The Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E is a beautifully crafted 12-string electro acoustic guitar that combines the unmistakable shimmer of a twelve-string with modern playability and stage-ready performance. Inspired by Fender's iconic California Series, the Villager E delivers rich, chorus-like tones that add incredible depth and sparkle to every chord, making it an ideal choice for singer-songwriters, recording musicians and live performers.

Built with a solid Sitka spruce top and laminate mahogany back and sides, the Villager E produces a balanced, articulate sound with impressive projection and warmth. The satin-finished mahogany neck offers a comfortable playing experience, while the onboard Fishman® CD-1 preamp system ensures natural amplified tone whether you're rehearsing, recording or performing live.

Finished in an eye-catching Honey Sunburst, the California Deluxe Villager™ E blends vintage-inspired Fender styling with modern construction to create a versatile 12-string acoustic that's ready for any musical setting.

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Condition Overview

Brand New

Supplied brand new with full Fender manufacturer warranty.

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What's Included?

✔ Brand New Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E

✔ Original Packaging

✔ Manufacturer Documentation

✔ Factory Setup

✔ Adjustment Tools (where supplied)

✘ Gig Bag Not Included

✘ Hard Case Not Included

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Condition Notes

• Brand new condition

• Factory-fresh Honey Sunburst finish

• Full manufacturer warranty

• Original packaging

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Why Choose The Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E?

Rich 12-String Acoustic Sound

The twelve-string configuration produces the unmistakable shimmering, chorus-like character that has become a favourite for folk, rock, worship and singer-songwriter music. Every chord sounds fuller, wider and more harmonically complex than a traditional six-string.

Solid Sitka Spruce Top

The solid Sitka spruce soundboard delivers excellent projection, dynamic response and clarity. As the guitar matures, the top will continue to open up tonally, rewarding players with an increasingly rich and resonant voice over time.

Comfortable Modern Neck

The satin-finished mahogany "C"-shaped neck features a comfortable 12" fingerboard radius and vintage-style frets, making the guitar surprisingly easy to play despite its 12-string layout.

Fishman® CD-1 Electronics

The onboard Fishman® CD-1 preamp and tuner provide dependable amplified performance with natural acoustic tone, making the Villager™ E equally suitable for live performance, rehearsals and recording.

Stable Tuning Performance

Sealed split-shaft tuning machines provide smooth operation and dependable tuning stability, while the Micarta® nut and saddle help maximise string-to-string balance and sustain.

Classic California Styling

The distinctive Honey Sunburst finish, iconic Fender headstock and vintage-inspired aesthetics make the Villager™ E instantly recognisable while maintaining a contemporary level of comfort and performance.

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Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

Before dispatch, every acoustic guitar is thoroughly inspected by our experienced technicians.

Our inspection includes:

• Electronics tested

• Fishman preamp checked

• Onboard tuner verified

• Neck alignment inspected

• Frets examined

• Action checked

• Hardware inspected

• Overall finish assessed

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Service & Setup

Every new acoustic guitar receives a comprehensive pre-dispatch inspection including:

• Factory setup checked

• Neck relief assessed

• Action verified

• Intonation checked

• Electronics tested

• Hardware inspected

Please note that acoustic guitar setups can naturally change slightly during transport due to fluctuations in humidity and temperature.

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Why Buy New?

Buying a brand-new Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E provides:

• Full Fender manufacturer warranty

• Factory-original specification

• Brand-new frets and hardware

• No previous ownership history

• Long-term reliability

• Maximum playing life

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Why Choose a 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar?

A 12-string acoustic guitar offers a uniquely rich and expansive sound by pairing each main string with an additional octave or unison string. The result is a naturally shimmering tone that fills out arrangements beautifully without requiring additional effects.

For singer-songwriters, worship musicians and recording artists, a 12-string adds texture, width and harmonic richness that simply can't be replicated by a standard six-string. The addition of onboard electronics also makes it easy to take that signature sound straight to the stage or studio.

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Who Is It For?

Beginners

Suitable for ambitious beginners looking to explore the distinctive sound of a 12-string guitar. Players with some prior guitar experience may adapt more quickly to the increased string tension and wider neck.

Intermediate Players

An excellent upgrade for guitarists wanting to expand their tonal palette with the lush sound of a quality electro acoustic 12-string.

Advanced & Professional Players

Ideal for professional performers, recording musicians and songwriters seeking a dependable stage-ready 12-string with premium Fender styling.

Particularly Recommended For

• Singer-Songwriters

• Folk

• Indie

• Worship Music

• Acoustic Rock

• Country

• Americana

• Studio Recording

• Live Performance

• Solo Performers

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Product Story & Heritage

Fender introduced the original Villager during the folk boom of the 1960s, offering players a distinctive acoustic design that stood apart from traditional flat-top guitars. Its unique styling and rich 12-string sound quickly earned it a place among musicians looking for something both visually and sonically different.

