HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (July 13, 2017) – Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced it will debut a refreshed line of California Coast Series Ukuleles inspired by the brand’s Southern California roots, along with new Paramount Series and Classic Design travel body shapes at Summer NAMM in Nashville, Tenn.
Arriving September 2017, California Coast Series Ukuleles feature five new models with the beloved Fender look and feel; they include: Venice, Seaside, Zuma, Rincon and Montecito available in Cherry, Natural and Black finishes. Named after California beaches, California Coast Series Ukuleles are resonant, portable, easy-to-play and distinctly Fender, with a mix of Telecaster®-style and traditional 2×2 headstocks across models – all offered at accessible price points. Available in soprano, concert and tenor body shapes, these new ukuleles boast upgraded woods and aesthetic appointments. With no-tie bridges on all models—as well as multiple stained wood finishes, solid tops and Fishman® electronics offered on select models—this series is perfect for guitar players looking to diversify their sound or a beginning ukulele enthusiast.
Fender’s ever-expanding Paramount Series and Classic Design guitars will offer new acoustic models and body shapes, catering to variety of diverse guitarists and singer-songwriters. While Classic Design introduces new Nylon, Parlor, Bass and Travel models, the Paramount Series – first introduced at Winter NAMM 2016 – will add the all-new Paramount Travel (PM-TE) model. Based on a scaled-down auditorium shape, the Paramount Travel PM-TE acoustic-electric guitar packs big tone into a stylish package – featuring an open-pore finish in all-solid mahogany or solid mahogany with a spruce top. Designed to be light, comfortable and easily portable to fit a variety of lifestyles, the Paramount Travel acoustic guitar is a high-quality, all-solid instrument. Classic Design now includes two nylon models – the CN-60s and CN-140SCE – replacing the typical extra wide neck on a standard classical guitar with an easy-to-play neck shape; the resulting playability mirrors the rest of the series, just with a different sound and feel.
“On the heels of the continued success of our Paramount and Classic Design acoustic guitars, we’re adding another layer of portability with new travel body shapes,” said Billy Martinez, VP Category Manager – Acoustic and Squier Divisions. “Also ideal for travel are Fender’s refreshed ukuleles, which embrace our Southern California roots and iconic Fender headstock. From the boardwalk in Venice to the cliffs in Montecito, the musical inspiration found by the ocean is second to none.”
NEW California Coast Series Ukuleles: Launching September 2017
Venice Ukulele – $59.99
Fender has created a soprano ukulele that captures the entertaining sights and unique, carefree vibe of Venice, California—the Venice Ukulele. Thanks to its compact, comfortable body size, the Venice travels easily from the beach to the studio or jam room, while retaining the classic, light sound that makes the ukulele a “must-have” for today’s players. The slim “C”-shaped neck profile is comfortable to hold and easy to play, while the no-tie bridge makes changing strings a breeze. A stylish bound top and 4-in-line Tele® headstock adds a unique dash of Fender style that can’t be duplicated. Embrace the music of the boardwalk and live the beach life year-round with the Venice Ukulele.
Seaside Ukulele – $89.99
When it’s time to kick back and relax by the ocean, the Seaside Ukulele is always ready with inspiring style and sound. Compact, comfortable and easily portable, this soprano ukulele is ideal for beginning players or anyone looking to add its light, joyful sound to their music. The slim “C”-shaped neck profile is comfortable and easy to move around on, while the no-tie bridge makes changing strings a breeze. Crafted from mahogany for a warm, bell-like tone, the Seaside’s open-pore finish gives it an organic look. The top, back and fingerboard bindings add a touch of elegance, while the traditional 2×2 headstock is sure to appeal to all ukulele aficionados.
Zuma Ukulele – $139.99
Equally at home at the beach or the studio, this concert-sized ukulele is crafted from Sapele, with an open-pore finish for balanced earthy tone that blends well with other instruments. The Zuma falls between the smaller soprano and the larger tenor sizes, providing a full sound and comfortable playing experience for players with larger hands. The easy-playing, 16-fret neck extends the range, while the no-tie bridge makes changing strings quick and easy. A striking abalone rosette, bound top, back and fingerboard and 4-in-line Tele® headstock stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re following in the sandy footsteps of those who came before or blazing your own musical trail – the Zuma Ukulele is the perfect companion for all of your creative adventures.
Rincon Ukulele – $199.99
Packed with elegant style and top-notch features, the tenor-sized Rincon Ukulele has a rich, deep voice that’s uniquely inspiring. “Electrifying” isn’t a word usually associated with ukuleles, but for players who want to plug in and get loud, the Rincon features an onboard Fishman® Kula preamp. Crafted from Ovangkol, with a solid top for enhanced volume, this ukulele sings with full-bodied chime while boasting a natural appearance. A no-tie bridge, bone nut and saddle and eye-catching abalone rosette round out the modern features, while the 2×2 headstock with vintage-style closed-back tuning machines gives it a traditional look.
