Why Aren't People Buying Fender's Paramount Acoustic Guitars?!

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Why is it that Fender's Paramount acoustic guitars are collecting dust on store shelves? It's a mystery that's plagued guitar enthusiasts and Fender enthusiasts alike. On one hand, you have a guitar brand with a reputation for building budget acoustics, and on the other hand, you have their mid-priced Paramount line with top-notch features and competitive pricing. So, what's the catch? In this video, we dive into Fender's marketing woes and uncover the real reason why the Paramount line just can't seem to make a dent in the acoustic guitar market. Watch now for a dose of guitar industry satire and some surprising revelations.
0:00 Intro
0:50 What's the issue?
3:57 High End Past
6:00 Import Guitars
17:20 Demos
20:39 Final Thoughts
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14 май 2024

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Комментарии : 893

@festushaggen2563 Год назад

As far as I’m concerned, Yamaha owns the budget acoustic market. I’ve rarely found one that didn’t impress. I’d buy a Yamaha over a Fender any day. Just my 2 cents.

@TrevorBoggs Год назад

Agreed, Yamaha’s quality is incredibly consistent, even on their lower end stuff.

@misorodzinak8829 Год назад

I have an older Yamaha F310 - a very cheap guitar, yet I would recommend it without hesitation to people who want to learn to play. Mine has a lot of visual flaws from the factory, but it plays very well, and can handle some abuse as well.

@chrischoemortgage Год назад

And right above Yamaha would be Alvarez Yairi. Sold my Taylor’s and kept my FGX5 and DYM60HD

@Jojopal333 Год назад

Agreed Yamaha has standards beyond so many other mid priced Acoustics. I’ve owned many Yamahas. I now have the honor of owning a handcrafted hand built LS36. Absolutely a masterpiece. OK I’m bragging sorry.

@svenmorgenstern9506 Год назад

Yep. Had one person push me towards Fender, but every other person (including music teachers) said "Yamaha". Still can't play worth beans, but I own 3 that sound good, look purty and are eminently playable. Plus are very affordable.

@brooksroman2918 Год назад

A very simple solution would be to bring back the “Squier” name on cheap acoustics (like the FA-135, CD60) and start manufacturing “Fender” acoustics in Mexico with Martin and Taylor. Also, adopt a singular headstock shape and use the same logos as on the electric guitars. Boom, Fender’s acoustic concerns are solved. I will be sending them an invoice for this consultation.

@Jones9guitars Год назад

I bought a PM - 1 Standard about 3 years ago and love it. I've played it on stage at venues of various sizes and through several sound systems with just the D. I. and it always sounds great. It's also great acoustically in a campfire situation.

@cherrypickerguitars Год назад

So glad you addressed this issue! When they first appeared in music stores, I took a new student in to find his first “decent” acoustic guitar. We both played 12 - 15 budget to intermediate level guitars and left the store with a Paramount! Hell, I even bought a Fender Paramount T-shirt! I thought they were phenomenal for the $ ! I can’t believe I don’t see more of them! Peace

@Scrat6061 11 месяцев назад

I have the PD-220E and am extremely happy with it. I am exclusively a finger-style player and find it to be super responsive with a well balanced sound and great action.

@melissa.deklerk 9 месяцев назад

Loved listening to this conversation. Particularly talking about the smaller music shops that are closing down, and thus people have nowhere to try out a guitar. I am having exactly the same problem in Germany. The huge shop that I have ordered a lot of items from (drums, cymbals and accessories for my drums) is Thomann. And it's located across the country from where I live. 9 hours with the train. So I can't quickly pop in and test out a few that I have my eye on. I would love to find a guitar shop/music shop in a 50km radius from where I live to test out various guitar sizes to see which one would work better for me (and then hope that they have the guitars I am interested in actually in the store. Sure, Thomann has a 30 return policy, but I would feel terrible to return a guitar for some reason.

@machineoutlivestheman1192 Год назад

Was heavily involved in this project for Fender. Glad to see it getting some love. Fender Acoustic have had some home runs over the years, but the challenge was always fighting the perception that they could be perceived as anything but a budget line. A dilemma not shared on the electric side or the business. This project was a ton of fun, tons of passionate experienced acoustic folks. The result was wonderful. Cool little corner of brand DNA.

@MrTelecosta Год назад

Tell me something if possible, why did you guys decided to put the strap pin in that location? Sure it’s more electric guitar like, but I have to say I really dislike it visually. It just seems wrong on a acoustic.

@machineoutlivestheman1192 Год назад

@@MrTelecosta For the reason you’d mentioned. The guitar balances more easily with the strap pin that position.

@floriansipos9397 Год назад

Great job, congrats! Tell me, please, why is PM3 all-mahogany discontinued? That is a really great instrument.

@CocoKoi321 Год назад

Prove it

@Benson.BereTV 5 месяцев назад

Hey man. Thank you people for working on it. I love my PO220e. Its a very great guitar. I mean the only constructive part that will make this to sell at 700-800 guitar? Is to add grover and better poly coat on the sides. Its to thick. But still sounds good!

@larryshields2302 Год назад

Im going to take a moment to say I really admire your video quality. I just watched one of your videos from 6 years ago and damn!!!! You guys are killing these demo's/videos now. Great Job!

@Runoratsu Год назад

A teacher at the boarding school I went to (20+ years ago) had a Fender acoustic I played a couple times-really really great, warm and clear and woody sound. So much so I still remember it and think about it from time to time!

@ed_music1834 Год назад

Excellent discussion guys and phenomenal playing again by Cooper. I tried the parlor version and its actually excellent. All solid construction and great playability. Yeah I think people are really turned off when they hear Made in China or Indonesia but some of these are made phenomenally great. You might prolly come across a bad one but hey keep on looking. The best way to really determine if their good is to actually play and feel the instrument.

