California Cool in a Parlor-Sized Package
There's something about a short-scale acoustic-electric that just invites you to pick it up and play. The Fender Malibu Player takes that idea and runs with it — giving you a compact, parlor-sized body that's easy to hold, a neck that feels closer to your electric than most acoustics, and a Fiesta Red finish that makes a statement before you've played a single note.
Part of Fender's California Series, the Malibu Player draws directly from the electric guitar DNA that Fender has been building since 1946 — a tilt-back Stratocaster-style headstock, a slim "C"-shaped neck, and a 24.1" short scale length that keeps string tension light and bending effortless. Whether you're a guitarist crossing over from electric or someone who just wants an acoustic that doesn't fight back, the Malibu Player meets you where you are.
And that Fiesta Red? It's the kind of color that belongs on a stage. Paired with a white pickguard and aged white body binding, it pulls off vintage-Fender cool without trying too hard.
A Solid Top That Does the Heavy Lifting
The Malibu Player's voice starts with its solid Sitka spruce top, braced with Fender's scalloped X-brace pattern for optimized resonance. Solid tops respond differently than laminate — they open up and become more expressive the more you play them, rewarding years of use with a richer, more nuanced sound. For a guitar in this price range, that's a meaningful detail worth noting.
The back and sides are sapele, a tonewood with warm midrange character that complements the spruce top's natural clarity and articulation. The body sports aged white binding and a 2-ring B/W/B rosette, giving it a finished, intentional look that punches above its class. The satin body finish keeps things understated and tactile — no slippery gloss to get in the way.
A Neck Built for Players Who Like Things Comfortable
The Nato neck on the Malibu Player wears a slim "C" profile that Fender has honed across decades of electric guitar design. At 24.1" scale length and 1.69" nut width, it's noticeably more approachable than a standard dreadnought — especially for players with smaller hands or anyone transitioning from electric. The 15.75" fingerboard radius keeps things flat enough for clean chording across the walnut fretboard, and the tilt-back headstock optimizes string break angle for better sustain and tuning stability.
Up at the nut, GraphTech NuBone delivers consistent harmonic character and smooth string action — a material that outperforms standard plastic nuts in both feel and tone transfer. The walnut bridge (Modern Viking style) and vintage-style sealed nickel tuning machines round out the hardware story with reliable performance and a period-correct aesthetic.
Fishman Flex Electronics — Plug In and Go
The Malibu Player isn't just an acoustic — it's an acoustic-electric, and the onboard Fishman Flex preamp system makes it a practical one. Controls include volume, tone, and a push-tone knob for phase control, which is handy for fighting feedback in live settings. The system is designed to reproduce the guitar's natural acoustic voice faithfully, so what you hear unplugged is what comes through the PA.
Whether you're running it through a small acoustic amp at an open mic or plugging straight into a recording interface, the Fishman Flex gives you a clean, workable signal without needing external gear to get a usable sound.
Product Features:
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Top: Solid Sitka spruce with scalloped X-bracing
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Back & Sides: Sapele (laminate)
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Body Shape: Malibu parlor, no cutaway
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Neck: Nato, slim "C" profile, satin urethane finish
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Scale Length: 24.1" (612 mm) — short scale for reduced string tension
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Fingerboard: Walnut, 15.75" radius, 20 frets, 1.69" nut width
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Nut & Saddle: GraphTech NuBone for smooth feel and harmonic detail
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Electronics: Fishman Flex preamp — volume, tone, and phase control
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Hardware: Vintage-style sealed nickel tuning machines, Modern Viking walnut bridge
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Finish: Fiesta Red satin with aged white binding and white pickguard
Brand: Fender
Model: Malibu Player
SKU: 0970722540
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
