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A lovely Fender 'Newporter' model small-bodied acoustic guitar, made in the USA circa 1965-71.

 

This was Fender's attempt at competing with Martin, Gibson and other American contemporaries as they tried to move beyond their image of being an 'electric guitar' brand.

 

They were built in California on the same site as their electric models and featured much of the same hardware (the tuners are the same as used on a 60s Mustang, etc). This also included the use of a bolt-on neck for easy adjustment, and while this may not be for the purists, is a nice piece of history and demonstrates some of the innovations going into guitar building at the time.

 

As such, it features an all-mahogany construction body paired with a bolt-on, typical Fender maple neck. These are compact, lightweight guitars that Fender envisioned people throwing in the back of a car and taking to a beach/camp fire. They were not directly competing with Martin (these guitars were significantly cheaper) and were meant to fill a gap in the casual playing market. 

 

Despite the bolt-on neck, I rather like the sound of this guitar. The sustain is decent despite this and the guitar has a comfortable feel owing to the slim Fender neck, making bar chords and noodling very easy.

 

This one is original save for a missing pickguard and replacement strap buttons. The previous owner added a wooden saddle which in my opinion has nothing but a positive impact on the tone.

 

Frets are decent and the guitar plays well with a comfortable low action. No signs of any previous breaks or issues that I can discern. 

 

A bargain price for a 60s USA-made Fender guitar, with quite a lot of utility. The tuners alone (which are the same as found on a 60s Mustang, as above) can fetch up to £200 on their own, though I'll leave them on for the new owner! At this price, it's not far off the cost of a modern reissue - I know which I'd rather have.

 

 

1965-71 Fender USA Newporter Brown Natural Mahogany Vintage Acoustic Guitar CBS

£549.99Price
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