@michaelwhitehead5102 Год назад

You two are the best. I love your honest reviews. I have been considering the PO-220 on and off since they were released. I just haven't been able to decide. They seem to be made well and have a great sound, plus they come with a hardcase. I kinda like the pickguard, but I agree with Cooper on the purfling and rosette; don't hate it but don't love it either.

@robstein682 Год назад

Thank you guys for making this video. I bought a PS-220e all mahogany, partly due to the demonstration you guys did on the series a few months ago. I absolutely love this guitar, the price was right ($830 or so at the time), it feels amazing, and I love the sound. Could not care less that it wasn't made in America, it's a fantastic guitar.

@Chemist1076 Год назад

Me too...

@Bliggick Год назад

I looked at the Sunburst Parlour and it was a very attractive guitar but I thought it was too expensive for an import guitar but I didn't realize it came with a hardshell case. I ended up buying an Art & Lutherie Parlour for a quarter of the price of the Fender. It is made in Canada, flawless construction, feels good to play, and rings for days.

@JRJ2000 Год назад

My brother and I have several guitars from them and their sister companies. I.E. Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Godin. They are fantastic for the price. In my opinion, they punch way above their weight class.

@StopMoColorado Год назад

Ditto

@joq702 Год назад

The Godin brands are incredible for the money. I have a few and the sustain on both was as good as any I’ve played. I get to go to Sweetwater often and play Taylor, Breedlove, Martin, Gibson, and I can honestly say the Godin brands are really great. They are truly up there head to head for me in the 750-1100 pricing. I cannot afford more than that so I never play beyond my realistic purchase cap. It would tease me too much. I have no real experience for a good opinion on higher end guitars (beyond $1100). My preference of course. Love the warmth and construction. I have a Simon and Patrick songsmith concert hall, I kept, and it is so fun to play, tremendous sustain and tone up and down the fretboard. I like the S&P and not Seagull only because of the look. I like a traditional styled headstock.

@didier6315 2 месяца назад

PM2 de luxe was a wonderful Guitar

@charlesbranch4120 Год назад

Thanks for the great information and advice for potential buyers and Fender, not to mention other manufacturers. It is becoming more difficult to find music stores nearby where guitars can be looked at up close and personal. That's part of the reason that I bought a lower-priced B-stock demo all-solid African mahogany (Khaya spp.) back & sides, Torrefied European spruce top concert/auditorium guitar "Designed in Bend, Oregon (an 8-hour drive), Crafted in China" from the east coast, tried it out and gave it to my son-in-law guitarist for a Christmas gift a year ago. Described in the catalog as a semi-gloss finish, which was thinner with warm, open, and inviting tones, than the signature verse I bought for myself a month later. Yes, GAS strikes everyone. I think (therefore I am... often wrong) I may be done buying guitars with my current collection. I'm with Ted's guitar philosophy. Manufacturers in North America can look to other guitar companies for examples of improved QC from other countries. PRS-SE, Taylor Academy-300 series, Breedlove's crafted in China models that return to Oregon for final inspection and set-up before shipping (some settling of contents may occur- corn flakes). Humidification is a nice addition. Taylor educated me well on that subject. Education of the consumer? Yes, do that! Alamo Music is really, really good at that! Thanks y'all and here's hoping everyone had a "Happy Groundhog Day!" From the winter-spring-winter-spring-winter-...? weather wonderland.

@guyincognito320 Год назад

I don't even want a US guitar, because they're not worth the money. The economy is screwed up, it should be more level, which they could do by subsidizing local manufacture and putting tariffs on imports. But that's not happening any time soon. Luckly, Recording King, Blueridge, Yamaha etc all make superior import guitars to these Fenders. I like the Paramounts because they're flashy, unlike Martin style guitars, but the nuts are just too narrow. My hands are too big to play fingerstyle on them. A 43mm nut dreadnought is totally valid but a concert/OM guitar is bound to be a fingerstyle guitar in some capacity and that narrow nut makes it seem to me like they're not all that serious when it comes to the acoustics game. I also like the Fender headstock Newporters because they're cool and eye catching, and they sound totally decent, but they have the same tight string spacing like an electric guitar, and there's a homely electronics panel on the side. (Some giggers want that, which is fair enough). Also, the big name companies always mess around with the fretboard woods. You either get ovangkol, pau ferro, laurel (which is truly hideous), or richlite, sometimes on a 1700 dollar guitar, with a plastic fretboard. I resent that corporate penny pinching. It's not about tone, it's just that I'm always touching and looking at the fretboard, and I want the correct wood to be there. Charge an extra 50 bucks or something. Manage the environmental side, do whatever it takes. Recording King, Blueridge, Yamaha, etc all make fantastic import models with traditional tonewoods and overall a better pro-tier sound than these Fenders. I do love Fender's design and feel, in all their guitars, but in acoustics they need to improve a bit imo, even as they already have with their current gen of all-solids. I hope they will.

@skydog1153 7 месяцев назад

I have a PM-2 deluxe parlor that i bought second hand in 2018. It's 1st gen paramount and I bought it based solely on the price/vs specs. The value (for what I paid) is untouchable. I firmly believe that even at twice what I paid for it, it would be worth it. It's a lovely guitar in every way.

@didier6315 2 месяца назад

Yes PM2 de Luxe. Over the top Guitar ❤

@mateuszt6498 Год назад

This series, to me, is the greatest value on the market in terms of anything guitar. I own one - bought it last month. I've played many from this series, never a bad one. Heck, I have a beautiful Martin D-18, but still love the Fender. I own the Ovangkol Orchestra model. Under $1000, all solid wood, with a VERY NICE case and humidifier? What a deal! Already saving for a parlor from the same range. Just fantastic value, sound and playability.

@antilaw9911 10 месяцев назад

I just bought the blonde one. Super happy! Traded another fender dark wood mahogany maybe? Towards it. Absolutely nothing wrong with this guitar. The sound and tone is well balanced and jumps out like it's supposed too. As my other guitar sounded like it had a sock or pillow in it dampening it. Kinda dead. Very classy this guitar and the case comes with very very nice!! I'm getting my bridge cut down for lowest action possible how I like it.

