Fender Highway Series Dreadnought Natural Electro Acoustic Guitar

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Highway Series Dreadnought Natural takes the familiar power and versatility of a dreadnought acoustic guitar and completely rethinks how it should feel on stage.

Rather than using a conventional full-depth acoustic body, Fender has created a remarkably slim 2.25-inch deep chambered mahogany body fitted with an inlaid solid Sitka spruce top and tapered floating X bracing. The result is an electro acoustic guitar designed to deliver genuine acoustic resonance while feeling considerably slimmer and more manageable against the body.

A bolt-on mahogany “C” neck, 25.5-inch scale and 12-inch radius rosewood fingerboard give the Highway Series a distinctly Fender-like playing experience, while the proprietary Fishman Fluence Acoustic pickup system provides stage-ready amplified sound with simple Volume and Contour controls.

For singers, gigging guitarists and electric players looking for a comfortable acoustic crossover instrument, the Highway Series Dreadnought offers a genuinely different approach to the traditional electro acoustic guitar.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Highway
Model	Highway Series Dreadnought
Model Number	0972512121
Finish	Natural
Condition	New
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Body	Fully Chambered Mahogany
Body Depth	2.25" / 57 mm
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Electronics	Fishman Fluence Acoustic
Main Appeal	Slim, stage-focused dreadnought with genuine acoustic construction
Best For	Live performance, singer-songwriters, recording and electric-to-acoustic crossover players
Included	Fender Deluxe 1225 Gig Bag

What's Included?

• Fender Highway Series Dreadnought – Natural

• Fender Deluxe 1225 Gig Bag

• 1/8" truss rod hex wrench

Why Choose The Fender Highway Series Dreadnought?

Full Dreadnought Character Without The Traditional Body Depth

At just 2.25 inches deep, the Highway Series is substantially slimmer than a conventional dreadnought. That makes it particularly comfortable for long rehearsals and live sets while allowing Fender to retain the broad dreadnought outline and full 25.5-inch scale.

Solid Sitka Spruce Top

The Natural version uses a solid Sitka spruce top inlaid into the chambered mahogany body. Sitka spruce is valued for its combination of clarity, dynamic range and responsiveness, making it a versatile choice for everything from light fingerstyle playing to firm rhythm strumming.

Fully Chambered Mahogany Construction

Instead of building a conventional acoustic soundbox, Fender uses a deeply chambered mahogany body around the spruce top. Combined with the tapered floating X-bracing system, this allows the guitar to remain slim while still producing useful unplugged resonance.

Fishman Fluence Acoustic Electronics

Fender developed the Highway Series electronics with Fishman around a proprietary Fluence Acoustic pickup. The curved magnetic pickup and all-analogue architecture are integrated into the guitar rather than simply added to a conventional acoustic design.

The result is intended specifically for live use, with clarity, dynamic response and strong resistance to unwanted electrical noise.

Simple Volume And Contour Controls

There are no complicated menus or multi-band EQ controls to navigate on stage. The Highway Series provides Volume and Contour controls, with the Contour control moving between two complementary tonal voicings.

This makes it easy to adjust the amplified response quickly while concentrating on playing.

Familiar Fender-Inspired Neck Feel

A mahogany “C” neck, 12-inch rosewood fingerboard radius, narrow-tall frets and six-in-line headstock make the Highway feel immediately approachable to guitarists accustomed to Fender electric guitars.

It is particularly appealing to players who love acoustic tone but do not enjoy the substantial necks or large body dimensions associated with some traditional dreadnought designs.

Fender Highway Dreadnought vs Popular Alternatives

Fender Highway Series Parlor

The Highway Parlor shares the same chambered construction concept and Fishman Fluence electronics but uses a more compact body and shorter 24.75-inch scale length. The Parlor is better suited to players prioritising portability and a compact feel, while the Dreadnought provides the broader response and longer-scale tension many rhythm players prefer.

Fender Paramount PD-220E Dreadnought

The Paramount PD-220E follows a considerably more traditional acoustic-guitar formula, with a conventional full-depth dreadnought body and Fender/Fishman electronics. Choose the Paramount if your priority is a classic acoustic playing experience. Choose the Highway if comfort, stage use and the slim chambered design matter more.

Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster

The Acoustasonic Player Telecaster moves further towards an acoustic/electric hybrid, combining acoustic and magnetic electric-guitar sounds within a Telecaster-style body. The Highway Series is better suited to players who fundamentally want an acoustic guitar, while the Acoustasonic is aimed at musicians who need to move between electric and acoustic-style sounds from one instrument.

Highway Dreadnought vs Traditional Full-Depth Acoustic

A conventional dreadnought generally offers greater natural acoustic projection without amplification because its deep body provides a larger resonating air chamber. The Highway approaches the problem differently: its slim chambered construction prioritises comfort, amplification and stage practicality while still retaining useful unplugged acoustic response.

