving this, thank you. Was/am a Taylor guy (814ce, 1993 410, 256ce and 210ce) but now I find myself because of you picking up Yamaha's in stores and loving them and buying one this week. They may be my new favorite. I also have a Takamine GD20ce, it's great for a moderate price guitar. Thank you again.. Omg and loved Primary Color video.. I will gladly hit tip jar for that perfection of music.
i just got one of these - also red in lefthanded - traded in the alvarez - do not miss it in the least - It passes my litmus test “ does it make me want to play it ?” answer Yes !
I had the Fender Villager from the late 60's. The Fender XII neck on a Newport body, I played it for years. About 15 years ago, I did a trade in and still miss it. I've never had a 12 string that chimed and had the feel of that old beater.
I'd like to up grade my laminate Newporter I bought last fall for the solid wood version. Mine just sounds tinny when not plugged in. It's a joy to watch people who just love to make music, thanks! From Bristol Va.
I have a1980 early Newporter that sounds amazing especially when strumming. What kind of strings do you recommend. Currently using light gushed Lifestyles. Thanks
That guitar is so 'you' .. in looks .. sound .. in everything. If you didn't purchase it .. do it. You have a new stage companion that is screaming your name to bring her out right there on your lap. Ok now back to the guitar ... I'm not just saying so .. and I am not huge on plugging acoustics in .. but I gotta say .. that thing sounds like a 'dream' plugged in .. Just a flippin dream. Can't imagine if I was in the room (and with new strings?!!! Imagine that). Anyway .. Great video. Thanks.
Fender acoustic guitars are understated and fly completely under the radar. I have 2 all solid wood (both Mahogany) Fender acoustic guitars and they are made really well and sound great. There are cheaper laminate versions but the solid wood versions are great.
I have one of these cheaper/older model "Sonoran". Solid top, bone nut and saddle, fishman pickup, amazing sound for the price. Its my number one for stage.
First, thanks for the vids J.P.! Remember the sunburst Fender Kingman you use to have in 2013? I bought it used in Antigonish. Was a beauty to look at, but was a little choked sounding. Tried several different kinds of strings on it, made no difference, it was just half dead. Ended up trading it. Then a year later I had a chance to get it back, and it was so amazing looking that I did, (that's the problem with a pretty face I guess). Unfortunately, time did not make it sound any better, and ended up dumping it a second time. Pretty sure the back and sides were laminated. Anyway, this weekend I plan to check out the Newporter and the Malibu for myself. Have fun, and thanks!
PSA/FYI: The Newporter Special, Classic, & Special Mahogany are all solid guitars, but they don't come in that candy apple red. The only candy apple red Newporter is the Player, and that is not an all solid wood guitar, only a solid top. So either you have something not listed on Fender's site, or...Who knows. But it's misleading if people think that the red topped Newporter guitar is an all solid guitar.
They change colors each year. His is definitely a solid body guitar. I considered getting it, but went with the Newporter Special in matte black instead. Sounds like Fender’s getting away from color on their higher end models. I for one, still think my Special looks cool:
Went to the guitar center in Appleton Wi and tried the Fender; absolutely great right from the factory. Tried a low end Martin (can't remember the model but it must have been used as it was less than $400.) The Martin felt heavier and a more solid build but the action was crap. The Fender Newporter was way better and cost 429.00. I really should have bought it right there cause I live 4 hours away and really don't feel like driving back again.
I thought your talk of your face hitting the floor was hyperbole,..... until about eight minutes 15, my face had the same reaction, and I was amazed to hear that rich earthy but well defined sound come from a guitar that to me looks like tasteless bling( but then I'm just a boring old fart that likes what I know) So to each his own as to the appearance, but to my mind such a wonderful sound that I haas to pause the video and comment an instrument that good sounding at what would be about sixteen hundred or soNZ$ deserves to be featured .This is what you are doing, so I say bye , and watch the rest of it.