@moshehtaffe 2 месяца назад

I love Fender and they're pretty af so im buying one too. first acoustic electric

@bryanwalters9574 Год назад

I played that exact model dreadnaught at my local guitar center and was blown away. I’ve never played a square shoulder dread that sounded so good finger picked. The top was so responsive. Great value as well.

@guyincognito320 6 месяцев назад

But the nut width makes it a flatpicker only imo. Putting a Strat nut and all the eccentric decorations makes Fender look noobish and unserious with these.

@mozartsmate6358 5 месяцев назад

Fantastic neck on these..

@SamVecchio Год назад

Cooper could make a soggy cardboard shoebox sound incredible. Let me demo it for real life expectations 😂

@charlesbolton8471 Год назад

After finishing the video, I want to say that I think you are spot on with moving production to Japan or Mexico. Honestly, Mexico really would be a great choice for Fender. They could even offer a nitro finish to compete with Gibson. Speaking of Gibson I think it would be awesome if they moved Epiphone production to Mexico. I’m also surprised that you never mentioned (and so far no one is the comments has either) the Spring Hill series of acoustics that Fender made in 90s in Spring Hill, TN right outside of Nashville and just down the road from GM’s Saturn factory. Those Spring Hill guitars were excellent and comparable to similar Martins. I owned a Fender acoustic for several years in the 90s. I bought it used so I’m not really sure what year it was made (I also don’t remember for sure where it was made but I think it was Korean), but it definitely had been discontinued a few years before I bought it. It was a model called the LaBrea. Mine was apparently the top of the line in that series. It was flame maple top, back, and sides in a transparent amber finish. It was my second acoustic guitar. The first was from Ovation’s budget brand Applause. The Fender sounded much better acoustically, but the Applause had better electronics and the neck was slightly better from a playability standpoint although the body shape (even though it was a shallow bowl) tried hard to negate the neck’s playability. I still think Ovations look cool, but there is no way I would ever buy another one. I would definitely consider a North American made Fender acoustic if the option existed, and they offered something unique from the competition.

@ltcuaa 7 месяцев назад

why mention what you can't buy?

@charlesbolton8471 7 месяцев назад

@@ltcuaa Why mention what you can’t buy? The best reason to do so is to make companies aware of demand for products that aren’t currently available.

@garyseavolt7990 Год назад

Bought a Tim Armstrong signature a few years back for gigging purposes and absolutely love it. The fishman electronics sound great just going through a DI, plus it sounds fantastic around the campfire all with a hardshell case for around $450

@stevedouglas8690 Год назад

Thank you for this video! Bought a new Paramount PM3 in 2020 for 700 (solid wood, bone nut and saddle, rosewood fretboard, electronics, fender hard case) with specs and price that didn’t compare to other guitars that I was looking at. Plays and sounds great! Also bought a Yamaha AC5R new for 1250 that gets played much more than my 2100 Taylor 324CE. The Yamaha is great for fingerstyle. Both guitars are underrated. Agree that Fender should build in America and sell in the 1100-1400 range.

@BaktaBak3 Год назад

We have the early model Fender Paramount Series guitars (the parlours ) and love them. All solid wood with electronics. They're great ! Sound great !

@randypressley4145 Год назад

I noticed an immediate difference between the two guitars. I think Chris nailed It! The gloss finish was inferior to the satin finish. I love the Fender name! The satin finish Fender is a huge step in the right direction! Solid woods are good!

@James-oh1wp Год назад

These are great looking guitars in my humble opinion … would like to see you do a sound comparison with similar priced guitars

@crouch0746 Год назад

I love my Fender Newporter Classic HRM California Series acoustic-electric with candy apple red top that I paid $800 for new two years ago. It has the weird electric guitar style 6-on-one-side tuners, but I kinda like that distinctive look. I keep it tuned in Dm, which is great for playing slide on songs like St. James Infirmary Blues.

@bilbak2010 Год назад

I have a Fender F75 MIJ that I bought in 1980. It is why I continue to look at Fender as a great choice. The sound on these is phenomenal. I so want Fender to be a major player because I absolutely love it.

@czedicartist8955 Год назад

My F-75 is also a MIJ model with original soundhole label and MIJ sticker on the back of the headstock. It’s 50 years old this year and is rich, warm and perfect for my finger style playing. I also have a newer Made in USA Martin D-16RGT and a vintage MIJ Epiphone PR-650N but MUCH prefer the Fender. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, whatever it is the F-75 is my keeper.

@yapkokfeiyap5522 Год назад

Hi, great video as always.thanks for sharing. I wonder if you guys come across with Faith guitar? Can do reviews or comparison with other brands?

@aaronwilson8966 11 месяцев назад

Great review as always. I have an old Fender CD-140SCE and these look like they’d be much better though, like you said, hard to find in a store. I don’t know if you guys are a Schecter store but, I would love to see your take on some Schecter acoustics like the Orleans Stage acoustic. Can’t find many reviews on it especially detailed ones like you guys give.

@kensims76 Год назад

The Fender USA Springhill series nearly established them as a high quality acoustic contender. Sadly they dropped the line. Fender fans want to love their acoustics, but we need to see three things: 1. A visible delineation between high end and low end. 2. Longevity and commitment to good acoustics. 3. A consumer focused price point.

@jalenborden8262 Год назад

I purchased a F-1020 SCE for playing shows back in University; it was a great price and has on board electronics. Solid Cedar top and HPL back and Sides. Still play it today, it is a great guitar so warm and a deep sound. Do not get me wrong not a high end all wood Dread but I love it.

@dalecoffing8655 Год назад

Great ideas to compete with other manufacturers. I had a similar experience with Martin Road series. Was never a fan of Martin but after playing a D10E now own one. Mostly because my wife loved the sound. I will try a Fender at my next opportunity. (I'm 50 miles from Sweetwater.) I will do the research.

