California Standard Redondo™ CE, Spruce Top, Black Pickguard, Natural

Quick Product Summary

The Fender California Standard Redondo™ CE in Natural is an affordable electro-acoustic guitar designed for players who want the big, confident response of a dreadnought with unmistakable Fender styling and convenient stage-ready electronics.

Its cutaway Redondo body combines a laminated spruce top with laminated sapele back and sides, giving the guitar a durable construction suited to regular practice, rehearsals, lessons and live use. A comfortable “C”-shaped okoume neck, 25.5" scale and 12" radius walnut fingerboard provide a familiar playing platform, while Fender's distinctive six-in-line Jazzmaster-style headstock gives the Redondo a look that stands apart from traditional acoustics.

The onboard Fender FE-A2 preamp adds volume and tone controls together with an integrated digital tuner, making this a particularly useful choice for beginners, singer-songwriters and gigging players who need an acoustic guitar that can plug directly into an amplifier, PA system or recording setup.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	California Standard
Model	Redondo™ CE
Finish	Natural
Body Style	Cutaway Redondo / Dreadnought
Top	Laminated Spruce
Back & Sides	Laminated Sapele
Fingerboard	Walnut
Scale Length	25.5"
Electronics	Fender® FE-A2 Preamp with Built-In Tuner
Condition	New
Main Appeal	Affordable Fender electro-acoustic with full-size dreadnought response
Best For	Beginners, singer-songwriters, strumming, rehearsals and amplified performance

What’s Included?

• Fender California Standard Redondo™ CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

• Factory-fitted phosphor bronze strings

✘ No Case or Gig Bag Included

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

As with the new guitars we sell, this Fender California Standard Redondo CE is checked by the Fair Deal Music team before leaving the shop. We assess the general playing condition, tuners, controls, output and electronics so that obvious issues can be identified before dispatch.

Acoustic guitar setups can move slightly during transport as wood responds naturally to temperature and humidity changes. String height and neck relief are also personal preferences, so minor adjustment after the guitar has acclimatised may occasionally be beneficial.

Why Choose The Fender California Standard Redondo CE?

Full-Size Dreadnought Sound

The Redondo body is Fender's distinctive take on the familiar dreadnought format. Its larger acoustic body is well suited to players who want plenty of projection for chord work, accompaniment and general-purpose acoustic playing.

Plug In When You Need To

The Fender FE-A2 preamp transforms the Redondo CE from a purely acoustic instrument into a practical performance guitar. Straightforward volume and tone controls make adjustment easy, while the integrated tuner means one of the most useful gigging tools is always built into the instrument.

Cutaway Access For Lead Playing

The body cutaway provides easier access to higher frets than a traditional non-cutaway dreadnought. This makes the Redondo CE a more flexible option for players who mix open-position chords with melodies, lead lines and upper-register playing.

Familiar Fender-Inspired Neck Feel

A 25.5" scale, “C”-shaped neck and 12" fingerboard radius give the guitar a straightforward, contemporary feel. Players coming from electric guitar may also appreciate the recognisable six-in-line Fender headstock layout.

Built For Everyday Use

The all-laminate body construction gives the California Standard Redondo CE a practical advantage for everyday ownership. It is a sensible choice for regular lessons, rehearsals, home practice and travel between playing environments where durability matters alongside sound.

Fender California Standard Redondo CE vs Popular Alternatives

California Standard Redondo CE vs California Standard Redondo

The standard California Standard Redondo shares the same fundamental Redondo body concept but does without the cutaway and onboard FE-A2 electronics. Choose the standard Redondo if you only need an acoustic instrument; choose the Redondo CE if amplified performance, recording connectivity and easier upper-fret access are important.

California Standard Redondo CE vs Fender FA-125CE

The FA-125CE is another affordable Fender cutaway electro-acoustic using the FE-A2 preamp, but it uses laminated basswood for the back and sides and has a more conventional Fender Alternative-series presentation. The California Standard Redondo CE is better suited to players specifically drawn to Fender's distinctive California acoustic styling, six-in-line headstock and sapele-backed Redondo design.

