Are Fenech Guitars Good?
Over the past few years we've had a growing number of players walk into our store asking about Fenech guitars. Some already know the brand. Others have heard the name and want to understand what makes them different. Aaron has been popping up on social media quite a bit as Australian guitar players get more and more familiar with this newer Australian Guitar brand. Offering something different to the mass producers, the tone style and feel is something unique to other builders.
So the question comes up often Are Fenech guitars actually good?
Short answer — yes. But the interesting part is why.
Who Builds Fenech Guitars?
Fenech guitars are built on the Gold Coast, Australia by Aaron Fenech and his team. Unlike many larger guitar brands, production is still relatively small. Each guitar is carefully voiced during the build process, which is part of the reason players notice their responsiveness and projection. The guitars combine traditional luthiery with modern acoustic design techniques, including modal tuning.
What Makes Fenech Guitars Different?
Most acoustic guitars are built using well-established bracing patterns and construction methods. Fenech guitars take a slightly different approach.
Modal tuning
The tops are tuned during the build process to optimise how the guitar vibrates across the frequency spectrum. Many players notice the guitar feels very alive under the hands. For players this often translates to:
• strong projection
• quick response
• clear note separation
• balanced tone across the strings
How Do Fenech Guitars Sound?
One of the most noticeable things about a Fenech guitar is clarity. Rather than having huge bass or an overly bright top end, the guitars tend to have a balanced, articulate voice. The guitars tend to sit well in a mix without getting muddy. This makes them particularly popular with:
• fingerstyle players
• singer-songwriters
• modern acoustic performers
• recording musicians
I always tell people that Australian Guitars have a similar accent. While obviously they all sound different, the general characteristic of an Australian Guitar has traditionally been mid-high end focused in terms of tone when compared to their US counterparts. Fenech Guitars sit somewhere different. Offering a more American voice to an Australian built instrument, these guitars are better compared to US brands than those guitars built with Australian Timbers.
Are Fenech Guitars Good For Live Performance?
Yes — and this is actually where many players really appreciate them. Because the guitars are designed with balanced projection, they often cut through clearly in live settings. Players performing solo or in small ensembles often comment that the guitars remain articulate even when played harder.
Fenech Masterbuilt Guitars
At the top end of the range are the Fenech Masterbuilt models. This is the one to go for when you really want something personal. These guitars are individually voiced and built using premium tonewoods such as Madagascan or Guatemalan rosewood. They are often chosen by players who want a high-end acoustic instrument with unique tonal character and visual detail.
Who Should Consider a Fenech Guitar?
Fenech guitars are particularly worth exploring if you are looking for:
• a high-end Australian acoustic guitar
• strong projection and clarity
• a responsive instrument for fingerstyle or modern acoustic playing• something different from traditional acoustic designs
Trying Fenech Guitars
Acoustic guitars are very personal instruments. Even within the same model, each guitar can have its own character. At Colemans Music in South Melbourne we regularly carry a selection of Fenech guitars, including some rare and Masterbuilt instruments, so players can compare them side by side.
Looking to buy a Fenech guitar? It’s available now at Coleman's Music in South Melbourne or online with fast shipping Australia-wide. We're a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it with great service.