Who Is The Fender Highway Series Dreadnought For?

This guitar is particularly well suited to:

• Singer-songwriters

• Working live musicians

• Guitarists performing long sets

• Electric players moving into acoustic guitar

• Players who find conventional dreadnoughts uncomfortable

• Acoustic guitarists using PA systems or acoustic amplifiers

• Worship and contemporary pop players

• Indie and alternative musicians

• Home and studio recording

• Players wanting a modern rather than traditional acoustic design

If you like the sound and musical role of a dreadnought but have always found a large acoustic body cumbersome, the Highway Series is particularly worth considering.

Looking for advice on choosing the right electro acoustic guitar, dreadnought or stage acoustic setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store at our Birmingham showroom.

Suitable Genres And Uses

The solid spruce top and dreadnought format make the Highway particularly effective as a rhythm instrument.

For singer-songwriters, it provides enough clarity to support vocals while the slim body makes long seated or standing performances more comfortable.

For pop, indie and worship music, the Fishman system makes it easy to connect directly to an acoustic amplifier, mixer, DI or PA system without needing to position an external microphone in front of the guitar.

It can also work well for fingerstyle and lighter accompaniment, where the solid spruce top responds to changes in picking dynamics.

Players using loopers, delay, reverb and other acoustic effects should also appreciate the predictable amplified signal and straightforward onboard controls.

Why Choose A Thin-Body Electro Acoustic Guitar?

A traditional dreadnought produces much of its sound through its large internal air cavity. That can provide impressive unplugged projection, but the same body depth can become uncomfortable during extended performances.

The Highway Series addresses the issue by reducing the body to just 2.25 inches deep and using chambered construction, specialised bracing and dedicated electronics to compensate for the reduced internal volume.

For a musician who spends most of their time plugged into an amplifier or PA, this can make more practical sense than carrying a large-bodied acoustic simply for its unplugged projection.

The Highway is therefore especially relevant for live players. Its design places comfort, amplified consistency and playability at the centre of the instrument rather than treating electronics as an addition to an otherwise traditional acoustic guitar.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Highway Series Dreadnought can be connected using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable to:

• Acoustic guitar amplifiers

• PA systems

• Mixing desks via a suitable DI box

• Audio interfaces

• Acoustic preamps

• Multi-effects processors

• Looping pedals

• Reverb and delay pedals

For live performance, a quality acoustic DI or preamp can give you additional control over EQ and help match the guitar to different venues and PA systems.

The supplied Deluxe 1225 Gig Bag provides practical protection for transport, while a suitable guitar stand, strap and quality instrument cable are useful additions for regular live use.

Story & Context

Fender introduced the Highway Series as a modern performance-focused acoustic platform, developing both Dreadnought and Parlor models around a radically thinner chambered body.

Rather than simply taking an established Fender acoustic design and making it shallower, Fender developed the body architecture, tapered floating X bracing and Fishman Fluence electronics together. This allowed the acoustic structure and pickup system to function as parts of the same overall design.

The Highway range also reflects Fender's electric-guitar heritage. Features including the bolt-on neck, six-in-line headstock, narrow-tall frets and familiar “C” neck shape make the transition particularly natural for Stratocaster and Telecaster players.

Highway Series instruments are manufactured at Fender's facility in Ensenada, Mexico, adding a distinctly modern acoustic range alongside the company's established electric-guitar production there.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Fender
Series	Highway
Model	Highway Series Dreadnought
Model Number	0972512121
Orientation	Right-Handed
Finish	Natural
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Body Construction	Fully Chambered
Top Material	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back	Chambered Mahogany
Sides	Chambered Mahogany
Body Finish	Polyester Satin Matte
Body Depth	2.25" / 57 mm
Bracing	Tapered Floating X
Rosette	Checkerboard
Purfling	Checkerboard
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Shape	“C” Shape
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 305 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number Of Frets	20
Fret Size	Narrow Tall
Position Inlays	White Dot
Nut Material	Graph Tech TUSQ
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Truss Rod Adjustment	Head Adjust
Electronics	Fishman Fluence Acoustic Pickup
Controls	Volume, Contour
Bridge	Modern Viking
Bridge Material	Rosewood
Bridge Pins	White
Tuning Machines	Fender ClassicGear
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Pickguard	None
Strap Buttons	Vintage-Style
Headstock	6-In-Line Highway
Factory Strings	Fender Dura-Tone 860CL Coated Phosphor Bronze .011-.052
Gig Bag	Fender Deluxe 1225 Gig Bag

Specification Note

An exact individual instrument weight has not been supplied, so no estimated weight has been added to this listing.

Power Requirements

The Fishman Fluence Acoustic electronics are an active pickup system and require battery power for amplified operation.

