![]() By definition, a piezo is a device that converts mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. It’s an odd experience, because generally you want an acoustic pickup system to accurately reflect the character of the guitar itself, and in truth it’s hard to imagine that someone would want a big booming plugged-in tone and not also want that reflected in the unplugged character.Adding a piezo to an electric guitar can be a great way to get more sound options out of your instrument. It’s like the guitar is whispering sweet nothings rather than bellowing proclamations of love – a guitar that responds well to a delicate touch rather than a sledgehammer right hand. Its natural sound, while shimmering and pleasant, leans towards the thinner side of the tonal spectrum at times, with none of the low-end thump we got plugged in. ![]() ![]() What’s surprising is when you compare the plugged-in sound to the unplugged one, the Palomino almost sounds like a completely different guitar. Side angle shot of a guitarist playing the Fender Palomino Vintage I used the guitar in a 200-cap venue, and it sounded like a jet engine at times, with all the low end in the world, thanks to the body transducer, without a hint of losing its sparkle. It’s an electrifying electrified experience. The result can capture more of the nuances you want to come through in your playing, whether you’re strumming chords with gusto or fingerpicking delicate arpeggios. A blend control (found just inside the soundhole along with a volume control) can then emphasise or balance between the two pickups. This notable upgrade to the ubiquitous Fishman Sonitone piezo seen on many sub-$1,000 guitars systems elsewhere has been voiced specifically for Fender and also features an internal body transducer as a secondary pickup source to capture more of the guitar wood’s vibrations. The playability is top-notch right out of the box, and allows for smooth transitions across the fretboard whether you’re sliding up to hit those high notes or crafting intricate fingerstyle patterns.īut how does it sound? Well given that they’ve gone to the trouble of including a Fishman Presys VT Plus pickup system I’ll plug it in first, and through an amp or speakers it turns out to be an absolute powerhouse. The Palomino’s auditorium body shape is like a smaller dreadnought variant and just sits perfectly under the arm. Close-up of the Fender Palomino Vintage on a guitar rack In Useįender promised that the Palomino would have an easy–playing neck, but in the hand it’s something of a revelation in comfort – the modern V-style neck is a dream to play, offering a familiar feel that encourages hours of uninterrupted strumming. ![]() ![]() In a world of plain maple-topped guitars, it’s hard not to be charmed by this wonderful throwback to a more experimental time. Even the included black hard-case is hiding a colourful secret, sporting a bright orange velvet finish on the inside. This Palomino’s Sienna Sunburst finish is vibrant and inviting, and the aged white pickguard contrasts beautifully. Along with a solid Sitka spruce top, there’s solid ovangkol back and sides with an okoume neck with smooth satin back finish. Part of Fender’s budget-focused Chinese-made acoustic range, the CV series is inspired by those classic Fender/Rossmeisl designs to offer instruments – just like this Palomino – that bear much of the DNA, including easy-playing necks, fun colours, pearl block inlays and of course, that unmistakable Fender headstock. But given the mixed reaction to its recent Highway Series, perhaps the company would be better served spending more time with its history, as the designers of the new California Vintage series clearly have. Guitarist playing the Fender Palomino Vintageįast forward to 2023 and almost a full 60 years on and Fender is still trying to reinvent the acoustic guitar. ![]()
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