California Special models represent the evolution and refinement of modern Fender acoustics, mixing iconic Fender electric playability with all-solid wood construction and best-in-class electronics. A crossroads of past, present, and future, these instruments truly resonate differently.

Crafted with an X-braced solid okoume top and solid okoume back and sides, the compact parlor-sized body of the Malibu Special produces a voice that's impressively articulate, punchy, and delicate, while offering superior comfort for hours of creativity. The neck is designed with an easy-to-play slim "C"-shaped profile, a short 24" scale length, and a tilt-back 6-in-line headstock for a distinctive look born from Fender's electric guitar DNA. Other notable details include vintage-style tuning machines for smooth, accurate tuning, a maple rosette and body binding for an upscale look, and a bone nut and saddle for rich harmonic character. Designed for the performer, the Fishman® Flex Body preamp system blends an undersaddle piezo and internal body transducer to allow faithful and reliable reproduction of the guitar's natural sound when plugged into an amplifier, PA system or recording device.

Bold, eye-catching and unique, California Series instruments make no compromises balancing effortless playability, superior sound, and standout style for those who aspire to play something different.

  • Body Back
    Solid Okoume
  • Body Sides
    Solid Okoume
  • Body Top
    Solid Okoume
  • Body Finish
    Satin
  • Body Shape
    Malibu
  • Body Binding
    Maple
  • Rosette
    Maple
  • Neck Material
    Mahogany
  • Neck Finish
    Satin Urethane
  • Neck Shape
    Slim "C"
  • Scale Length
    24.1" (612 mm)
  • Fingerboard Material
    Pau Ferro
  • Fingerboard Radius
    15.75" (400 mm)
  • Number of Frets
    20
  • Fret Size
    2.4mm
  • Nut Material
    Bone
  • Nut Width
    1.69" (43 mm)
  • Position Inlays
    Maple Dots
  • Truss Rod
    Modern Heel Adjust
  • Controls
    Volume, Tone, Blend (Body Sensor, Piezo), Push Tone Knob For Phase Control
  • Special Electronics
    Fishman® Flex Body
  • Bridge
    Modern Viking
  • Bridge Pins
    Ebony with Mother-of-Pearl Dots
  • Hardware Finish
    Nickel
  • Tuning Machines
    Vintage-Style
  • Pickguard
    1-Ply Black
  • Strings
    Fender® 60L Phosphor Bronze (.012-.052 Gauges), PN 0730060403
  • Legal Notice
    WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
  • Case/Gig Bag
    FAS-620 Deluxe Gig Bag

Features

  • Fender Malibu parlor body shape
  • Solid okoume top, back and sides
  • Slim and comfortable "C"-shape neck with tilt-back 6-in-line headstock
  • Fishman® Flex Body electronics with undersaddle piezo and internal body transducer
  • Short 24" scale length
  • Deluxe Gig Bag

Malibu Special

Model #: 0970822122
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California Special models represent the evolution and refinement of modern Fender acoustics, mixing iconic Fender electric playability with all-solid wood construction and best-in-class electronics. A crossroads of past, present, and future, these instruments truly resonate differently.

Crafted with an X-braced solid okoume top and solid okoume back and sides, the compact parlor-sized body of the Malibu Special produces a voice that's impressively articulate, punchy, and delicate, while offering superior comfort for hours of creativity. The neck is designed with an easy-to-play slim "C"-shaped profile, a short 24" scale length, and a tilt-back 6-in-line headstock for a distinctive look born from Fender's electric guitar DNA. Other notable details include vintage-style tuning machines for smooth, accurate tuning, a maple rosette and body binding for an upscale look, and a bone nut and saddle for rich harmonic character. Designed for the performer, the Fishman® Flex Body preamp system blends an undersaddle piezo and internal body transducer to allow faithful and reliable reproduction of the guitar's natural sound when plugged into an amplifier, PA system or recording device.

Bold, eye-catching and unique, California Series instruments make no compromises balancing effortless playability, superior sound, and standout style for those who aspire to play something different.

  • Body Back
    Solid Okoume
  • Body Sides
    Solid Okoume
  • Body Top
    Solid Okoume
  • Body Finish
    Satin
  • Body Shape
    Malibu
  • Body Binding
    Maple
  • Rosette
    Maple
  • Neck Material
    Mahogany
  • Neck Finish
    Satin Urethane
  • Neck Shape
    Slim "C"
  • Scale Length
    24.1" (612 mm)
  • Fingerboard Material
    Pau Ferro
  • Fingerboard Radius
    15.75" (400 mm)
  • Number of Frets
    20
  • Fret Size
    2.4mm
  • Nut Material
    Bone
  • Nut Width
    1.69" (43 mm)
  • Position Inlays
    Maple Dots
  • Truss Rod
    Modern Heel Adjust
  • Controls
    Volume, Tone, Blend (Body Sensor, Piezo), Push Tone Knob For Phase Control
  • Special Electronics
    Fishman® Flex Body
  • Bridge
    Modern Viking
  • Bridge Pins
    Ebony with Mother-of-Pearl Dots
  • Hardware Finish
    Nickel
  • Tuning Machines
    Vintage-Style
  • Pickguard
    1-Ply Black
  • Strings
    Fender® 60L Phosphor Bronze (.012-.052 Gauges), PN 0730060403
  • Legal Notice
    WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
  • Case/Gig Bag
    FAS-620 Deluxe Gig Bag

Features

  • Fender Malibu parlor body shape
  • Solid okoume top, back and sides
  • Slim and comfortable "C"-shape neck with tilt-back 6-in-line headstock
  • Fishman® Flex Body electronics with undersaddle piezo and internal body transducer
  • Short 24" scale length
  • Deluxe Gig Bag
Malibu Special

Highlights

Unique Fender Body Shape

A refined and modernized evolution of the historical 1960s model, the Malibu is a proprietary Fender design whose compact parlor-sized shape and articulate voice is well-suited for many musical styles and players.

All-Solid Wood Construction

With a body crafted from all-solid woods, this instrument provides superior resonance, volume and dynamic range. Okoume is a premium tonewood revered for its warm, nuanced tonality, natural sonic balance, and earthy aesthetics.

Fishman Preamp System

With a sleek, streamlined look and a pure acoustic voice, the onboard Fishman® Flex Body electronic system features intuitive controls for volume, tone and a blend knob for combining the undersaddle piezo pickup and body transducer to dial-in the most faithful amplified reproduction of the guitar’s natural acoustic tone.

Tilt-Back 6-in-line Headstock

A tilt-back headstock design optimizes the break angle of the strings over the nut, creating singing sustain and rich resonance.

Short 24" Scale Length

A short scale length (the distance from the nut to the bridge) creates a low string tension for reduced hand fatigue, ideal for guitarist of any level seeking hours of comfortable play.

Deluxe Gig Bag

With comfortable padded backpack straps, durable outer material, and multiple pockets, the included deluxe gig bag provides the perfect balance of ample storage, road-worthy protection, and portability.