Fender Kingman SCE and Malibu SCE.(GEAR: Bench Test)(Product/service evaluation)

SEEKING TO RECAPTURE SOME OF THE FUN-IN-the-sun spirit of its '60s-era acoustics, Fender has introduced two affordable flat-tops that combine classic Fender elements with up-to-date accoutrements such as cutaways and active electronics. The Kingman and Malibu differ mainly in body size, the Malibu being the smaller of the two, and both sport solid tops and backs, glued-in necks with soft "V" shapes, Strat-style headstocks with in-line tuners, and high-gloss polyurethane finishes. Both guitars have compensated saddles, and each is fitted with a Fishman active system that includes an under-saddle piezo pickup and preamp. A panel on the upper bout features sliders for controlling volume and EQ as well as a non-chromatic tuner with LED note and flat/sharp indications. Activat ing the tuner automatically mutes the guitar's output for silent tuning. To replace the 9-volt battery (when an LED indicates the need to do so), simply grasp the latches located on the preamp face, squeeze them together, and pull the entire unit upward until the battery can be slid out of its holder.

The build quality of the Kingman and Malibu is very good, with tidy interior construction, flawless binding and rosettes, and blemish-free finishes that highlight the deep, rich graining of the mahogany. A few glue smears could be seen on the bridge of the Malibu, but that's the only cosmetic flub we found.

KINGMAN

Based on the original King guitar of the mid '60s (a model that Fender discontinued in the early '70s), the Kingman is a dreadnought-sized instrument that feels a little more svelte than many of its ilk, due to its lightness and relatively slim neck. It plays comfortably--despite the action on our review model being on the high side--and the neck shape and width are quite satisfying. Those who predominantly play electric guitars may only need to switch to lighter strings in order to feel right at home with this axe.

This guitar plays tunefully in all positions, and it delivers a bright, full sound with plenty of bottom and clear, detailed highs. The Kingman isn't quite the sonic cannon of a standard Martin D-28 we used for comparison, but it does put out a good deal of volume, and it sounds cool whether you're softly fingering jazzy chords or strumming hard with a flatpick. The Kingman's neck and cutaway make things very inviting for lead playing, and the guitar's abundant midrange punch helps the notes cut though in louder situations. Plugged into a variety of amps--including a Genz-Benz Shenandoah Pro and a Mesa/Boogie Lonestar Special--the Kingman needed only minor tweaks of its onboard controls to deliver happening tones. Piezo coloration is very minimal. Even when picking strings forcefully, you don't hear much in the way of spiky artifacts. Whatever Fender and Fishman have done to make the Classic 4T system sound this natural is a very cool thing, and the result is a more satisfying amplified experience than you often get from lower-priced ...