@MelodyMaker Год назад

Folks had some bad experience with Fender acoustics back in the 80's when the set up from the factory was poor and installed with wrong gauge strings. The memory never left for those in the age demographic who have money to spend. There are boutique builders seldom referenced on this channel who have deserved attention. As an example, "Godin's" line up from Canada is great value! The Kamloops B.C. boutique factory "Riversong's" River Pacific won MMR magazine's "Best Acoustic Guitar of 2022". Why would anyone want Fender on their head stock when a) the resale value will be poor given their reputation for electrics over acoustics, b) the tremendous selection available now, c) the mystique of owning something unique.

@joq702 Год назад

Spot on agree with your comments.

@lauriemacquanan2141 Год назад

TY for the info!! Re the open pore being thin. Also for the thicker lacquer finish. You guys DID mention the parlor guitar but did not offer up a demo or a visual. Sonim off to search for it. Thanks guys.

@dxcman1 Год назад

I'm sure Fender makes a fine acoustic, but in that range I'd personally be looking at Yamaha's and others. LL16M is in that range, plus the FS3/FG3 and both are fantastic.

@Wobbz9413 Год назад

Yes. No comparison. Yamahas all the way. I own an LL16D, an LL16/12 and an FG820. Just amazingly good guitars. The all solids sound AMAZING, but im not a wood snob and for an everyday player, the 820 is just an unbelievable guitar for the little it cost me. Love my Yamahas, and wanting an FG850 now.

@paulkline3011 Год назад

Totally agree. I have a 1972 Yamaha FG200, FG800 and an FG3. All phenomenal guitars. I got the FG800 free on Facebook Marketplace. Long story how that happened but it plays and sounds as good as the FG3 with the A.R.E treatment. Kind of makes me think that the A.R.E is BS. Regardless. Yamaha acoustics are awesome. I don't care they are not American made. Everything else is made over seas.

@Wobbz9413 Год назад

@@paulkline3011 A.R.E. definately makes a tonal difference. But the 800 will improve over time. These are just facts, as is the quality and value of yamaha guitars. Good choice.

@teleguy5699 Год назад

Sadly, Yamaha makes very few lefty's. I was going to buy one that was recommended, but it was not made. They only have one higher end model in lefty and it's a Jumbo. It would have been my 1st acoustic and it seemed too much guitar for a bedroom player.

@concertvids34 Год назад

Been a big Fender Electric player (strat/tele). Bought a $400 Fender in 2011. This past Christmas I bought myself a PRS Angeles A50 E. One of the big reasons I didn't go back to Fender was because the plugin hole at 9:00 wore down because the strap hold was there too. The PRS had their plugin hold at 7:00 on the guitar away from that strap and just felt and played better for a great guitar just under $1,000.

@ToddMelanson Год назад

Chris and Cooper, you guys are the bomb. I trust your reviews, insights, etc. Keep making these videos, I love them. Of course, liked and subbed. Thanks. The whole "it's 90% easier to sell to your existing customers" was right on point. That's Fender in a nutshell.

@guimarboy Год назад

Another problem is that at that price point, there is loads of other all solid wood guitars available. They are fine looking guitars. Those Fender custom shop acoustics were never going to take off especially the California ones. The lead singer of Midland plays a red one in concert.

@extraordinary_ordinary Год назад

I just picked up a PS-220E and I think it's a great guitar with great value. I chose it over a Gibson G-00 and a Martin 000-10E. And for reference, my go-to acoustic is a Taylor 414ce.

@martymcpeak4748 Год назад

I have never played a Fender acoustic I liked, but this was back during the time they made the Gemini series God they were horrendous. But I will have to find one like you're talking about and give it shot. I own about 8 acoustics right now 2 high end Martins but one that my Mom and Dad gave me, a 70's Alvarez triple alt that sounds beautiful and plays like butter. Honestly as good as my Martins play. After I had the top braces scalloped she sounded better too it has a mahogany sides back and neck with spruce top. Subscribed I wish I had found ya'll earlier. Cheers

@texhaines9957 Год назад

Having a local shop is great. I need to buy stuff from them to keep them in business. Otherwise, it might be 90 miles tobuy guitar strings. They don't carry everything. I haven't seen or played a Fender Paramount, a Santa Cruz, Larrivee, or Preston Thompson to try one. I have gotten pretty fussy with the neck profile, scale, and nut because of injuries to the fretting hand. Thanks, Cooper and Chris.

@jacobmoore9657 Месяц назад

I bought one. As a fender acoustic guy. I have a 48 year old Fender F-15 I have an 11 Year old CD60CE all mahogany with slotted bridge that’s a workhorse. My only two guitars total $350 in price combined and I’ve been playing for 15 years. I wanted an upgrade only because I’m wanting a solid wood guitar not due to any problem I’ve had. Looked at the Yamaha FG3, Alverez MD60/MD70, Recording King RD318, Eastman E6D/E8D and pretty much everything in between for an all solid wood guitar under $1,000. Everyone in the world told me to get the Yamaha or Alverez. I think all of them held their weight equally and all worth more than their price tags. But with the fender you get built in electronics, all of the embellishments, bone nut and saddle. And probably one of the best fender acoustics ever manufactured. I was leaning towards the fender over the Yamaha and then… I found the FD-220E blemished for $600 and couldn’t pass it up.

@guit156 Год назад

Helpful comments. If I were in texas, I'd be in your store. Although I play a vintage gibson and martin, I also have a "low end" fender dreadnaught originally purchased for my daughter. Although sides and back are laminates, it's actually a great guitar - much better than the "fender" name would suggest. Am familiar with the paramount dreadnaught. Your comments on fender's up market acoustics are spot on, in my opinion. For me, all that matters is the feel and sound; cosmetics don't generally have anything to do with these things.