The California Deluxe Series builds on that heritage with improved construction, modern playability and reliable electronics, while retaining the unmistakable Fender character that has made the Villager name a favourite for generations.

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Associated Artists & Musical Heritage

While the California Deluxe Villager™ E is not a signature model, Fender 12-string acoustic guitars have long been associated with the shimmering sounds heard across folk, classic rock and modern worship music.

The lush, layered voice of a 12-string has been embraced by countless artists to add depth and atmosphere to both studio recordings and live performances.

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Product Comparisons

Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E vs Fender CD-140SCE 12-String

Both offer excellent Fender build quality and onboard electronics, but the Villager™ E features distinctive California styling, a unique headstock design and a more vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Choose the Villager™ E if you want iconic Fender character with standout visual appeal.

Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E vs Takamine GD30CE-12

The Takamine offers a more traditional dreadnought appearance, while the Villager™ E provides a unique Fender design, comfortable neck profile and modern California styling.

Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E vs Guild F-2512E

The Guild focuses on classic jumbo-inspired 12-string projection, while the Fender delivers a more compact, balanced feel with stage-friendly electronics.

Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E vs Yamaha LL16-12 (where available)

The Yamaha emphasises premium all-solid construction, while the Villager™ E combines solid-top performance with distinctive Fender styling and exceptional value.

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Why Guitarists Choose a Solid Sitka Spruce Top

Sitka spruce has been the benchmark tonewood for acoustic guitars for decades thanks to its outstanding balance of strength, responsiveness and dynamic range.

A solid Sitka spruce top vibrates more freely than laminated alternatives, producing greater volume, improved clarity and increased tonal complexity. As the guitar ages, the wood naturally matures, allowing the instrument to develop even greater warmth and resonance over time.

Combined with mahogany back and sides, the Villager™ E offers a balanced voice with crisp highs, focused mids and warm low-end response.

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Looking For Advice?

Looking for advice on choosing the right 12-string acoustic guitar, electro acoustic guitar or live performance setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E
Colour	Honey Sunburst
Type	12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Laminate Mahogany
Bracing	Scalloped X-Bracing
Neck	Satin Mahogany "C" Shape
Fingerboard	Walnut
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Frets	Vintage-Style
Nut & Saddle	Micarta®
Tuners	Sealed Gear Split-Shaft
Electronics	Fishman® CD-1 Preamp with Onboard Tuner
Strings	Phosphor Bronze
Orientation	Right-Handed

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Power Requirements

Requirement	Details
Electronics	Fishman® CD-1 Preamp
Battery	9V Battery
Onboard Tuner	Yes

The onboard Fishman® preamp requires a 9V battery for amplified operation.

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Pairs Perfectly With

Complete your setup with:

• Acoustic guitar gig bag or hard case

• Acoustic guitar stand

• Spare 12-string phosphor bronze strings

• Capo

• Clip-on tuner

• Instrument cable

• Acoustic amplifier

• DI box

• Guitar humidifier

• Selected pre-owned acoustic accessories

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music has been a family-run independent music retailer since 1987 and has grown to become Birmingham's largest independent music store.

With over 6,000 Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot reviews, we've built our reputation on knowledgeable advice, competitive pricing and outstanding customer service.

Our experienced team of musicians is available by phone, online and in-store to help you choose the right gear before and after your purchase.

We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering, a fully stocked Birmingham showroom and a constantly changing range of quality new and pre-owned equipment.

Whether you're buying your first 12-string acoustic, upgrading your stage guitar or searching for the perfect songwriting companion, our experienced team can help you find the right instrument and accessories for your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Fender California Deluxe Villager™ E suitable for beginners?

Yes. While a 12-string requires slightly more finger strength than a six-string, it's a great option for committed beginners or players moving on from their first guitar.

What styles of music is it best suited to?

The Villager™ E excels in folk, indie, worship, country, Americana, acoustic rock and singer-songwriter styles thanks to its rich, shimmering sound.

Does it have built-in electronics?

Yes. It features a Fishman® CD-1 preamp with an onboard tuner, making it ready for live performance and recording.

Does it include a gig bag?

No. A gig bag or hard case is available separately.

How does it compare to a standard six-string acoustic?

A 12-string produces a fuller, more harmonically rich sound with natural chorus-like shimmer, making it ideal for adding depth to performances and recordings.

Can I use it for live performance?

Absolutely. The onboard Fishman® electronics provide reliable amplified sound for gigs, rehearsals and worship settings.

Does the solid Sitka spruce top improve the sound?

Yes. A solid spruce top offers greater resonance, improved dynamics and continues to develop character as the guitar matures.

Can I try it in-store?

Yes. Visit our Birmingham showroom where our experienced team can help you compare the California Deluxe Villager™ E with other Fender electro acoustic guitars and find the perfect instrument for your playing style.