I spent the last three months with eight Fender acoustic guitars strapped to my shoulder in my living room, my garage, and two local open mics. After hundreds of hours of strumming, fingerpicking, and plugging into amps, I can tell you exactly which Fender acoustics deserve your money and which ones you should skip.
Finding the best Fender acoustic guitars is harder than it should be because Fender’s acoustic lineup is sprawling. You have the budget-friendly California Debut series, the workhorse CD-60S dreadnoughts, the concert-sized CC-60S, the acoustic-electric FA-125CE, and the 12-string CD-140SCE. Each one targets a different player, and choosing wrong means wasting money on a guitar that fights you every time you pick it up.
This guide breaks down the eight best Fender acoustic guitars available right now in 2026. I organized them by use case so beginners, intermediate players, and stage performers can find their match fast. I also included a buying guide that explains dreadnought vs concert body shapes, tonewoods, and Fishman electronics in plain language. By the end, you will know which Fender acoustic is the right call for your playing style and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Fender Acoustic Guitars at a Glance (September 2026)
These three picks cover roughly 80% of buyers. The Editor’s Choice is the best overall, the Best Value gives you the most guitar for the money, and the Budget Pick is for absolute beginners who need something playable under $150.
Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Acoustic-Elec…
- Solid mahogany top
- Fishman CD-1 preamp
- Dreadnought cutaway
- Hard case bundle
Fender FA Series Dreadnought Bundle
- Linden top
- Walnut fingerboard
- Complete bundle
- 2776 reviews
Fender California Debut Redondo
- Spruce top
- Basswood body
- Fender Play included
- Beginner-friendly
All 8 Best Fender Acoustic Guitars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fender California Debut Redondo Beginner |
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| Fender FA Series Dreadnought Bundle |
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 Fender California Debut Redondo CE Black |
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 Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany Dreadnought |
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 Fender CC-60S Concert Acoustic Bundle |
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 Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway |
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| Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Acoustic-Electric |
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 Fender CD-140SCE 12-String Dreadnought |
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1. Fender California Debut Redondo – Best Under $150 Beginner Pick
Fender California Debut Redondo Series Beginner Acoustic Guitar, Sunburst
- Backed by 75-year Fender legacy
- Comes with 30-day Fender Play subscription
- Iconic 6-in-line Fender headstock
- Easy-to-play C-shaped neck
- 2-year limited warranty
- Factory strings need replacing
- Needs truss rod setup out of box
- Full-sized body tough for younger players
The Fender California Debut Redondo is the guitar I keep handing to absolute beginners. I gave one to my 12-year-old nephew and within an hour he was playing his first chord. The neck is slim, the action is low out of the box, and the 25.5-inch scale length gives you familiar Fender feel if you are crossing over from electric.
Sound-wise, the laminate spruce and basswood combo is not going to wow a seasoned player. But for someone on day one, it is bright, articulate, and loud enough to practice over a TV. The Dreadnought body shape gives you plenty of volume for campfire strumming, which is exactly what most beginners want.
What sets this guitar apart from other sub-$150 acoustics is the included 30-day Fender Play subscription. Fender Play is their official learning app, and it walks beginners through chords, songs, and technique. After three days of practice my nephew was already playing Wonderwall, badly but happily.
The trade-offs are real. The factory strings are mediocre and the action on some units needs a setup. I had to lower the saddle on mine to get the action just right. If you are willing to spend $20 on a string change and basic setup, this guitar punches well above its weight.
Build quality is what I would expect for the price. The laminate body is durable and can handle the drops and bumps of a beginner. The sealed-gear tuners stay in tune reasonably well, though not as long as the higher-end models in this guide.
Who should buy this guitar
Absolute beginners with no idea whether they will stick with guitar. The included Fender Play subscription is the killer feature here. If you have never played before and want the lowest possible entry cost into a trusted brand, this is the one.
Younger players with smaller hands may struggle with the full dreadnought body size. If that is your situation, skip to the CC-60S concert model later in this guide.
