Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Harley Benton goes for the '80s vibe as it refreshes its ST-80FR shred guitars in six Sparkle Burst finishes – including Hologram.
Guitars Harley Benton takes on the high-performance heavyweights with a Sparkle Burst refresh of its $400 Floyd-equipped S-style
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
Deals of the week logo
Tech MusicRadar deals of the week: We've found over £1,000 off a PRS, $200 off the Akai Pro MPC Key 37, and so much more
Harley Benton TE Tremolo Series
Guitars Harley Benton unveils three entry-level T-styles with Bigbsy-style vibratos and vintage mojo to burn
Taylor Academy 10E
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitar for beginners: Strum your first chords with our choice of beginner acoustic guitars
Man presses acoustic bridge pin into an acoustic guitar
Guitar Strings Best acoustic guitar strings 2026: Find your favourite acoustic strings
Mark Morton with his signature Les Paul Modern
Artists How Mark Morton and Gibson reinvented the Les Paul for modern metal – and why passive beats active humbuckers hands down
Close up of LR Baggs acoustic guitar pickup
Guitar Pickups Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic for stage, studio and sound fx – our top picks for all budgets
Gretsch Synchromatic Flacon close up of pickguard
Electric Guitars Best Gretsch guitars 2026: Nail that Gretsch sound at any price point
Hottest music tech gear of NAMM
Tech The best music tech gear of NAMM 2026: Epic polys, acoustic synths, budget samplers, a Behringer Juno and more
Custom Line King-12 CE NT
Acoustic Guitars "For a guitar that comes in at this price, the overall build is impressive, with a level of attention to detail that’s more than respectable": Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NT review
Harley Benton ST-Modern Carlos Asensio
Electric Guitars “An absolute steal when it comes to quality and value for money”: Harley Benton ST-Modern Carlos Asensio CGM review
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $500/£500 2026: Affordable electrics
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Guitars Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
More
  • Sly and Survivor
  • In My Life
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • One chord Diamond
  1. Guitars
  2. Acoustic Guitars

NAMM 2103: Fender launches Acoustic Custom Shop

News
By Rob Power published 23 January 2013

Newporter returns alongside new Kingman models

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Fender launches Acoustic Custom Shop

Fender launches Acoustic Custom Shop

NAMM 2013: Fender has launched a new Connecticut-based Acoustic Custom Shop with new new rangers, the Pro Custom Series and the Collector Custom Series.

The new models include the distinctive Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst and the Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway, as well as a welcome return for the Pro Custom Newporter.

Read on for full specs on all the new models, and visit the official Fender website for more information.

Fender press release

At the new Fender Acoustic Custom Shop in Connecticut, Fender's finest luthiers have dedicated themselves to creating acoustic guitars that blend the best of modern Fender design with outstanding instrumental artistry generations in the making. Built with the best materials, techniques and traditions, Fender Acoustic Custom Shop instruments ring true with discerning players everywhere as U.S.-made instruments of tonal excellence, striking design, superb playability and loads of distinctive Fender personality.

Fender introduced a welcome shot of youthful West Coast energy and innovation to the acoustic guitar world more than half a century ago. Today, the Fender Acoustic Custom Shop stakes an exciting new high-end claim amid the establishment, with a well-crafted collection offering both bold and traditional instruments. Combining exceptional features and workmanship with Fender style and innovation, each Fender Acoustic Custom Shop guitar is a pleasure to play and an instrument to prize.

Page 1 of 13
Page 1 of 13
Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst

Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst

Fender press release

The stunning new limited edition Kingman C USA Antigua Burst cutaway dreadnought model resurrects Fender's classic and highly distinctive Antigua finish of the mid-1960s. Built in the United States by the skilled craftsmen of Fender's state-of-the-art workshop in New Hartford, Conn., it also boasts a solid Engelmann spruce top with forward-shifted scalloped X bracing and elegant checkerboard rosette, solid mahogany back and sides, and aged white neck and body binding.

Page 2 of 13
Page 2 of 13
Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst

Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst

Fender press release (cont.)

This special model presents the original Antigua finish, which was a "burst"-type finish that graduated from brown to off-white.

Page 3 of 13
Page 3 of 13
Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst

Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst

Fender press release (cont.)

Other premium features include a one-piece maple neck with a vintage-style "C"-shaped profile and Stratocaster® headstock, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with 9" radius and comfortably rolled edges, rosewood bridge with bone saddle and black-dot bone pins, Fishman® Matrix™ Infinity pickup/preamp system with volume and tone controls, and lacquer finish. Special limited edition run of 75 instruments.