@13coyote13 Год назад

Just over a year ago I decided to make a concerted effort to learn to play guitar, found a really clean black Fender DG 60, great action, easy to play and a bright sound, about 7 months later I scored on another never played(birthday gift wrong hand) quilted amber top Hot Rod 300ce with hardcase, extra set of strings, Dunlop capo, 12 picks, strap, and a bottle of Dunlop 65 polish. Adding up the value of the accessories to about 180 dollars(can) I paid 70 dollars for the guitar. A tweak of the truss rod and I've got 2ml. at the 12th fret, this guitar pumps out clear tones beyond what I'd expect from a laminate top, the tuners hold even with string stretching. Very impressed and happy, had a Fender Balboa back in 1984 I bought new, had it set up with low action and it played really well but alas had to sell it to pay the rent, life happens. So far I've had good luck with Fender acoustics and before I'd spend thousands of dollars on a Martin or Taylor I'd hand the money to a luthier to make me something.

@Gratefulman1965 Год назад

I’m going to chime in one more time. Another company that suffered early on but overcame a negative image is Alvarez. The Yairi association has helped a lot but the old 70’s Alvarez guitars I own and love them and the new ones are consistently solid instruments. Back in the day though Alvarez suffered like fender continues to do. Fenders issue in my opinion is they are not fully vested in the vision of producing competitive acoustic instruments. If they were to put out an all American made fender acoustic again, I would be interested. I feel they just don’t care to venture outside of they’re comfort zone of electrics and amps.

@darrylboom5973 Год назад

Very interesting! Your thoughts on open core finish were new to me. I'm a long time Bluegrass guitar player and have had some Martin guitars including an original D45 and my favorite, a 1934 sunburst D18. A few years ago a friend of mine gave me a Cort AF510... It has a hole drilled on the head stock for hanging it on a tree when camping or where ever. It looks an open pore finish and looks plain but OK. Thing is, I really like the way it sounds and I leave it out to play a few minutes whenever I want! I ended up getting one to use when on vacation in Mexico and it sounded really good as well... all this for less than $150? It"s just crazy! So, my advice to a beginner? Check out a Cort AF510 and upgrade from there... :)

@civilizationmeansdomestica929 Год назад

I know its older, but I have a MiK Parkwood (2008?). All solid macassar ebony with a cedar top. A gorgeous instrument and she is LOUD!

@jjbarnone Год назад

I have a Paramount with a slotted headstock - PM-2E parlor limited edition - and put nylon strings on it. It sounds great for what it is. The guys and misc musicians I play with love its sound. Being I own a boatload of guitars (GAS - hehe) it’s not my go-to, but when I’m itching for a warm-bodied sound, I pick this one up. The hard shell case it came in is top notched too. I believe I purchased it from musicians friend on a stupid deal of the day for a ridiculously great price about 4 years ago for $430 (can’t believe how prices have gone up in recent years). I believe the quality and sound is overall good and is a good choice for beginners but I just can’t compare it to the higher end guitars in my collection. To me, it’s the subtle things that stand out on higher end guitars that this guitar naturally lacks - feel of the neck/rolled edges on the fretboard, sound projection (depth/warmth/tonal characteristics and spectrum) especially when unplugged, quality of components, etc. Again though, I really believe this is a great little guitar for those that want a step above other beginner guitars that sounds good with minimal setup/alterations, I agree with others wishing that it was manufactured somewhere other than China, but so it is. As an aside, the Taylor Mini is another great little guitar for newcomers to the guitar world and is manufactured in Mexico - at least mine is.

@truthray2885 Год назад

That binding and perfling drew ME in. I think it's different, it's got a western flavor to it - rustic, and it looks great. And I don't even own one, and I dig MANY guitars. But - I think that looks great, and it tempts me to buy one, seriously. Similarly, as you note the gloss finish on the natural guitar is "too glossy", I want a mahogany guitar but worry that that open pore finish on the right is going to be very susceptible to staining from arms, and body stuff, and quickly, whereas the gloss finish would hold up to that better. I've seen too many good guitars with hazed finish in the play - contact areas. I do think I'm going to pick up one of these PD-220s. I'm curious what you have to say about the "quality ladder" comparison between these and the other Paramounts - "PM-1, 2 or 3s"? Is there a drop off with one or the other? Between the two?

@frederickthompson8686 Год назад

Another terrific video... but I wish you had addressed playability, which on lower or mid priced acoustic guitars can be an issue.

@guitarhiker4449 11 месяцев назад

I was surprised when i saw these come out. I like the parlor size myself and i kinda like the tiger striped pickguard. I guess it could be thicker material. The feathered inlay isnt too bad really. I agree name brand tuners would be nice. Also i think not having rosewood or ebony fretboard and bridge can be a turn off but i get rosewood is harder to come by. I do like satin finishes i personally think the guitars ring out better but the thick poly finishes yeah im not a fan. Still not a bad way to go if they were $700. High 8's is pushing it i think. Cause i could find a better brand even if used for that price but its different! Good points guys!! Rock on!!

@fendermijstrats2352 8 месяцев назад

I feel I was lucky and managed to buy a 2nd hand PM-1 limited edition Paramount made of Rosewood and Adirondack. It sounds great my only wish is that the nut was a tad wider.

@eddwardherron3452 Год назад

I've been looking for a wider nut accoustic or accoustic electric guitar, and my teacher recommended a Zager guitar. Their website is fairly nice, and they claim guitars that favorably compare to top-end Taylor and even Martin brands. Since I enjoy your shows and you all seem to offer a reasoned, dispassionate analysis of guitars (some of the best I've seen, in fact), would you consider a comparison of Zager guitars with other top brands (especially Martin)? I'd appreciate whatever you could do in that regard! Thanks and please continue your good work!

@brandonhahn7789 Год назад

I am currently sitting on the couch with my PO-220 and I love it. It sounds great un plugged or plugged in and it’s an amazing value, but it’s not just good for how cheap it is. It’s just good.