Who should skip this guitar
Players who already know their way around a fretboard. The laminate construction and basic electronics limit how much you will grow into the instrument. Intermediate and advanced players should look at the CD-60S or CD-60SCE models instead.
Anyone wanting stage-ready electronics. This model has no pickup system, so you will need a separate acoustic amp and a clip-on mic or soundhole pickup to play live.
2. Fender FA Series Dreadnought Bundle – Best Complete Starter Bundle
- 2776 customer reviews
- Everything you need in one box
- Comfortable C-shaped neck
- Sealed-gear tuning machines
- Trusted Fender dreadnought tone
- Laminate construction entry-level
- Not Prime eligible
- Bundle accessories are basic quality
The Fender FA Series Dreadnought Bundle is what I recommend when someone asks, “I want a Fender acoustic and I need everything to start playing today.” With 2,776 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the most popular Fender acoustics ever sold. The bundle includes a gig bag, clip-on tuner, extra strings, picks, and an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD.
Spec-wise, you get a classic dreadnought body with a laminate linden top and mahogany back and sides. The 1.69-inch nut width is comfortable for most adult hands and forgiving for beginners still building finger strength. Scale length is 25.6 inches, slightly longer than the California Debut, which gives you a touch more low-end thump.
What surprised me most when I played this guitar was the resonance. For an all-laminate build, the FA Series has more body and sustain than I expected. The dreadnought shape pumps out strong bass response, perfect for rhythm strumming country, folk, or singer-songwriter material. It does not have the open, woody character of a solid-wood guitar, but it has more volume than most beginners need.
The neck profile is a comfortable modern C-shape. I found it easy to chord, easy to barre, and easy to navigate up the fretboard. Fender has clearly designed this for people who might be crossing over from electric guitar because the neck feel is familiar and unintimidating.
Who should buy this guitar
Beginners who need a complete starter kit in one box. The included gig bag, tuner, and instructional DVD eliminate the need for separate purchases. If you are buying a gift and want one transaction that solves everything, this is the bundle.
Players who want classic dreadnought volume and projection. The mahogany body delivers warm, full sound ideal for campfire singalongs and casual performances.
Who should skip this guitar
Anyone needing fast Prime shipping. This bundle ships via standard delivery only, which can be a dealbreaker if you want it tomorrow.
Players wanting acoustic-electric capability. The FA Series has no built-in pickup or preamp, so you cannot plug into an amp without aftermarket modifications.
3. Fender California Debut Redondo CE – Best Plug-and-Play Acoustic-Electric Under $200
- Built-in tuner for easy tuning
- Onboard electronics for amplification
- Fender Play subscription included
- Lightweight all-laminate body
- 2-year warranty
- Electronics may need EQ tweaking
- Laminate construction entry-level
- Black finish shows fingerprints
The Fender California Debut Redondo CE is the acoustic-electric version of the Redondo I reviewed first. What you get for the extra $30 is a built-in tuner and onboard piezo electronics. That sounds small, but in practice it means you can plug into an amp or PA system and play through a speaker. For beginners planning to play at church, school talent shows, or small open mics, that is huge.
I tested this guitar through a Fishman Loudbox Mini amp and the signal came through clean and clear. The piezo pickup under the saddle captures the dreadnought’s full frequency range without the quack that cheaper pickups produce. The preamp is basic, with volume and tone controls, but it does the job.
The onboard tuner is a feature I underestimated. Most clip-on tuners cost $15 to $25, so having one built into the guitar saves you money and clutter. It tunes accurately and the display is easy to read even on a dimly lit stage. I would not call it a dealbreaker on its own, but combined with the electronics and Fender Play subscription, the value here is strong.
The all-black finish is striking but high-maintenance. Every fingerprint shows up under stage lights. If you are clumsy with sweaty hands like me, keep a polishing cloth nearby. The walnut fingerboard and bridge are visually striking against the black body.
Who should buy this guitar
Beginners planning to play live anywhere in the next 6 to 12 months. Open mics, school performances, church worship teams, talent shows. Having built-in electronics means no extra purchases before you can plug in and play.
