With the Fender Malibu Special Natural, the traditional US manufacturer presents a special edition of its California series. For absolute stage quality, the compact mini Western guitar is made of solid Okoume and equipped with a Fishman pickup system. In addition, the model also makes something visually. The noble Natural finish is complemented by a maple rosette and matching maple bindings, which give the instrument a subtle but equally elegant touch. For uncomplicated transport to the gig is furthermore a bag included.
With the Malibu Special Natural,
With a nut width of 43 mm, the mahogany neck fulfils the perfect prerequisite for expressive strumming and filigree flatpicking, while still feeling great in the hand. The easy-grip slim 'C' neck profile and the pau ferro fingerboard allow the picking hand to glide effortlessly over all 20 frets, which are marked by means of practical dot inlays. Particularly noteworthy here is the shortened 612mm scale, which requires less effort to grip and thus benefits inexperienced guitarists in particular. Meanwhile, tuning-stable vintage-style machine heads, a compensated bone bridge inlay and, last but not least, the high-quality bone nut ensure flawless intonation that guarantees lasting playing pleasure.
In order to be able to show off the mature sound of the handy mini guitar on stage, it is equipped with the Fishman Flex preamp with piezo under the bridge in proven quality. Connected to an amp or via PA, a natural, feedback-resistant sound is created, which can also be optimally mixed by means of volume and tone control.
What I can say is that the guitar looks amazing, everyone who sees it falls in love with the style and shape. Very good on this part. The only reason I give it this rating is the fact that the sound is not that impressive. I mean, it's very good, it has good resonance and excellent thick and wide sound, but it's not something that will take your breath away or that could compete with some of the higher end brands. On the other hand, it seems to me that the construction is weak. It feels too light and also too fragile, I think this guitar would not last many years just because of how fragile it is. It seems to me that it can be improved in these two aspects, 1) The wood, solid and robust "with weight", that feels rigid, and 2) The expression of the sound, I think it could be more powerful. However, one of the things it has in sound is the ability to sustain in the middle notes, something that makes it sound as if it had a natural reverb, very good in that part. Thank you.