Montecito Ukulele – $249.99
Inspired by the California home of many celebrities, this ukulele’s screen-ready looks and headline grabbing features could only have one name—the Montecito Ukulele. Constructed completely from Koa, this tenor-sized ukulele has a rich, sonorous tone that matches its sumptuously elegant aesthetic. The solid top provides enhanced resonance and sustain, along with incredible warmth and well-balanced projection. The Montecito’s Koa body is complemented by blue-green abalone top binding and a bound back and fingerboard for a refined look. Other features include a no-tie bridge for quick, easy string changes, a bone nut and saddle for superior intonation, an abalone rosette, vintage-style closed-back tuning machines and a 4-in-line Tele® headstock for that unmistakably classic Fender look.
NEW Paramount PM-TE Travel Guitar: Launching October 2017 – $699.00
Paramount PM-TE Travel
Lightweight and highly resonant, the Paramount PM-TE Travel guitar is designed for easy portability without sacrificing an iota of its rich, natural tone. Comfortable for players of any size, this highly responsive 14-fret model features an open-pore finish for superior tone and unique visual appeal. The 23.5” scale is comfortable for any player, even those with smaller hands, while the relaxed string tension makes it easier to play notes and chords along the entire length of the neck. The Fender and Fishman®-designed PM preamp is voiced specifically for this guitar, bringing out the subtlest playing nuances when amplified. Other sterling features include an ovangkol fingerboard and bridge and ebony bridge pins, along with a bone nut and saddle. The Paramount PM-TE will be offered with an open pore finish in all-solid mahogany or solid mahogany with a spruce top.
NEW ‘Classic Design’ Acoustic Guitars: Available Now
CP-60S – $199.99
The CP-60S acoustic guitar’s parlor body style ensures a comfortable playing experience thanks to its smaller size. It also sings with a distinctly warm and intimate voice traditionally embraced by folk and blues players, making this model an ideal choice for the up-and-coming fingerstyle player. Other features include a solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, rolled fingerboard edges, chrome finish and a new easy-to-play neck shape. The CP60-S comes in Natural and 3-Color Sunburst.
CT-60S – $199.99
The new Classic Design CT models feature a brand-new body shape: Travel. Its short scale and compact size make it the perfect instrument to bring along wherever the music takes you.The CT-60S Travel body is derived from an Auditorium shape that’s been scaled down to 23.5” for comfort and portability. A great choice for players of all ages and sizes, it’s an exceptional alternative to downsized instruments normally reserved for young strummers. Like all Classic Design guitars, the CT-60S includes a solid spruce top, easy-to-play neck profile, and rolled fingerboard edges, along with laminated mahogany back and sides and a rosewood fingerboard. The CT-60S come in Black and Natural.
CN-60S – $199.99
The CN-60S features a solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides and rolled fingerboard edges. The CN-60S is a perfect choice for the developing player seeking a softer string that’s easier to fret, while still offering the rich tonesof a classical guitar. Putting comfort first, this instrument is an excellent starting point for those who are beginning their musical journey. The CN-60S comes in Black and Natural.
CB-60SCE – $299.99
The CB-60SCE is an acoustic bass that goes above and beyond anything in its class. This model makes use of the slim-taper, easy-to-play neck profile found on all Classic Design guitars. Its solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides complement the concert-sized body for a smooth and articulate low end. The perfect companion for an ‘unplugged’ session, the CB-60SCE comes equipped with a flexible Fishman® electronics system that’s well-suited to the stage or studio. The CB-60SCE comes in Black and Natural.
CP-140SE – $399.99
The CP-140SE acoustic-electric guitar’s parlor body style ensures a comfortable playing experience thanks to its smaller size. It also sings with a distinctly warm and intimate voice traditionally embraced by folk and blues players, making this model a great choice for the up-and-coming fingerstyle player. Other features include laminated rosewood back and sides, an onboard Fishman® Presys preamp system, solid spruce top and a new easy-to-play neck with a rosewood fingerboard and rolled fingerboard edges. The CP-140SE comes in Natural and Sunburst and includes a case.
CT-140SE – $399.99
The new Classic Design CT models feature a brand-new body shape: Travel. Its short scale and compact size make it the perfect instrument to bring along wherever the music takes you. The CT-140SE Travel body is derived from an Auditorium shape that’s been scaled down to 23.5” for comfort and portability. A great choice for players of all ages and sizes, it’s an exceptional alternative to downsized instruments normally reserved for young strummers. The CT-140SE comes packed with the top-of-line Classic Design appointments that players of all levels are sure to appreciate, including laminated rosewood back and sides and a Fishman® Presys preamp system. It also features a solid spruce top and a new easy-to-play neck with a rosewood fingerboard and rolled fingerboard edges. The CT-140SE comes in Natural and Sunburst and includes a case.
CN-140SCE – $399.99
As a nod to Fender tradition, the CN-140SCE uses a solid cedar top, along with laminated rosewood back and sides for a warm and mellow tone. The CN-140SCE provides a comfortable experience for players of any skill level—the ‘thinline’ concert body makes it a perfect guitar for the living room and stage alike, while the single cutaway makes it easy to access higher frets. When the need to plug in arises, this model’s onboard Fishman® electronics provide straightforward, yet powerful tonal control. The CN-140SCE comes in Natural and Black and includes a case.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.
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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH® and Charvel®, follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest quality instruments and musical solutions across genres. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of music through electric and acoustic guitars, amplifiers, pro audio, accessories and digital products that inspire and enable musical expression at every stage, from beginners to history-making legends.
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