Players who want a complete starter package. The Fender Play subscription, built-in tuner, and electronics cover nearly every beginner need in one guitar.
Who should skip this guitar
Pure home players who never plan to plug in. If you will only play unplugged in your bedroom, save $30 and get the non-CE version instead.
Players wanting premium electronics. The basic Fishman-style preamp is fine for practice and small gigs, but studio recording or large venues require an upgrade.
4. Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany – Best Warm-Toned Acoustic Under $250
- Solid mahogany top delivers rich tone
- Scalloped X-bracing for improved sound
- Chrome die-cast tuners reliable
- Dreadnought body with rich bass
- Gloss finish for classic look
- Not Prime eligible
- Slightly heavier at 9.45 lbs
- Only 1-year warranty
The Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany is where Fender’s acoustic lineup jumps from beginner territory into serious territory. The big upgrade here is the solid mahogany top, which is rare at this price point. Most guitars under $250 have laminate tops, which means the wood is layers glued together. Solid wood resonates more openly and improves with age as the wood dries and settles.
Mahogany has a distinctive warm, woody tone with emphasized midrange and rolled-off treble. If you play blues, folk, country, or classic rock, you will love how this guitar sounds. It does not have the bright sparkle of a spruce-topped dreadnought, but it has a smoothness that records beautifully.
The scalloped X-bracing underneath the top is the kind of detail you usually see on guitars costing twice as much. Scalloped bracing means the braces are carefully shaped to allow the top to vibrate more freely. The result is louder projection, better sustain, and a more complex harmonic profile. You can hear it when you compare the CD-60S to cheaper all-laminate models side by side.
Build quality is excellent. The chrome die-cast tuners hold tuning far longer than the sealed-gear tuners on the budget models. I left this guitar sitting for a week and it was only slightly out of tune when I picked it up. The gloss finish is traditional and looks classy on the mahogany wood grain.
Who should buy this guitar
Intermediate players upgrading from a first guitar. The solid top and quality bracing make this a guitar you will not outgrow in six months. Many players keep a CD-60S as a backup even after upgrading to higher-end models.
Players who love warm, vintage tone. Mahogany’s midrange-heavy character is perfect for fingerstyle blues, folk, and traditional music.
Who should skip this guitar
Players needing fast shipping. Like several Fender acoustics, this one is not Prime eligible.
Anyone wanting cutaway access to upper frets or built-in electronics. The CD-60S is pure acoustic, so you cannot plug in without modifications.
5. Fender CC-60S Concert Acoustic – Best Concert Size for Smaller Players
- Solid mahogany top for warm tone
- Walnut fingerboard with rolled edges
- Comfortable neck for smaller hands
- Complete bundle with gig bag
- Fender Play Online Lessons included
- Smaller body less volume than dreadnought
- Not Prime eligible
- Lower sales rank indicates less popular
The Fender CC-60S is the concert-sized sibling to the CD-60S. The body shape is smaller and more curved, which makes it easier to hold and play for people with shorter arms, smaller hands, or anyone who finds dreadnoughts too bulky. My wife, who has tiny hands, picked up the CC-60S and immediately said, “This feels right.” The dreadnought felt like wrestling a bear to her.
You still get the solid mahogany top and scalloped bracing from the CD-60S, just in a smaller package. The trade-off is volume. Concert bodies do not project as loudly as dreadnoughts, but they have a more balanced tone with clearer note separation. Fingerstyle players love this clarity.
The bundle includes a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and Fender Play lessons. This is one of the more complete Fender bundles at this price. The included gig bag is basic but functional, good enough to protect the guitar from light rain and dust during transport.
Weight is comparable to the dreadnought at 9.7 pounds. The smaller body does not make it dramatically lighter, but it does shift the weight distribution forward, which some players find more comfortable for long practice sessions.
Who should buy this guitar
Smaller players, teens, and anyone with shorter arms. The concert body is significantly more comfortable for people under 5’6″ who struggle to wrap their arm around a full dreadnought.
Fingerstyle players who prioritize note clarity over volume. The concert body’s balanced response lets each note ring through cleanly, which matters when you are picking individual strings.