Page 4 of 13
Page 4 of 13
Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst specs

Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst specs

Fender Pro Custom Kingman "C" Antigua Burst specs

Body Shape: Dreadnought

Body Back: Solid Mahogany

Body Sides: Solid Mahogany

Body Top: Solid Engelmann Spruce

Bracing: Forward Shifted Scalloped X

Rosette: Checkerboard

Body Binding: Ivoroid

Neck Shape: Vintage "C"

Number of Frets: 20

Position Inlays: Block

Fingerboard Radius: 9" (22.9 cm)

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Neck Material:
1-Piece Maple

Nut Width: 1.7" (43.2 mm)

Scale Length: 25.625" (65.09 cm)

Headstock: Stratocaster® Headstock

Neck Binding: Aged White

Truss Rods: Dual-Action

Special Electronics: Fishman® Matrix™ Infinity Pickup System

Controls: Volume, Tone

Hardware Finish: Nickel

Bridge: Rosewood

String Nut: Bone

Tuning Machines: Vintage Fender® Style, Nickel

Page 5 of 13
Page 5 of 13
Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway

Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway

Fender press release

Fender is proud to introduce the new limited-edition U.S.A. Select Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway - a U.S.-made, finely crafted auditorium-style acoustic with a tropical touch that produces the tonal characteristics of a dreadnought in a model with a smaller cutaway body.

Page 6 of 13
Page 6 of 13
Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway

Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway

Fender press release cont.

Ideal for flatpickers, the guitar’s top, back and sides are beautifully fashioned from solid “AA”-grade Hawaiian koa with a gloss lacquer finish for bright, responsive and dynamic tone.

Page 7 of 13
Page 7 of 13
Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway

Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway

Fender press release (cont.)

Other features include scalloped X bracing, aged Ivoroid neck and body binding, abalone rosette, mahogany neck with soft "V" shape and dual-action truss rod, 20-fret ebony fingerboard with bone nut and block inlays, ebony bridge with bone saddle, bone bridge pins with abalone dots, gold hardware and tuners, and Fishman® Matrix™ Infinity pickup and electronics. Limited-edition series of 150 instruments.

Page 8 of 13
Page 8 of 13
Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway specs

Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway specs

Fender Pro Custom Classic Koa Auditorium Cutaway Specs

Body Shape: Auditorium

Body Back: Solid "AA" Hawaiian Koa

Body Sides: Solid "AA" Hawaiian Koa

Body Top: Solid "AA" Hawaiian Koa

Bracing: Scalloped X

Rosette: Abalone

Body Binding: Ivoroid

Neck Shape: Soft "V"

Number of Frets: 20

Position Inlays: Block

Fingerboard Radius: 12" (305 mm)

Fingerboard: Ebony

Neck Material: Mahogany

Nut Width: 1.7" (43.2 mm)

Scale Length: 25.625" (65.09 cm)

Neck Binding: Ivoroid

Truss Rods: Dual-Action

Special Electronics: Fishman® Matrix™ Infinity Pickup System

Controls: Volume, Tone

Hardware Finish: Gold

Bridge: Ebony

String Nut: Bone

Tuning Machines: Die-Cast Gold

Page 9 of 13
Page 9 of 13
Pro Custom Kingman C

Pro Custom Kingman C

Fender press release

With a nod to the Fender Custom Shop in California, the new limited edition U.S.A. Select Kingman C dreadnought is a wonder to behold - let alone play - with beautifully resonant tone and beautifully elegant design distinguished by a Fiesta Red gloss finish, aged white body and neck binding, and vintage-style appointments.

Page 10 of 13
Page 10 of 13
Pro Custom Kingman C

Pro Custom Kingman C

Fender press release cont.

Premium features include a solid Engelmann spruce top with forward-shifting scalloped X bracing and solid mahogany back and sides for unbelievably rich tone; vintage C-shaped maple neck with rolled edges, dual-action truss rod and Stratocaster® headstock shape; 9”-radius rosewood fingerboard with bone nut and 20 frets, stylish checkerboard rosette and three-ply pickguard (white-black-white); rosewood bridge with black-dot bone pins and bone saddle; vintage-style nickel tuners and hardware; and Fishman® Matrix™ Infinity electronics for crystal-clear amplified sound. Accessories include shaped deluxe hardshell Tolex case, deluxe leather strap and certificate of authenticity. Limited to 150 instruments.

