Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu – Unique Small Punk Acoustic

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

• Check Price on Amazon
• Check Price on Guitar Center
• Check Price on Musician's Friend

With eight studio albums to their name since forming in 1996, Alkaline Trio are one of the most popular punk rock bands in the world and, as such, deserve a good signature acoustic guitar. Enter, the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu, which sits comfortably in our article on the top acoustic guitars under $300. Fans of the Chicago-based Trio will obviously be interested, but this affordable uniquely-styled steel-string acoustic has lots to offer the general player too.

Body & Neck

This guitar isn’t the result of a band arbitrarily endorsing whatever is put in front of them – Alkaline Trio had their say in the design of this incredibly distinctive Malibu. With such a dark look, the 24.7” scale length folk-style non-cutaway body is, unsurprisingly, made entirely of laminated mahogany, with scalloped X bracing on the top. It feels small, relaxed and comfortable to hold and play, especially when you feel the neck, which is lifted straight from a Stratocaster. Joined at the 14th fret, this is made from maple, with a glossy finish and vintage C shape. The neck houses a classic rosewood fretboard and 20 frets, with pearloid dot inlays. One of the most unique aspects of the Malibu is the heart-shaped rosette/sound hole that has been designed by the band themselves – as seen on their 2011 acoustic album, Damnesia. Finally, the Strat-style headstock (with Alkaline Trio heart logo on the back) adds yet another twist to this eye-catching guitar.

Hardware

Even with no electronics, there are still some fine features to discuss. For example, the guitar is fitted with a GraphTech NuBone nut and compensated saddle, which is a great step up from materials such as plastic, and delivers a clear and consistent performance and tone. The guitar also comes strung with Fender’s Dura-Tone 880L coated strings (light gauge) – a good set, which should last you a while. Elsewhere, on the headstock in a six-in-line configuration, you will see vintage-style closed tuners with aged plastic tuning keys, while the bridge is made of rosewood.

Sound

This is a sweet-sounding guitar. Due to the small size it can lack a little volume, although is still very resonant thanks to the scalloped bracing, and no problem for practice sessions or casual performances. The all-mahogany construction lends itself to a warm tone, but the guitar still remains balanced, crisp and bright. No problems here, although if playing to bigger audiences you’d need to mic it up.

Conclusion

This interesting little guitar won’t appeal to every guitarist, and traditionalists won’t be impressed. However there’s lots on offer, including an eye-catching design and performance neck. The sound may be a little quiet for some, but the smaller body will appeal to beginners or players with smaller hands. To find a signature model from one of the world’s greatest punk bands at under $300, this Malibu shows great value.

For more info about the Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu, click here.
For more  acoustic guitars under $300, click here.