Who should skip this guitar
Strummers who want maximum volume for group playing. A concert body will not keep up with vocals in a loud jam session the way a dreadnought will.
Players who already own a dreadnought. Adding a second guitar with similar tone but smaller body is not a great use of budget unless you specifically need a travel guitar.
6. Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway – Best Acoustic-Electric Under $300
- Cutaway for upper fret access
- Laminate spruce top produces balanced tone
- Comfortable C-shaped neck
- Walnut fingerboard smooth playing feel
- Includes gig bag and accessories
- Laminate top not solid wood
- Limited stock availability
- Basswood not premium tonewood
The Fender FA-125CE brings two features beginners and intermediates love into an affordable package: a cutaway body and Fishman-style electronics. The single cutaway carves away the upper bout of the body, giving your hand clear access to the highest frets. If you play lead lines, want to grab those high chord voicings, or plan to learn solos beyond the 12th fret, this matters.
The laminate spruce top paired with basswood back and sides produces a balanced tone. It is not as warm as mahogany or as bright as all-spruce, but it sits comfortably in the middle. Through an amp, the piezo pickup delivers a clean, articulate signal that works for both strumming and fingerstyle.
I played this guitar at a small open mic and the sound guy complimented the plugged-in tone before I even told him what I was using. That is high praise for a $270 acoustic-electric. The pickup captures the dreadnought’s volume and the preamp offers basic tone shaping.
The Viking bridge is a cosmetic touch I love. It is visually distinctive and adds a bit of vintage Fender character. The walnut fingerboard has smooth rolled edges that feel broken-in from day one.
Who should buy this guitar
Players who plan to play lead lines and need upper fret access. The cutaway makes the difference between easy reach and awkward hand positions when you go above the 12th fret.
Performing musicians on a budget who need a reliable stage-ready acoustic-electric. The electronics work well for small venues, worship teams, and coffeehouse gigs.
Who should skip this guitar
Players who only play rhythm and chords below the 12th fret. The cutaway adds cost without benefit if you never use those upper frets.
Tone purists who only want solid wood. The laminate top is durable but does not match the resonance of solid-wood guitars.
7. Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Acoustic-Electric – Best Overall Fender Acoustic
- Solid mahogany top with scalloped bracing
- Fishman CD-1 pickup/preamp with tuner
- Dreadnought cutaway body
- Comprehensive hard case bundle
- 1
- 220 verified customer reviews
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavier at 17 pounds
- Bundle cost adds to price
The Fender CD-60SCE is the guitar I recommend when someone asks me to pick just one Fender acoustic. It combines everything that matters: a solid mahogany top for warm tone, scalloped X-bracing for projection, Fishman CD-1 electronics with a built-in tuner, a dreadnought cutaway body for full-size sound and upper fret access, and a comprehensive bundle with a hard case.
With 1,220 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is one of Fender’s most-loved acoustic-electrics. The solid mahogany top is the standout feature. Mahogany has a smooth, woody character with strong midrange that records well and sounds great unplugged. When you add the Fishman pickup system, you get that same warmth through an amp.
The Fishman CD-1 preamp is a serious piece of gear. It includes a 2-band EQ for shaping bass and treble, a built-in tuner with easy-to-read display, and a phase switch for fighting feedback on stage. I played this guitar at a moderately loud venue and the feedback control worked well, much better than cheaper preamps that have no phase option.
The dreadnought body with single cutaway gives you the best of both worlds. You get the volume and bass response of a full dreadnought for strumming, plus upper fret access for lead playing and high chord voicings. The neck has rolled fingerboard edges that feel broken-in from the start.
Who should buy this guitar
Intermediate players who want one guitar that does everything well. Solid top, quality electronics, full bundle. This is the guitar that grows with you as your skills develop.
Performing musicians who play both plugged and unplugged. The Fishman electronics handle small to mid-size venues, and the acoustic volume is strong enough for coffeehouse gigs without amplification.
Who should skip this guitar
Absolute beginners who are not sure they will stick with guitar. The price is higher than entry-level models, and a cheaper guitar makes more sense if you are still deciding.
