Fender guitars are legendary, primarily known for their electric icons like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. However, the Fender acoustic guitar lineup offers some surprising gems. The T-Bucket 400CE, a dreadnought-sized acoustic-electric guitar with a striking flame maple top, is one such instrument that deserves attention. It’s not just visually appealing; this Fender acoustic guitar delivers a pleasing sound and, crucially, remains accessible for players looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal of the T-Bucket 400CE
The first thing that grabs your eye is the T-Bucket 400CE’s stunning flame maple soundboard. The shimmering quality of the maple is beautifully complemented by the laminated lacewood back and sides, which exhibit a unique pebble-grained texture. This Fender acoustic guitar doesn’t shy away from bold aesthetics. The “hot-rod” theme is subtly integrated into the rosette and fret markers, featuring distinctive “nuts” and “bolts” icons that add a touch of personality. Adding to the vintage vibe are the butter-bean tuning machines, completing a visually engaging package.
Playability and Neck Profile for Comfort
The T-Bucket 400CE is designed with playability in mind. The neck boasts a thin “C” shape profile, making it comfortable for a wide range of players. Combined with a slick, low action right out of the box and light gauge strings (.012–.052), this Fender acoustic guitar encourages fast and precise playing. The nut width of 1.625 inches is slender, facilitating easy thumb-over chording techniques favored by players inspired by artists like Pete Townshend. The attractive maple headstock further enhances the overall neck aesthetics.
Close-up of Fender T-Bucket 400CE soundhole and rosette
Acoustic Sound and Versatility
While the T-Bucket 400CE isn’t specifically designed for niche genres like Gypsy jazz, its acoustic voice is surprisingly versatile. Testing it with Django Reinhardt-inspired runs revealed a convincing rhythm guitar tone. The slightly compressed sound and mid-range punch of this Fender acoustic guitar make it well-suited for rhythm playing in various styles. The inclusion of a cutaway is a practical feature, providing easy access to the higher frets, which is beneficial for players exploring lead lines and solos across different musical genres.
Amplified Performance with Fishman Electronics
For amplified performance, this Fender acoustic guitar is equipped with a Fishman Isys III pickup system. This system offers onboard volume and comprehensive EQ controls, including bass, middle, and treble adjustments, along with a tuner. Having three EQ bands provides greater flexibility in shaping the amplified tone to suit different playing styles and sonic preferences. Whether you need more bass for strumming or less mid-range for fingerpicking, the Fishman system allows for detailed tonal adjustments. In a live setting, the T-Bucket 400CE demonstrated a crisp and clear amplified sound, proving its capability for stage performance.
Value Proposition and Conclusion
The Fender T-Bucket 400CE presents an exceptional value proposition. While it doesn’t include a case or gig bag, which is an additional expense to consider, the guitar itself is priced at an attractive $399. For this price, you get a visually striking, playable, and good-sounding Fender acoustic-electric guitar that is well-suited for both practice and performance. If you’re in the market for an affordable and versatile Fender acoustic guitar, the T-Bucket 400CE is definitely worth considering.
AT A GLANCE: Fender T-Bucket 400CE
BODY
SHAPE Dreadnought cutaway with a 14-fret neck junction
TOP Laminated flamed maple
BACK & SIDES Laminated lacewood
BRACING Quartersawn scalloped “X”
NECK
MATERIAL Maple
NUT 1.625 inches
STRING LENGTH 25.3-inch scale
PROFILE “C” shape
FINGERBOARD Rosewood
HEADSTOCK Maple laminate
RADIUS 11.81-inch
NUT Graph Tech NuBone
STRINGS Fender Dura-Tone Coated 80/20 Bronze (.012–.052)
TUNERS Chrome die-cast
ELECTRONICS
Fishman Isys III system with active 3-band EQ and tuner
PRICE
$399
Made in Indonesia