@justinthyme2666 Год назад

If I were looking to spend $800-900 in a new acoustic, it would be on Yamaha Red Label 3 series or the L 16 series, depending on the sound I wanted. I will say, after discovering I really didn’t care for trying to learn on an electric, I bought a used Tim Armstrong hellcat Fender acoustic and really loved it. People loved to kid me because I don’t have a hellcat personality, but it was a very fun and nice sounding guitar

@paulkline3011 Год назад

I just bought a FG3. Phenomenal guitar. It doesn't even have bone nut/saddle and it sounds incredible. I played it against a D18, D28, J45 and it blew them all away to my ears. $830 compared to $3000+ for the other guitars. Ya. I'm happy with my Yamaha!!! 😃

@floriansipos9397 Год назад

I bought a PM3 all mahogany a year ago. It is now discontinued, I dont know why... I feel lucky to have been be able to buy one of the last units at Thomann.. Astonishing sound, no issues with the quality at all, it is simply a great guitar. I have no problem with the open pore finish at all, it makes the instrument resonant and warm sounding. Re. the American manufacturing thingy... it is important for you, guys, in the US, but for me, from Europe, it seems to be more about patriotism... For me a real difference can be a hand built guitar directly from a luthier. Mass production is just mass production.

@glouismusic Год назад

Excellent post. I struggled with Paramount as I never knew if back and sides were rosewood or mahogany.

@PaulGAckerman Год назад

I fell in love with Taylor Guitars after hearing a CD in the late 90s called Sounds Of Wood and Steel. Maybe producing a CD album or EP of prominent Fender players and guitars (such as San Antonio's own Cooper Greenberg) would help people understand Fender's value in the acoustic market.

@jairconstantino Год назад

Thanks to your vídeo, I have finally decided to purchase the the alk mahogany dreadnought and I just love it. Great sound, nice included accessories and great price. Thanks!!

@nickc3930 9 месяцев назад

I have the paramount PD-220E and love it, first solid body I've bought and a serious upgrade from my old budget guitar. I have upgraded bridge and pins and a good set up and it sounds seriously amazing!! Highly recommend

@cooloutac 9 месяцев назад

so does the top unsanded and sharp edge part of the body rough up your arm? Thats the only thing stopping me.

@nickc3930 9 месяцев назад

@@cooloutac no, I don't have that issue at all.

@cooloutac 9 месяцев назад

@@nickc3930 oh my mistake I was thinking of the PO version

@rossbell7926 Год назад

Love the content. I would love a acoustic guitar tier list!!!

@robg1996 Год назад

Martin and Taylor are too great to be surpassed. The person shopping for an “iconic” acoustic guitar is not going to buy a Fender

@Beto_garza10 Год назад

Great video guys! Not a fan of either of these models, but love the video! Great playing as usual, Cooper!

@roberthatch762 Год назад

I have one coming in a couple days I just ordered. I think people are missing out. All solid wood guitar with hard shell case, those tuners are awesome. I think people will catch on the prices going to go up. I'm looking forward for its arrival. Thanks guys for the video, I enjoy your channel. Very informative. 🎸👍

@cooloutac 9 месяцев назад

How was it?

@willarity6927 4 месяца назад

On what other high end acoustic is the strap pin mounted through the wall of the upper bout? When you wear a strap, is the neck up or down? What is the angle of the strap hole, with respect to the opening? What keeps it from slipping off? How is it mounted? Doesn't that cut down on body resonance? What do you think of the aesthetics of that end pin sitting there like that? Is that a selling point, in your opinion? How do you miss something like that?

@rossgill7462 Год назад

Great discussion. There was a major omission, though. No mention of Godin guitars when you were comparing manufacturers near the beginning. I get that some (many?) people prefer American-made guitars to those made in China but what about North American-made guitars such as those made just across the border in La Patrie, Quebec, Canada? They make some excellent guitars too. I have my eye on a 12 fret solid mahogany back and sides solid spruce top parlor guitar. It goes for around $1,150 Canadian which would be under $900 USD. From a proud Canadian.

@AlexCausey 2 месяца назад

Back in the 60s Fender made the Wildwood series acoustic guitars. I remember I went to Hogan's house of music in Lawndale, CA and played a blue 12 string Fender acoustic with a metal rod that went through the box of the guitar. It did not resonate as loud as my Mexican made 12 String I bought for fifty bucks that I brought back from Ensenada. The fender was heavy and over engineered, great quality. The pick guard was thick and seemed to prevent the top from resonating completely but I liked the guitar and I have always wanted one since, but I don't know why..!

@splitmanify Год назад

got the fender mahogany pm-1 lefty version. it is just awesome. do they make the new serie with lefthanded guitars as well?

@roenvalenzuela2492 Год назад

I heard cracking your finger joints can cause arthritis in the long run! Cooper at the 21:20 mark. I have late sixties and early 70's acoustic Fenders. Not solid back and sides, but they sound awesome!

@harleyhexxe9806 Год назад

Okay, that was an interesting video. I've been a devotee of Fender electrics and amplifiers since the early 70s. When I try out a guitar, (any guitar), there are two things I look for, that would be playability, and tone. With acoustic guitars, I find the tone of the majority of them to be rather thin sounding. I think an acoustic should sound more articulated in the lower midrange frequency. One of my favorite acoustic sounds came from a Gibson Hummingbird I played once a long time ago. Now I wished I had bought it. It was a well-balanced sound for an acoustic guitar. It had an identity that announced itself as an acoustic guitar. The second thing is it has to be comfortable to play. If I'm struggling with the neck, I'll put it down fast.

@duaneharnes Год назад

I have a PM-1D all mahogany and it is virtually flawless. Very easy to play, light weight, great tone. I concur on the sharpness of the binding.

@kenobizsoltbense4136 8 месяцев назад

Can you guys do a review or comparison with the new Fender Palamino all solid wood guitars?