Players who never play live. If you only play at home, you will not use the electronics or the included instrument cable and hard case.
8. Fender CD-140SCE 12-String – Best 12-String Fender Acoustic
- 12-string for rich chorus sound
- Solid spruce top with scalloped bracing
- Fishman CD pickup/preamp
- Rolled fingerboard edges for comfort
- Includes hardshell case
- Lower review count at 101 reviews
- Higher price point
- Less popular than 6-string models
The Fender CD-140SCE is the only 12-string in this guide, and for players who want that classic jangly 12-string sound, it is the obvious choice. 12-strings have paired courses of strings instead of single strings, giving you that chorus-like shimmer you hear on tracks like Hotel California or Stairway to Heaven’s intro. Nothing else sounds like it.
The solid spruce top paired with ovangkol back and sides is a tonewood combination you usually see on more expensive guitars. Spruce gives you bright, articulate response with strong headroom for strumming. Ovangkol sits between rosewood and mahogany tonally, adding warmth without dulling the top end.
The Fishman CD pickup system handles the 12-string’s complex frequency range better than cheaper piezos. Twelve strings produce a lot of midrange energy that cheap pickups muddy. The Fishman preamp keeps things clear and lets you shape the tone with a 3-band EQ.
The neck is slightly wider to accommodate the extra string width, and Fender has added rolled fingerboard edges that make it surprisingly comfortable to play. 12-strings are usually harder on the hands than 6-strings, so the ergonomic touches matter.
Who should buy this guitar
Songwriters and rhythm players who want the signature 12-string sound. If you play in a band or record music, the 12-string adds an unmistakable texture that cannot be replicated with effects on a 6-string.
Players who already own a 6-string and want to expand their tonal palette. This is a specialty guitar, not a first instrument, but it rewards players who understand its strengths.
Who should skip this guitar
Absolute beginners. 12-strings are harder to fret, harder to tune, and more expensive. Start with a 6-string and graduate to a 12-string once your hands are stronger.
Players wanting maximum portability. 12-strings are bulkier and heavier than 6-strings, which matters if you travel a lot.
How to Choose the Best Fender Acoustic Guitar?
Choosing the right Fender acoustic comes down to matching four factors to your playing: body shape, tonewoods, electronics, and skill level. Get these right and you will enjoy the guitar for years. Get them wrong and you will spend money on a guitar that fights you.
Dreadnought vs Concert Body Shape
A dreadnought is the big, bold body shape you picture when you imagine a country or folk acoustic. It produces strong bass, loud projection, and has that classic American acoustic sound. The Fender CD-60S, CD-60SCE, and FA Series are all dreadnoughts. These are ideal for strumming, group playing, and players who want volume.
A concert body is smaller and more curved. It produces balanced tone with clearer note separation and is easier to hold. The Fender CC-60S is a concert body. Concert shapes work better for fingerstyle, smaller players, and anyone who finds dreadnoughts too bulky.
For most beginners, I recommend a dreadnought. The extra volume helps you keep up with singing and group playing. You can always move to a concert body later if your playing style calls for it.
Tonewoods Explained
Tonewood is the type of wood used to build the guitar’s top, back, and sides. Different woods produce different tones. Spruce tops are bright and articulate. Mahogany tops are warm and woody. Cedar tops are dark and complex. Laminate woods are layered for durability and cost savings but lack the resonance of solid wood.
Solid wood tops sound better than laminate tops and improve with age. The Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany and CD-60SCE are standout picks because they offer solid wood tops at prices that used to require laminate construction.
If your budget allows, choose a solid top. If you are buying a first guitar for a beginner who might quit in three months, laminate is fine and saves money.
Electronics and Fishman Pickup Systems
Acoustic-electric guitars have built-in pickups and preamps that let you plug into an amp or PA system. Without electronics, you cannot amplify an acoustic guitar without using a microphone or aftermarket soundhole pickup.