Gibson added a pickup to an existing acoustic (jazz) guitar...but Leo Fender conceived the electric guitar as a single systemic unit unto itself. By the way that acoustic sounds grand. And by the way again...you got some good chops, Bro. Play on.
Thank you very much for this review on the Fender Newporter Classic and your slant on the guitar scene, I thought it was just me Losing my enthusiasm for he guitar collections in most guitar shops where a Fender is a Fender and a Gibson is a Gibson where nothing seems to change I happen to be looking for an acoustic guitar to play at home and you have sold me on this Newporter I was researching the champagne finish originally but I think I am now as sold on the Hot Rod Metallic as you are, I have a massive problem though, no one in the UK has stock, are they freely available in the USA ? If they are will they sell to me and export it to the UK ? I have written to Fender UK so I will see how they answer ! I have tried everywhere even the shopping centre in Canada that you mentioned with no luck I have now found one which is being shipped to me from California ! Thanks again for this demo
I had one of them Sombiscuits like 20 years ago. I didn't know what I had. I let my nephew borrow it and he carved it up. Yea for me! I sold it because it was all beat up and I've never found another guitar that sounded that good. Now I know why.
Upon listening, I found the bass rich and not overpowering, mids that didn’t fall off on either side, and highs that were not tinny or too loud. Yes, I know there is a well accomplished professional playing this instrument but the clarity of his microphone does not lie. This Fender Newporter has a very rich and balanced sound and great pride generating eye appeal. Just the humble and honest opinion of an old aspiring nobody.
Thank you John! I currently have a dreadnaught candy apple red Redondo, which is the brother to your Newporter, but now I’m thinking maybe I should scale down in weight, bulk and size, sell this “as new” and go for a Newporter, same color, but the Turquoise is beautiful also. And I’m going to hope the neck might be a bit more playable for my not huge hands, not to mention I was in accident recently on my bike, got whammy-rammed by a no top at stop sign too long hooded, too high he never saw me. But he crushed my left hand fingers, so… so my question for you would be, would I be losing anything I need by parting with the Redondo, since I play 90 percent punk pop/power Pop. ( like Beach Boys, Ramones, Big Star). Thanks and stay safe and sound.
@@CamMacMastermusic Thank you all so very much! I take it this is a "superior" setup that would work well for videoconferences, podcasting and singer/songwriter recording and live?
Just bought a 2nd hand Newporter Classic (in perfect condition) for £199 ($340 Canadian dollars). Wow. Literally just got it and it's so nice to play. Feel like I stole it for £199 😄
I just got this guitar after watching your review. It’s gorgeous and it sounds wonderful. Head scratcher though... the phase switch. Nothing happens on the screen when I hold it down. It’s still dark. Does it or light up? Is the only evidence it’s working is the feedback is gone? I’m trying to determine if I have a defect.
Thanks John... for such an entertaining and rewarding presentation... Without doubt, you have a real 'stallion' in your hands with the Fender Newporter... The Tone is sooo sweet ! and you are the 'Man' to ride it... Well done ! Have a small 'stable' of guitars... and some years back... HAD to bring home a Fender Redondo 'Player' (Jade) which I could NOT leave hanging on the wall, when I only walked in to buy a harmonica... I think they are cleverly 'crafted' for that specific "Tone" that separates them from 'all' solid woods... and because of personal 'like' (?)... I immediately changed strings to Bronze-wound instead of factory issued Steel Strings... resulting in deep, rich, mellow Tones... My expectations were, and remain, totally satisfied... Whether acoustic or played through the Amp, I am a happy... 'Player' chappie... ! and...It's a pleasure to say... You have a new 'Fan' ...
Is this the same thing as the california newports? I am very new to guitars and I really like the california newport in olive green im thinking of picking it up. Its not $1100 though - its around $450
Great surprise for sure. Could you weigh guitars you review. I know they vary unit to unit somewhat, and based on humidity too but still, it would be great to have a baseline.