Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier

Enhancing the Acoustic Guitar Experience

The inspiration for the Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier came from the natural sound of an acoustic guitar and its significance to the player. The designers at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation wanted to create a connection between the amplifier and the instrument by using natural wood materials. This not only complements the acoustic guitar but also reflects the overall sound quality of the amplifier.

What sets the Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier apart from others is its use of bent plywood. This unique material provides a strong relation to the instrument and adds a touch of elegance to the design. Additionally, the amplifier features a new handle design that offers a better ergonomic experience for transportation.

The realization of the Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier involved exploring the furniture industry's use of bent plywood. The product is made from FSC plywood, combined with injection molded plastics and overmolded components on the handle and base. The SFX technology and digital effects are developed by Fender Musical Instruments, showcasing their expertise in both design and technology.

Technical specifications of the Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier include a two-channel 160-watt stereo combo amplifier, 8" low-frequency driver, 6.5" side-radiating speaker, compression driver high-frequency horn, and onboard effects such as hall reverb, echo, delay, chorus, and Vibratone.

The Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier is designed to achieve optimal sonic results when placed in a room with several walls. Acoustic guitar players can simply plug their guitar into the amplifier and select an effect using the controls on top. The combination of the side-firing speaker, acoustic properties, and SFX technology creates a full, room-filling sound.

The initial research for the Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier involved interviewing and observing acoustic guitar players in their playing environments. The designers focused on simplicity, portability, and the importance of the instrument's natural sound. These insights led to the use of bent plywood and the creation of a new design language that challenges the traditional amplifier design.

Overcoming production challenges, such as marrying different technologies and materials, was crucial for the success of the Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier. The designers had to ensure that bent plywood, plastics, rubber, and cloth worked together seamlessly. Additionally, creating a manufactured sealed wood box with optimal sound characteristics was a technical challenge.

The Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier features a finished bent plywood shell that complements the acoustic guitar and provides a relation to the instrument. The soft-touch covered handle offers an ergonomic feel for transportation. The control panel is laid out in a clean and intuitive pattern, enhancing the user's experience with the digital effects and SFX technology.

The Fender Acoustic SFX Amplifier was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2016. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. The amplifier's technical characteristics and remarkable level of excellence have earned it recognition in the design community.