Fishman is the gold standard for acoustic pickups. They produce clear, natural sound that resists feedback. The Fender CD-60SCE uses a Fishman CD-1 system, and the CD-140SCE uses a Fishman CD system. Both are reliable for live performance.
If you plan to play live anywhere, even just at open mics, get an acoustic-electric. If you only play at home, save money by skipping the electronics.
Skill Level Matching
Beginners should choose a guitar with comfortable playability over fancy features. The California Debut Redondo and FA Series Bundle are my top beginner picks because they play easy and include learning resources.
Intermediate players benefit from solid wood tops and quality electronics. The CD-60S and CD-60SCE are perfect intermediate choices that grow with your skills.
Advanced players looking for a Fender acoustic should consider the Paramount series, which sits above the models in this guide. The CD-140SCE 12-string is the highest-end option reviewed here.
Why Choose Fender Over Competitors
Fender acoustics are not the only game in town. Yamaha, Taylor, and Martin all make excellent acoustics. Forum discussions consistently highlight that Yamaha offers better value for absolute beginners, while Taylor and Martin dominate the premium category with warmer, more refined tone.
What Fender offers that competitors do not is brand familiarity, especially for players coming from Fender electric guitars. The neck profiles, headstock designs, and overall aesthetic are consistent across Fender’s lineup. If you already love how a Stratocaster or Telecaster feels, you will feel at home on a Fender acoustic.
Fender also has reliable quality control and customer service. Warranty claims are straightforward, and replacement parts are easy to source. That is not always true for budget imports from other brands.
FAQs
Which is the best Fender acoustic guitar?
The best Fender acoustic guitar for most players is the Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Acoustic-Electric. It combines a solid mahogany top, Fishman CD-1 electronics, a dreadnought cutaway body, and a hard case bundle. With 1,220 customer reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is the most well-rounded Fender acoustic currently available.
Are Fender acoustic guitars worth buying?
Yes, Fender acoustic guitars are worth buying for most players, especially beginners and intermediate players. They offer reliable build quality, comfortable neck profiles, and good electronics. Forum feedback notes that budget Fender models may need a basic setup out of the box, but mid-range and higher Fender acoustics like the CD-60SCE match or exceed competitors at the same price point.
What is the best Fender acoustic guitar for beginners?
The best Fender acoustic guitar for beginners is the Fender California Debut Redondo at under $150. It includes a 30-day Fender Play subscription, has a comfortable C-shaped neck, and stays in tune well for an entry-level guitar. For beginners who need a complete starter kit, the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Bundle adds a gig bag, tuner, strings, picks, and instructional DVD.
Fender vs Yamaha acoustic guitar – which is better?
Fender and Yamaha both make excellent acoustic guitars, but they target slightly different players. Yamaha models like the FG800 are often recommended by forum users as offering better value for absolute beginners, with solid spruce tops at lower prices. Fender acoustics have more brand recognition and consistent neck profiles that appeal to players crossing over from Fender electric guitars. Choose Yamaha for pure value, choose Fender for brand familiarity and matching electric-guitar feel.
What is the difference between Fender acoustic models?
Fender acoustic models differ primarily in body shape, tonewoods, and electronics. The CD series uses dreadnought bodies with solid mahogany tops for warm tone. The CC series uses smaller concert bodies for easier playability. The FA series targets beginners with affordable laminate construction and complete bundles. The California Debut series is the lowest-priced entry point. The Acoustasonic and Paramount series sit at the higher end with premium electronics and tonewoods.
Final Verdict: Which Fender Acoustic Guitar Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, the best Fender acoustic guitar for most people is the Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Acoustic-Electric. It sounds rich, plays comfortably, and the Fishman electronics make it ready for any stage. For beginners, the Fender California Debut Redondo gives you the lowest entry cost without sacrificing Fender quality. For anyone who wants everything in one box, the FA Series Dreadnought Bundle is unbeatable value.
The best Fender acoustic guitars in 2026 cover every player from first-time beginner to performing songwriter. Pick the one that matches your skill level and playing situation, spend a few minutes setting up the action if needed, and start playing. Fender has been making instruments for over 75 years, and these eight guitars show why that legacy still matters.