Fender MC-1 Review – A Solid Choice for Beginners

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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When it comes great classical guitars for beginners you shouldn’t be surprised to see a Fender on our list – after all, the iconic American brand shine in most other genres of guitar. Their affordable MC-1 is simple, but has solid features that are ideal for beginners. Let’s check it out…

Body And Neck

The Fender MC-1 is actually a ¾ size guitar, with a 23.3” scale length and a slim 1.69” nut width, which makes it perfect for players with smaller hands. As well as children, this is just as much an adult’s guitar, as a smaller fretboard can be easier to navigate whatever your age (although those with considerably large hands may be better off looking for a full-size guitar). The neck itself is made of nato, with a rosewood fretboard and 18 frets. Sticking with tradition, there are no inlays on the fretboard, but dots exist on the side as a reference for beginners.

The MC-1 doesn’t feature any extraordinary design, but once again this is quite solid – a traditional classical style, with a laminated agathis top, and laminated sapele back and sides. Underneath, the top features X bracing, while the entire body sports an elegant satin finish and black binding. The headstock also shows off a gold screened Fender logo, which is a nice finishing touch.

Hardware

As with most other beginners classical guitars, the MC-1 doesn’t feature electronics, which tend to be little more than extra fuss for most players just starting out. What it does feature, however, is exactly what is needed to enhance playability and functionality.

There’s a set of open-gear tuners with pearloid tuning keys for that classic look and quite a smooth feel – not to mention decent tuning stability. The rest of the hardware is standard but solid, with a rosewood bridge, a compensated saddle, and a synthetic bone nut.

Sound

For a smaller ¾ size guitar, the MC-1 projects quite well – no less than a beginner would need for a good practice session. The tone on offer is also pretty sweet and mellow, with a crisp clarity and good warmth, despite the use of laminated woods. Generally, it’s hard to complain when you consider the size or the price of this guitar.

Conclusion

Fender’s MC-1 has a lot going for it. For beginners of any age, the more compact size makes playing this guitar a comfortable experience, while it looks and feels decent quality. The sound is also commendable, as is the wallet-friendly price. Ultimately, it’s never a mistake to start your guitar journey with a Fender, which makes the MC-1 one of the more sensible choices a beginner could make.

For more details regarding the Fender MC-1, click here.
For more beginner acoustic guitars, click here.