The Fender California Deluxe Monterey combines distinctive Fender styling with the balanced tone and comfortable playability of an orchestra-style acoustic guitar. Designed for players who appreciate clarity, expression and versatility, this model delivers a responsive acoustic voice that works beautifully for fingerstyle playing, songwriting and vocal accompaniment.
Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, the Monterey produces excellent note definition, natural projection and impressive dynamic response. Mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth, creating a balanced sound that remains clear and articulate across the frequency range.
The slim C-shaped mahogany neck and walnut fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, while the full 25.5-inch scale length maintains familiar string tension and responsive feel. A Fishman CD-1 preamp system makes the Monterey equally suitable for amplified performances, with convenient onboard controls and a built-in tuner.
Combining quality tonewoods, comfortable construction and unmistakable Fender design details, the California Deluxe Monterey is an excellent acoustic-electric guitar for players looking for something a little different from traditional acoustic designs.
Solid Sitka Spruce Top and Orchestra Body Deliver Balanced Tone
The California Deluxe Monterey features an orchestra-style body designed to produce a focused, articulate sound with excellent balance and note separation. Its solid Sitka spruce top provides clarity, responsiveness and a wide dynamic range, allowing the guitar to respond naturally to different playing techniques and picking intensities.
Scalloped X-bracing helps the top vibrate efficiently, contributing to improved resonance, projection and tonal responsiveness. Whether playing delicate fingerpicked passages or fuller chord progressions, the Monterey maintains impressive clarity and definition.
Solid mahogany back and sides complement the spruce top with additional warmth and a strong midrange presence. This combination creates a well-rounded acoustic voice that works particularly well for fingerstyle playing, songwriting and accompanying vocals.
Slim C Mahogany Neck Provides Comfortable Playability
The Monterey features a slim C-shaped mahogany neck designed to feel comfortable and natural from the first chord. Its familiar profile allows for smooth movement across the fingerboard without feeling overly thick or restrictive, making it suitable for extended playing sessions.
A walnut fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface, while the full 25.5-inch scale length delivers traditional string tension and consistent note definition throughout the fretboard.
The satin urethane neck finish allows the fretting hand to move freely, helping reduce friction during position changes and more demanding passages. A 1.6875-inch nut width provides a comfortable balance between string spacing and ease of play, accommodating both chord work and more intricate fingerstyle techniques.
Together, these features create an inviting playing experience that allows players to concentrate on their music rather than adjusting to an unfamiliar neck.
Fishman CD-1 Electronics for Natural Amplified Sound
Equipped with a Fishman CD-1 preamp system, the California Deluxe Monterey is ready for amplified performances, rehearsals and recording applications.
The onboard electronics are designed to capture the guitar’s natural acoustic character while providing convenient control over the amplified sound. Dedicated volume, bass and treble adjustments make it easy to tailor the output to different playing environments and amplification systems.
An integrated digital tuner provides convenient tuning adjustments without requiring additional equipment, while the phase control offers another useful option for managing amplified performance conditions.
Whether connected to an acoustic amplifier, PA system or recording interface, the Fishman electronics provide a practical and straightforward way to bring the Monterey’s articulate acoustic voice to a larger audience.
Distinctive Fender Styling and Quality Hardware
One of the most recognizable features of the California Deluxe Monterey is its distinctive Fender 6-in-line headstock, giving the guitar an unmistakable appearance inspired by Fender’s electric guitar heritage.
Sealed die-cast tuning machines with split shafts provide smooth, dependable tuning adjustments while complementing the instrument’s clean styling. A Micarta nut and saddle contribute to consistent string response, while the Modern Viking bridge provides a distinctive visual detail.
Additional appointments include a pearloid rosette, ivory pickguard and chrome hardware, bringing together traditional acoustic details with the contemporary styling that defines the Fender California Series.
Every detail contributes to an instrument that stands apart visually while maintaining the practical construction and performance features expected from a modern acoustic-electric guitar.
Features
- Orchestra-style acoustic-electric delivers focused, articulate tone with bold Fender style
- Solid Sitka spruce top provides clear projection, dynamic response and articulate note definition
- Scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance, volume and tonal responsiveness
- Laminated mahogany back and sides add warmth, focus and balanced tonal character
- Orchestra body shape offers a comfortable playing experience with an intimate, responsive voice
- Mahogany neck promotes smooth, comfortable playability across the fretboard
- 25.5″ scale length provides strong projection, crisp attack and balanced string tension
- Walnut fingerboard delivers a smooth feel with warm, natural response
- Fishman CD-1 preamp with onboard tuner, EQ and phase control delivers natural amplified acoustic tone
- Modern Viking bridge and Micarta nut support dependable resonance and balanced string response
- Sealed die-cast tuners with split shafts provide smooth, accurate tuning stability
Body
- Body size class: Orchestra
- Body construction: Solid top
- Top material: Sitka spruce
- Back material: Laminated mahogany
- Side material: Laminated mahogany
- Body finish: Gloss
- Available colors: Honey Sunburst, Black, Aztec Gold
- Bracing pattern: Scalloped X-bracing
- Rosette material: Pearloid
Neck
- Neck material: Mahogany
- Neck profile: Slim C
- Neck finish: Satin urethane
- Scale length: 25.5″
- Truss rod: Dual-action
Fingerboard
- Fingerboard material: Walnut
- Number of frets: 20
- Inlays: White dots
- Nut material: Micarta
- Nut width: 1.69″
Hardware
- Bridge: Modern Viking
- Saddle material: Micarta
- Tuning machines: Sealed die-cast with split shafts
- Hardware finish: Chrome
Electronics
- Pickup system: Fishman CD-1
- Controls: Volume, bass, treble, phase
- Tuner: Yes
Strings
- Number of strings: 6
- String gauge: .011-.052
Other
- Orientation: Right handed
- Case: Sold separately
All instruments are setup to factory spec and inspected before shipping. Player preference may vary and instruments may need additional adjustments to accommodate those preferences. Setups are not applicable for free returns.
We offer the option to upgrade to a Plek setup at a discounted rate when purchasing an instrument. To learn more about Plek, please message us, or call at: 740-522-0277.Plek add-ons are non-refundable once completed. In the event of a return, a refund will be issued minus the cost of the Plek and any other add-on services.
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