@jdstan9650 Год назад

My beginner guitar was a Fender acoustic, action & playability was poor...couldn't wait to get something better. Probably because of that, I have never considered buying another one. BTW Chris, thanks to your review video, I own a Yamaha FG5 & ❤ it! How would you compare the FG3 to this Fender dreadnought?

@duderama6750 Год назад

Your first Fender sounds like my F 15. Sounds great but plays poorly. Stiffest action ever.

@joq702 Год назад

My experiences with fender acoustics has not been impressive. I owned an FA-15 and exactly same - I had a f-15 and it was so difficult to play. So stiff. The acoustic Fenders at Guitar stores are always poorly set up when I go to play them. They are muffled and tinny. I think it is because they just sit there and no one really plays them.

@joesanders6898 3 месяца назад

You guys have become my #1 go to RU-vid channel. Thanks for being around and doing what you do.

@HayesTech Год назад

Look at what Recording King 1 is doing with the guitars that they're making. All solid wood construction and the sound is phenomenal. I know, I have an RD 328 and it is an amazing sounding dreadlock. You should get a couple of those in your store and do a video on them. Even their budget priced laminated back inside guitars sound good for what they are. But they're all solid wood guitars are just outstanding.

@truthray2885 Год назад

I have an Alvarez Grand Auditorium and a bunch of old Yamahas - 2 FG-75-1s, an FG-345, FG-180 in perfect condition, 1 FG-160-1s, an FG-160, a "Centennial" dreadnought, and I just picked up a kooky little Morris parlor guitar, that's beautiful. All of the antiques are in beautiful shape, without noticeable "marring." Also have an FG-830 that I love. But I'm not a guy that hates other makes, and I like the look of these particular Fenders. They sound great too, as played here.

@zachtbh Год назад

A video idea that might be interesting is the both of you guys show casing your own personal guitar collection and talk about it.

@larryyouguessame6078 Год назад

I had aMartin Stinger similar to a strat..I played the fret board off in five years..was a great git!

@EJH-jn6mo Год назад

Always come back to this channel for keeping it real and being honest about how products could be improved upon.

@primaskateboutique Год назад

Bought my Yamaha A3M after watching your review way back! Still enjoying it! 🤘🏼

@PC85X Год назад

I bought the PD220e about two weeks ago. Absolutely love it. Sounds amazing acoustically. Very good action and fret work. Subtle electronics, so no obnoxious plastic squares on your nice guitar. Very happy and would recommend it. Better than the Taylor 114 which I was considering, and I'm a Taylor fan boy.

@Deefoz Год назад

I’m torn between this or am A3M from Yamaha.

@PC85X Год назад

@@Deefoz After owning the Fender for over a month, I'm still in love with it. I'm not a badge snob, so a Fender acoustic and their reputation means nothing if the guitar sounds and plays nice. I can honestly say that unless I fall in to money to commission a build to my spec/preference that this is a forever guitar.

@Benson.BereTV 5 месяцев назад

So excited. Bought one few days ago from thoman at 380 euros. It will ship soon with a full setup and elixir strings.

@mozartsmate6358 5 месяцев назад

@@DeefozGet one of these..

@mozartsmate6358 5 месяцев назад

Best Acoustic neck I've ever played,.. and I've been around a long time.. Superb guitar.

@stevewilliams2895 Год назад

damn these went up alot, i picked up a PM-3 which is a auditorium about 2 years ago, they were 510 dollars brand new with a hardshell case. all solid mahogany top back and sides.

@Gil27225 Год назад

I bought the beginner Fender model about 10 years ago when I was traveling. That guitar plays great as the day I got it. Since that one I bought the Madogany electric acoustic - it'sstill perfect. Then I bought the Paramount good as my Epiphone Frontier. I have many guitars. These Fenders are as as good or better than anything I have! Fender acoustics are great!

@dukeofearl4117 Год назад

I had a Fender Redondo Classic. I had the frets leveled, nut height and bridge height lowered. Even with all that I still didn’t like it. Now I see they are just producing the Player series. I won’t get another acoustic. However I love my Acoustasonic Jazzmaster. I got it when it first came out.

@kevincozens6837 Год назад

They were talking generally talking about less expensive guitars costing about $1,000 or less. Towards the end the person on the left mentioned someone he knows that likes Yamaha 300 and 400 series. Looking up information about those guitars and I see they are in the several thousand dollar range. While it might be nice to "buy local" I've never paid attention to where the guitar is made. I first notice how it looks, then it is how it feels in my hands, how it sounds, and how it plays. How it plays is less important for guitars off the shelf because they are seldom set up properly. Not being able to try before buying is a major problem. Even more so for us left-handed players. My instruments have all been bought online as they weren't available in stores and I had little, if any, choice of makes/models at a given price point.

@jameshumphrey2345 Год назад

San Antonio pawn shops. In 1994 I bought a Peavey T-40 bass for $70 at one. Since then I’ve put some $180 worth of repairs into it and I’m lately seeing them priced &800- $1,300 on Reverb. Granted, they’ve gone up in esteem the past few years, but it sure was worth way more than I paid for it.

@tmeyer2022 Год назад

You guys are Sooooooo right. I'm looking for an OM size guitar that I can try out in-store before buying. I have a particular North American made brand I am looking for. And I can't find one within 100 miles of where I live. I won't buy it without trying it (and I would prefer to buy from a local shop.)

@mjtsirhc Год назад

That demo was superb. Crazy smooth transition to fingers and back to pick.

@riclrk9947 Год назад

A mention for Faith guitars,really good value solid bodied acoustics at around 4 to 6 hundred for the lower range.Not sure you have them in the U.S.A.Those 2 Fenders sound great and my friend had an acoustic Fender he bought 20 years ago and it played and sounded goid

@rjlchristie Год назад

14:30 ~ Jose Ramirez III, one of the world's all time greatest luthiers would have disputed the claim made in this clip that thinner finishes always produce a superior sound. He considered the finish, in particular poly-urea finishes, to play an integral part in propagating soundboard vibration and facilitating a better sound.