California Standard Redondo CE vs Fender CD-60SCE

The CD-60SCE range moves towards more traditional acoustic guitar styling and includes options with solid tops and upgraded Fishman electronics. Choose the CD-60SCE if solid-top construction and a conventional acoustic aesthetic matter more; choose the Redondo CE for its accessible price, Fender California styling and uncomplicated FE-A2 system.

California Standard Redondo CE vs Fender Redondo Special

The Redondo Special is a substantial upgrade for players wanting an all-solid-wood California Series instrument with more advanced Fishman electronics. The California Standard Redondo CE makes considerably more sense for beginners, developing players or anyone wanting the Redondo concept at a more accessible level.

Who Is The Fender California Standard Redondo CE For?

The California Standard Redondo CE is particularly well suited to beginners and developing acoustic guitarists who want an instrument they can continue using as they progress from home practice into rehearsals and amplified performance.

Singer-songwriters should also find plenty to like. Its dreadnought-style body suits rhythmic accompaniment, while the integrated electronics make it straightforward to connect to an acoustic amplifier, PA system or recording interface.

Electric guitarists looking for their first acoustic may appreciate the Fender-influenced styling and six-in-line headstock, while the cutaway makes upper-fret playing less restrictive than on a traditional full-bodied dreadnought.

Looking for advice on choosing your first acoustic guitar, electro-acoustic guitar or complete live setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in our Birmingham showroom.

Suitable Genres & Playing Styles

The Redondo CE works particularly well as an all-round acoustic for:

• Pop

• Rock

• Indie

• Folk

• Country

• Singer-songwriter material

• Worship

• Acoustic covers

• General chord accompaniment

• Flatpicking

• Light fingerstyle

• Home recording

• Open-mic and small live performances

The larger body naturally lends itself to strummed accompaniment, but the cutaway also makes it more accommodating for melodic playing higher up the neck.

What Does “CE” Mean On The Fender Redondo?

On an acoustic guitar such as the California Standard Redondo CE, the designation identifies the version designed around cutaway access and onboard electronics.

The cutaway gives the fretting hand more room as you move towards the upper frets, while the FE-A2 system lets the guitar send an amplified signal directly to compatible equipment. That makes the CE version the more versatile choice if you plan to perform live, record directly or use acoustic effects rather than playing entirely unplugged.

Story & Context

Fender is best known for electric guitars such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster, but its acoustic designs have often taken a deliberately different approach from traditional acoustic guitar styling.

The Redondo is one of Fender's proprietary acoustic shapes and traces its design identity back to earlier California-inspired Fender acoustic instruments. Modern Redondo models retain the broad dreadnought concept while introducing visual cues more closely associated with Fender electric guitars.

One of the most obvious examples is the six-in-line headstock. Rather than using the conventional three-a-side layout seen on many acoustic guitars, the California Standard Redondo uses Fender's unmistakable inline approach, giving it an identity that immediately separates it from more traditional dreadnoughts.

The California Standard version brings that design philosophy into an accessible instrument intended for players who want Fender character without needing to move into the more expensive solid-wood California models.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Fender California Standard Redondo™ CE
Model Number	0974220521
Series	California Standard
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Natural
Body Shape	Redondo™
Body Style	Dreadnought
Cutaway	Yes
Body Top	Laminated Spruce
Body Back	Laminated Sapele
Body Sides	Laminated Sapele
Body Binding	Black
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Rosette	Inlaid Dual Ring
Neck Material	Okoume
Neck Shape	“C” Shape
Neck Finish	Gloss Urethane
Fingerboard Material	Walnut
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 304.8 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number of Frets	20
Fret Size	Vintage
Nut Material	Micarta
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Position Inlays	Pearloid Dot
Side Dots	White
Truss Rod	Dual-Action
Headstock	Jazzmaster®
Electronics	Fender® FE-A2 Preamp
Controls	Volume, Tone
Tuner	Integrated Electronic Tuner with On/Off Switch
Battery Indicator	Low Battery Indicator Light
Bridge	Modern Viking
Bridge Pins	Plastic
Pickguard	1-Ply Black
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Tuning Machines	Die-Cast Sealed
Strings	Phosphor Bronze, .011–.052

Power Requirements

The guitar itself can be played acoustically without power.