Fender's published specification for this particular Highway Series model does not state the battery format, so a battery type has not been guessed or added to the listing.

The guitar can be played acoustically without connecting the electronics. For amplified use, connect the instrument to a suitable acoustic amplifier, PA, preamp, mixer or audio interface using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Highway Series Dreadnought is one of the more convincing alternatives to a conventional electro acoustic for players whose priority is live performance.

Its biggest strength is comfort. A dreadnought that's only 2.25 inches deep sits much closer to the body, and the Fender-style neck helps make it particularly approachable for players who spend most of their time on electric guitar.

Crucially, Fender has not treated the thinner body as a simple cosmetic exercise. The chambering, floating X bracing and Fishman system have been designed around the format, giving the Highway its own purpose and identity.

Best suited for: Gigging players, singer-songwriters and electric guitarists wanting a comfortable stage acoustic.

Main benefit: Dreadnought-style versatility in a dramatically slimmer and more ergonomic body.

Standout feature: The 2.25-inch chambered body combined with Fender/Fishman Fluence electronics.

Value proposition: A genuinely different performance acoustic rather than another variation on conventional dreadnought construction.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry and mid-level electro acoustic guitars or bulky stage acoustics that become uncomfortable during long performances.

Most commonly paired with: Acoustic amplifiers, PA systems, DI boxes, loopers, reverb and delay.

Our tip: If most of your acoustic playing happens plugged in, judge the Highway through the amplifier or PA system you intend to use rather than comparing it solely on unplugged volume against a full-depth dreadnought.

Showroom feedback: The shallow body and familiar Fender neck feel are the features players tend to notice immediately. It makes the Highway particularly easy to move onto if you normally play Stratocasters, Telecasters or other slim-bodied electric guitars.

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.

Our Birmingham team is made up of knowledgeable musicians who understand the practical differences between traditional acoustic guitars, electro acoustics and modern stage-focused instruments such as the Fender Highway Series.

Whether you're choosing your first electro acoustic, building a professional live rig or moving from electric guitar into acoustic performance, we're here to help you find the right instrument with straightforward advice before and after your purchase.

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

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Decades of experience with guitars and professional music 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 Highway Series Dreadnought a full-depth acoustic guitar?

No. Its chambered body is only 2.25 inches deep, making it considerably slimmer than a conventional dreadnought. The reduced depth is one of the defining features of the Highway Series.

Is the Highway Dreadnought loud enough to play unplugged?

It produces a genuine acoustic sound and can be played unplugged, but its design is strongly focused on amplified performance. A traditional full-depth dreadnought is the better option if maximum natural projection without amplification is your main priority.

Is the Highway Series good for electric guitar players?

Yes. The slim body, 25.5-inch scale, 12-inch fingerboard radius, narrow-tall frets, bolt-on neck and six-in-line headstock give it several familiar Fender characteristics that can make the transition from electric guitar particularly comfortable.

Can I plug it directly into a PA system?

Yes. It can be connected to a suitable mixer or PA system, although a quality acoustic DI or preamp can provide additional level matching and tonal control for professional live applications.

Is the solid Sitka spruce top important?

A solid spruce top provides a responsive acoustic surface rather than using a laminated top construction. On the Highway, it works together with the chambered mahogany body and specialised bracing architecture.

Is the Highway suitable for fingerstyle?

Yes. The 12-inch fingerboard radius and responsive spruce top make it suitable for fingerstyle as well as strumming, although players who prefer wider traditional fingerstyle nut widths should note the 42.86 mm nut specification.

Is it suitable for recording?

Yes. You can record the guitar through its Fishman electronics into an audio interface or capture its natural acoustic sound with microphones. Combining both approaches can also provide additional flexibility when mixing.

Can I use standard acoustic guitar strings?

Yes. Fender supplies the guitar with coated phosphor-bronze acoustic strings in .011-.052 gauge. If you make a significant change in string gauge, a setup may be worthwhile to maintain the best action, neck relief and intonation.

Highway Dreadnought or Highway Parlor?

Choose the Dreadnought if you prefer the longer 25.5-inch scale, broader body shape and firmer string response. Choose the Parlor if you want an even more compact instrument and prefer the slightly softer feel of its shorter scale.

Is this better suited to live work than a conventional acoustic?

For players who spend most of their time amplified, the combination of the shallow body, integrated Fishman system and comfortable neck makes the Highway particularly well suited to stage use. Players who primarily perform acoustically without amplification may prefer a traditional full-depth instrument.

The Fender Highway Series Dreadnought Natural offers a clever alternative to the conventional electro acoustic guitar. Its slim body, solid spruce top, chambered construction and purpose-designed Fishman system make it an especially strong choice for musicians who need acoustic character without the bulk of a traditional dreadnought.

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