The Fender Coronado electric guitar holds a special place in the pantheon of iconic instruments. A product of the mid-1960s, the Coronado represents a departure from traditional solid body Fender designs and remains a unique cherished relic of the CBS era. With its distinctive semi-hollow body, unique aesthetics, and a sound that blends twangy brightness with resonant chime, the Coronado has made a notable impact on the history of electric guitars.

By 1965, Fender was already a top name in the electric guitar industry, with classic models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster gracing stages and studios around the world. However, the company sought to diversify its product lineup and compete with some of the popular hollow and semi-hollow body instruments offered by other manufacturers.

The Coronado was Fender’s answer to this challenge, featuring a fully hollow design that set it apart from its solid-body siblings. The unique construction of the guitar involved a laminated maple body with dual F-holes, which not only enhanced the aesthetics but also contributed to the unique tone of the instrument.

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One of the most striking aspects of the Coronado is its aesthetics. With its bound top, distinctive “hockey stick” headstock, and elegant finishes, it exudes a sense of 60’s class. The guitar also had a symmetrical double-cutaway design, allowing easier access to higher frets. Fender also implemented unique woods for certain Coronado models, such as the “Wildwood” Coronado II seen above. Wildwood Coronados were constructed of laminated beechwood rather than Maple and unique to the model. These are just some of the design elements set the Coronado apart as a visual treat for both players and audiences.

In terms of playability, the Coronado offers a comfortable, familiar experience. The neck is a standard Fender 25.5″ scale length, with its profile typically being a medium C-shape, making for it accessible for a wide range of players. The hollow body certainly makes for a guitar that feels light and easy to handle. This ease of playability is a significant reason why the Coronado has maintained its popularity over the years.

Another defining characteristic of the Fender Coronado is its unique sound. The guitar produces a unique blend of twang, warmth, and brightness. The hollow chambers in the body give the instrument a resonant quality that’s particularly suited for genres like pop, rock and blues.

Each Coronado model came equipped with DeArmond single-coil pickups, as seen on this Cherry Red ’66 Coronado XII for sale here at IVG. These pickups weren’t typical of Fender to use by any means, but they provide a classic, sparkling sound associated mostly with Gretsch and Guild guitars of the 1950’s and 60’s. The hollow body adds an additional layer of depth and complexity to the tone, resulting in a unique sonic signature that’s equally at home in rock, blues, and jazz settings.

The Fender Coronado underwent several changes and iterations over the years. Early models (Coronado I) featured only one pickup, while later models (Coronado II) incorporated dual pickups for a thicker, more powerful sound and tonal variety. These variations catered to different player preferences and musical styles.

Fender discontinued the Coronado in the early 1970s, but the guitar has seen a resurgence in popularity among vintage enthusiasts and modern players. In response to this resurgence, Fender reissued the Coronado, staying true to the guitar’s original design and sound, while adding contemporary improvements.

The Fender Coronado may not have achieved the same level of iconic status as its solid-body siblings like the Stratocaster or Telecaster, but it remains a beloved and influential instrument in its own right. Its unique design and tonal qualities have left a lasting impression on guitarists for many decades.

Many notable musicians, including “The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll” Elvis Presley, have wielded the Coronado, further cementing its place in the hall of fame of electric guitars. Its legacy lives on not just in the vintage market, but also in the hands of contemporary players like Thom Yorke of Radiohead, who continue to be inspired by its distinctive character.

The Coronado is a humble vintage icon that has earned its place in Fender’s history. Its unique semi-hollow design, distinctive aesthetics, and a tone that blends warmth with brightness make it a cherished instrument for players and collectors alike. The Coronado’s influence goes far beyond its production years, as it continues to captivate the hearts of musicians, both old and new, who appreciate its unique sonic palette and timeless elegance.