The Fender FE-A2 onboard preamp and integrated tuner are battery-powered, so a suitable battery is required when using the guitar's amplified output or electronic tuner. The electronics include a low-battery indicator to help identify when replacement is required.

For amplified use, connect the guitar to a suitable acoustic amplifier, PA system, audio interface or DI setup using a standard ¼" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender California Standard Redondo CE offers a lot of practical functionality for an accessible electro-acoustic guitar. The combination of a full-size cutaway body, Fender FE-A2 electronics and distinctive California styling makes it especially appealing to beginners who want something they will not immediately outgrow.

Best suited for: Beginners, developing players and singer-songwriters wanting an affordable acoustic-electric guitar.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level starter acoustics without pickups or cutaways.

Most commonly paired with: Acoustic amplifier, instrument cable, tuner accessories, strap, stand and suitable dreadnought gig bag or case.

Our tip: If you expect to play live at any stage, the CE version is worth choosing over the standard Redondo. Having the pickup system and cutaway already built in avoids needing to upgrade the guitar purely to gain those features later.

Showroom feedback: The Redondo is a particularly good option for players who like the sound and presence of a full-size acoustic but want something visually more Fender-inspired than a conventional dreadnought.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team has spent decades helping beginners, enthusiasts and professional players find instruments that genuinely suit their needs. Whether you're choosing your first acoustic guitar, moving to an electro-acoustic or building a complete live setup, we're happy to help you compare the options.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• A large Birmingham music showroom

• Decades of experience with both new and pre-owned musical instruments and equipment

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Fender California Standard Redondo CE suitable for a beginner?

Yes. Its straightforward neck profile, standard six-string layout and versatile acoustic-electric design make it a strong first guitar for someone who wants an instrument suitable for both learning and future amplified use.

Can I plug the Redondo CE directly into an amplifier?

Yes. The onboard Fender FE-A2 system provides an amplified output that can be connected to a suitable acoustic guitar amplifier using a standard instrument cable.

Can I connect it directly to a PA system?

Yes, although the exact connection method depends on the PA. A suitable instrument input, DI box or preamp can be used when connecting an electro-acoustic guitar to a live sound system.

Can the Redondo CE be used for recording?

Yes. You can record the guitar acoustically with microphones or use its onboard pickup system with a suitable audio interface. Combining both approaches can also provide more tonal options when recording.

Is a laminate acoustic guitar a good choice?

Laminate construction can be an excellent choice for everyday use because it provides good durability and stability at an accessible price. Players seeking greater acoustic sensitivity and dynamic complexity may eventually choose to move to a solid-top or all-solid instrument.

Is a dreadnought body good for strumming?

Yes. Dreadnought-style guitars are particularly popular for chord accompaniment because their larger bodies can produce a strong, full response that works well with a pick and energetic rhythm playing.

Is the 25.5" scale suitable for standard tuning?

Yes. The 25.5" scale is a well-established full-size guitar scale and works naturally with standard E-to-E tuning and the factory .011–.052 phosphor bronze string set.

Can I change to lighter or heavier acoustic guitar strings?

Yes, but changing string gauge also changes overall tension. A significant change in gauge can affect neck relief, action and intonation, so setup adjustment may be useful afterwards.

Is the Redondo CE better than the standard Redondo?

It depends on how you intend to use it. For purely unplugged playing, the standard Redondo covers the essentials. The Redondo CE is the more flexible model if you want a cutaway, onboard tuner or the ability to connect directly to amplification and recording equipment.

The Fender California Standard Redondo CE in Natural is a strong all-round choice for anyone looking for an affordable Fender electro-acoustic with distinctive looks, easy amplification and the versatility of a full-size cutaway dreadnought. It provides the features a developing guitarist is likely to need without making the instrument unnecessarily complicated.

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