Page 11 of 13
Page 11 of 13
Pro Custom Kingman C specs

Pro Custom Kingman C specs

Fender Pro Custom Kingman C Specs

Body Shape: Dreadnought
Body Back: Solid Mahogany
Body Sides: Solid Mahogany
Body Top: Solid Engelmann Spruce
Bracing: Forward Shifted Scalloped X
Rosette: Checkerboard
Body Binding: Aged White
Neck Shape: Vintage "C"
Number of Frets: 20
Position Inlays: Dot
Fingerboard Radius: 9" (22.9 cm)
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Neck Material: Maple
Nut Width: 1.7" (43.2 mm)
Scale Length: 25.625" (65.09 cm)
Headstock: Stratocaster® Headstock
Neck Binding: Aged White
Truss Rods: Dual-Action
Special Electronics: Fishman® Matrix™ Infinity Pickup System
Controls: Volume, Tone
Hardware Finish:Nickel
Bridge: Rosewood
String Nut: Bone
Tuning Machines: Vintage Fender® Style, Nickel

Page 12 of 13
Page 12 of 13
Pro Custom Newporter

Pro Custom Newporter

Fender press release

The Newporter is back! Limited Edition to 150 pieces worldwide, the Newporter is an all solid mahogany orhestra shape body tone machine that will have you reminsicing about the fun and sun '60's fender acoustics but built in our New Hartford workshop with stunning detail and craftsmanship. Other features include, gold pickguard, "viking" style bridge, lacquer finish, Fishman pickup system, and maple neck with Stratocaster® headstock.

Page 13 of 13
Page 13 of 13
Rob Power
Read more
The new models of theMartin Road Series 2026 are photographed in a living space.
Guitars Has Martin redefined the workhorse acoustic? Legendary brand announces blockbuster refresh of its Road Series
 
 
Faith Guitars Nexus Neptune and Venus 2026
Acoustic Guitars “For those seeking acoustic power, projection and an enormous amount of volume": Faith unleashes a slew of updates and new models at NAMM
 
 
Taylor Next Generation Grand Auditorium: the two refreshed cutaway electro-acoustic guitars are photographed in front of a green sofa and a vintage hi-fi unit.
Guitars Taylor refreshes flagship acoustic with a trio of game-changing features – meet the Next Generation Grand Auditorium
 
 
Chris Buck RS02CB Revstar Signature Electric Guitar in Honey Gold
Guitars “The truest conduit between the acoustic resonance of the guitar and its electric voice” says Chris Buck of the custom P90-style pickups in his new signature Yamaha Revstar
 
 
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2026: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
 
 
Squier Sonic Series: featuring mini-Stratocasters, single-humbucker Esquires and cult offsets too, the Fender-owned budget brand has made a big play for the beginner market in 2026
Guitars Squier unveils huge Sonic Series refresh – super-affordable, beginner and child-friendly versions of classic Fender models
 
 
Latest in Acoustic Guitars
The Gibson Songwriter Recording Artist Series in cutaway and non-cutaway versions, and in Rosewood Burst or Antique Natural finishes.
Guitars A future player favourite? Gibson unveils the Songwriter Recording Artist acoustics
 
 
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Acoustics 2026: the new all-solid core range takes its design cues from classic high-end Gibson USA builds.
Guitars Epiphone raises the bar for its acoustic guitar range with all-solid builds, rosewood fingerboards and affordable takes on Gibson classics
 
 
Custom Line King-12 CE NT
Acoustic Guitars "For a guitar that comes in at this price, the overall build is impressive, with a level of attention to detail that’s more than respectable": Harley Benton Custom Line King-12 CE NT review
 
 
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Guitars Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
 
 
Gibson Original Collection (L-R) featuring the SJ-200 60s, J-160E, and the LG-2 50s.
Guitars The Beatles-approved J-160E makes its return as Gibson unveils a trio of Original Collection flat-tops celebrating the golden era of acoustic guitar making
 
 
Lag HyVibe HV10ACE
Acoustic Guitars “Powerful, extremely versatile and creatively refreshing, it offers a ton of inspiration if you click with it”: LAG HyVibe 10 HV10ACE
review
 
 
Latest in News
christopher cross
Samples SampleRadar: 142 free yacht rock samples
 
 
John Oates and Michael Jackson
Artists John Oates agrees with Daryl Hall that I Can’t Go For That was the inspiration for Billie Jean
 
 
Dio, 1983: Ronnie James Dio, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain, Viv Campbell
Drummers "We were just having a great time”: Vinny Appice remembers his time with Ronnie James Dio
 
 
Thundercat performs at Aviva Studios on March 27, 2026 in Manchester, England
Singles And Albums “Mac’s death was a traumatic experience for me”: Thundercat on how losing Mac Miller made him change his life
 
 
session cards
Music Theory And Songwriting Can this $149 deck of cards help you write better songs?
 
 
Taylor Swift sings the National Anthem as the Detroit Lions host the Miami Dolphins in a Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on November 23, 2006.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Artists Back in 2006, Taylor Swift took a hands-on approach to getting her music played on the radio
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...