@gregalderson128 Год назад

Cooper, you need to bring in your custom fender and talk how you came to decide to do a custom with fender, and didn't know fender does custom acoustics. Go over the specs on your guitar. That would be cool. I saw an awsome video of one of your gigs and was shocked to see you playing a fender. Did not know it was a custom. Love your guitar playing, you could make any guitar sound good!

@charlesbolton8471 Год назад

I second the idea of Cooper bringing his in to demo and discuss. The Acoustic Custom Shop was a very short lived thing during Fender’s ownership of Guild. However, I do think some Master Built Acoustics occasionally escape from the regular Custom Shop for those who are willing to part with enough money to make it happen. On a side note, when they talked about how hard it was for a company to be successful at both acoustics and electrics it reminded me that Rickenbacker had an acoustic line briefly which failed because it wasn’t what they were known for and their acoustics were even more expensive than their electrics.

@picksalot1 Год назад

Very good sounding guitars. Wish the headstocks were snakehead shaped for straight string pull through the nut and avoiding tight spacing around the Tuners.

@donaldblackman6178 Год назад

Hey guys, have you done a review of the Ovation Elite Series? I have always been a rabid fan for Ovation guitars, regardless the series. Thanks guys.

@shaneroberts9466 Год назад

Visually I don't like the pickguard and headstock on most of the Fender acoustic models, however I did try 3 different Fender acoustics and all three suffered from quality issues. For instance a bone saddle literally was 'soft' and when I took it out to replace it crumbled apart! Was the weirdest thing ever. I also had issues with the acoustic tuners. So I stick with Taylor and Yamahas now unless I find a one-off winner of another brand. I have a McPherson CF that is my daily and it is awesome. Now Fender is a winner with electrics and I have a tone of Tele's so maybe they stick with that.

@OscarGuitare Год назад

The problem with Paramounts is their fingerboard width. Even if you're used to a strat, acoustics need a wider board for finger picking, or comfortable flat picking. But they honestly sound amazing and most cutaways sold out. Also very lightweight.

@CoachSteveM 8 месяцев назад

Agree. I love my mahogany Paramount except for the nut being too narrow.

@cliffpurcell6363 Год назад

My first guitar was a 1996 Fender DG21S- solid Sitka top, East Indian Rosewood back/sides. It listed for $500, and I got it for $360 out the door, tax and all (no case). I couldn’t play a note when I bought it, but always have had a good ear. I had a friend bring his 1970s Martin D-28 and play a number of A-B comparisons, and while it wasn’t quite the Martin’s equal, it was better than it deserved to be. Everyone who knows guitars and has ever played it has said the same thing. I still own and play it, and have since had Martins, a RainSong, and a custom built guitar. I’ll never get rid of it for reasons both sentimental and musical- it’s a really good guitar. I’ve never played a $1500 guitar from any other manufacturer that I would prefer over my DG21S. I’ve played other DG21Ss, and they’re not nearly as good as mine- just okay entry level instruments. I got lucky and am grateful.

@deonalecsteichen5941 Год назад

When I was looking for a new mid-priced acoustic I tried everything my local store had to offer (which admittedly wasn't much). None of the Fenders I tried had the sustain, sound, or feel I was looking for, while other brands I tried at a similar price point did. I ended up buying an import Breedlove model.

@joq702 Год назад

Breedlove and Godin brands are really great players, made well, and excellent tonewoods. The sustain on both brands is not surpassed too often when I play them at the guitar store. Breedloves are easier to play than the Godin brands because the neck to me is usually just right for my small hands. Godin (Godin, Seagull, Simon and Patrick, Art & Lutherie] are a little thick for me.

@CA10Z Год назад

A buddy of mine, a finger stylist player went through three of them in a week. He could not get them to sound good at all. He didn’t bother to take them back. He gave them to goodwill. HSC and all.

@joq702 Год назад

Poetic.

@christopherguse Год назад

I have a CD60 and actually quite like it. To level set, I am a beginner. The guitar stays in tune really well between and during playing, the setup out of the box was comfortable and it sounds just fine for me learning. That said, as I mature as a player and want to upgrade I don't think this is something I would consider. As Cooper stated, some people are going to have concerns about more expensive Chinese made guitars and if the same thing was made in North America for a bit more (with changes you folks suggested) I would consider it. I have my socio-economic reasons for that that I am 100% comfortable with.

@mikewilliamson3331 5 месяцев назад

I own a Fender Paramount Deluxe circa 2016 ish with the Sunburst finish. It plays easy and sounds good. It has a solid Sitka top and solid Rosewood back and sides. It has good build quality despite being made in China. It was extremely dry when I first got it and the Fender shop tech told me to put it in a sealed garbage bag with two large damp sponges, which I did. Being a Taylor fan, this did not seem too unreasonable. I would agree that I would like to see Fender make its acoustics in the US and some more Taylorlike use of tonewoods other than mahagony.

@guestguide2544 Год назад

I have 3 of the earlier Paramount dreadnoughts. The PM-1 Limited with Adirondack top and braces/Rosewood b&s has Ebony board/bridge bone pins, PM-1 Limited with Adirondack top and braces/ Mahogany b&s Rosewood board/bridge bone pins and the PM-1 Deluxe Sitka top and braces Rosewood b&s Ebony board/bridge. The Limited's had a better battery set-up with the battery and jack in the tailpin block. The Standard and Deluxe have the battery/jack on the lower bout midway between tailblockpin and bottom of large bout. These are great guitars and an Adirondack top with Adirondack braces give a excellent tone and special quality noticeable different then Adirondack top with Sitka braces. Adirondack braces go excellent with Adirondack top. The PM1 Deluxe has a more usual Sitka Rosewood sound warm treble but has a nice deep tone (all 3 have good depth to the tone) but not as crisp and distinct as the Adirondack.