Sonoran SCE Review

Part of Fender's California Series, the Sonoran SCE features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides and a cutaway body. Fender CE-301 active on-board preamp. Other features include a Fender Stratocaster headstock shape, Fender tight dreadnought body shape, white dot inlays, checkerboard rosette, soft "V" shaped neck, multiple body bindings, and a black pickguard.

Features:	9.5
Sound:	8.5
Action:	8.5
Reliability:	9
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9
Users rating:	8.7
Comments:	7

overall: 9.6

Featured review by: Josh Shiells, on november 19, 2008

Purchased from: Allen's Music

Features: The Fender Sonoran, one of the latest great things to come from Fender, have reportedly been flying off the shelves since their conception - and with good reason. The Sonoran has 20 frets, scalloped bracing, a 'traditional' bridge and the typical smooth, thin and hardy Fender neck. The output is in the bottom strap knob. It has the brilliant single-cutaway acoustic/electric Fender style dreadnought body, a solid-spruce top, and, of course, the kickass Fender headstock that makes it instantly recognisable. // 10

Sound: My father came over and had a play on it - when it comes to acoustics, he plays lots of blues, where I have more of a Folk-esque tendancy. This guitar satisfied both our styles, and he has decided to order one for himself to replace his Monterey. It has a great full, strong sound, and will undoubtedly be the guitar I'll use next time I'm recording if I need an acoustic. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: I like my action as low as it will go without generating any buzzing, so we're thinking of modding the bridge. But all in all, it's a Fender. It's not low-quality.
It's not bad-sounding. Nothing is flawed, nothing is loose. It's perfect and flawless, as any Fender should be, and nothing on this guitar was disappointing. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Short of smashing this, Townshend-style, I would suspect this guitar will still be playable when in the hands of your grandchildren. I would not be suprised if I still owned this very guitar in 20 years. I've yet to gig with it, having only owned it for less than a day, but, as I've mentioned so many times, it's a Fender, so it's not going to fall apart when you strum it. And if you through this in front of a speeding truck, rest assured this guitar will not come out worse, or your money back! // 9

Impression: If this guitar was lost, I wouldn't be getting another straight away. I'd have to wait until they mail me one. But, were I in a city, I would be sprinting to my nearest music room and demanding one if it were stolen. The Sonoran suits all styles, whether you're Paul Simon, Don McLean or Gary Moore. It truly is a Fender masterpiece, and one of their finer acoustic guitars, and at an affordable price, you could do a hell of a lot worse. // 10

overall: 8.4

Reviewed by: gonegonegone, on february 12, 2007

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: Music123

Features: Made in China in 2006, part of Fender's new California series. It has an electric style, "v shape" neck with 21 jumbo frets, rosewood fretboard and a distinctive Strat headstock; 1-5/8" nut width. Laminated mahogany back, sides, and neck. Solid spruce top. It's a single cutaway dreadnought with Folk-style narrow shoulders. It has a Fender CE-301 Active On-Board Preamp; with volume, bass, mid, and treble controls. It also has cool chrome Vintage tuners, white binding on the body, unique rosewood bridge, and a checkboard pattern rosette. // 9

Sound: It makes a good, bright, full acoustic sound. I usually don't play it with amps. I only got the electronics because it was only $50 more, usually an elctro model is a lot more than one w/o electronics. So I've only used it a few time with amps, and it sounds pretty decent. It still gives a good sound, but it could be better. But if you plug it in, with the volue turned up, it'll make a horrible high pitched ringing sound, so don't do that. The 3 band EQ gives it some variety, but not a lot. // 8

Action, Fit & Finish: When I got the guitar, it was great. The action was good, the finish was clean, the tuners were shiny. But after a while all went bad. I left it at home and left for college. When I got back a few months later, it all went bad. I changed the strings and the action was all messed up. It's really low at the head end of the neck, and high at the body. (gap changes from 2mm to 8mm) I need to take it to a shop. I also noticed a small blemish on the pickguard, not a big deal, but it's annoying. And also now the tuners, which you used to be able to see yourself in, are now all cloudy. They aren't quite tarnished, but bad. I don't want to try to polish it, and rub off whatever's left of the chrome. But everything that got messed up is all cosmetic or fixable, the rest of the guitar is as good as when I got it. // 7

Reliability & Durability: This guitar can definitely withstand live playing. It's built solid. the hardware is great, holds a tune nicely. The strap buttons are good, but there's only one at the base of the guitar. You'll need a longer strap and a way to connect it to the head if you want to play standing. I can depend on it, and have and will gig without a backup. The finish is high quality, the finish is still shiny, and hasn't dulled at all, even where my arm rubs when I play. // 9

Impression: It defintely suits my style; I mainly play Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes, Jack Johnson, Sufjan Stevens, and other acoustic/folky stuff; Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Decemberists, etc. I've been playing for a few years, but this is the first acoustic I've ever owned. If it was stolen, I'd probably buy it again. It's a good value for the money. I really like the distinctive and Vintage look of it. The V-shaped neck is slimmer than most acoustics, so it makes playing easier. The Strat headstock and Vintage tuners definitely make some people double take. I've compared it to the Malibu SCE and Kingman SCE, both also on the California series. They all sound basically the same, but the electronics get better with each model. Overall, it's a great value for the money, a great guitar. // 9

Comments

[Skullz2wheelz]

Excuse me, but how did you store your guitar for the few months when you were gone? Also did you release the tension in the strings before you left?

Those two things may be quite important and may have played a big role in altering the state of your guitar.

[warrenguitar]

Generally i don't like the way acoustic guitars look, but this one isn't too bad! Nice shaped scratch plate. My friend wants one of these badly!

[Emo_Guitars]

im suprised this guitar is on the reviews.. this was my first own acoustic still use it all the time I LOVE it compared to all the other acoustics.. i'll admit i haven't changed the strings since i've gotten it which was like maybe a year ago or more but STILL gives out a nice sound..im horrible at reviews but seariously I know guitars and i love it..

[Rocketking94]

What would you say is better? This Guitar or a fender t bucket 300, as im confused of decideing between the two.

[Fatbear]

A great catch for the budget. I got mine in Lake Placid Blue about a month ago and I'm still in love with it. The bridge design puts the 6th E string a little too close to the fretboard.(Since I also play the classical guitar)Heavy finger picking will cause the string to buzz occasionally. Still, the sound it projects is clear and bright and very enjoyable to fret.Those who love the feeling of a Strat will love this guitar as well. Fingertip friendly and above all, it's one good looking acoustic guitar.

[Confetti]

Just bought my Sonoran. I freaking love it!
This has to be the most suited acoustic guitar for me that there is. The sound i awesome, and the neck! The neck is so god damn good! i'll recommend this guitar to anyone that is thinking to buy one in its price range.
On top of it all the overall look of the guitar is stunning

[Bartez]

I've got this guitar as well. I love it.. I learned to play on a classic guitar and bought this one after a few months. I dont regret it for a minute and I tend to play it as much as I can.
Love the sound, its easy to play and I like the looks of it as well..

Only thing is, as stated above, that the low E string is put a little too close to the fretboard, which causes some buzzing, but its not too bad really..

overall its a great guitar for a very good price.