Fender MC-1 3/4 Nylon Acoustic Guitar

If you are interested in a 3/4 size classical guitar, one option is the Fender MC-1 3/4 Nylon Acoustic Guitar. It is a great instrument if you are looking for a smaller size, classical style for a child in the 8 to 12-year-old age range. Some users will love that they can get a Fender in this price range, purely because of Fender’s reputation. Fender makes a whole range of well crafted, good quality, and good sounding guitars. The MC-1 is an excellent choice for kids because it is small, well made, and not very expensive.

Along with its shorter scale length, has a nice slim neck that is great for children’s small fingers. Since it is a classical style it has the nylon strings that many people like to start kind on (rather than the steel strings of an acoustic.) The woods that are used are similar to other student guitars in this price range.

If you like Fender guitars, there is a similarly sized option that has the steel strings called the Fender MA-1.

Read More: Guide to Buying a Beginner Classical (Nylon Stringed) Guitar for a Child

Appearance

It is a ¾ size model, and the scale length is 23.3”, which makes it a nice size for kids who are 8 to 12 years old.  It comes in a natural color; it’s made of a laminated agathis top with Sapele back and sides. It also features a beautiful wood mosaic rosette which gives the guitar a bit of personality.  The fingerboard is rosewood, and the neck is nato. Since it is the classical style, the top three strings are nylon the bottom three strings are nylon wound with wire. It also has upgraded tuners, and you get the Fender headstock logo.

Playability

The MC-1 is a great guitar to learn on; the size makes it very fun to play. Kids will love the feel of the body and the thin neck. The MC-1 is very lightweight which helps to make it more comfortable and easier to play. Another critical thing to look for in a children’s guitar is that it stays in tune. This model does stay in tune well, which helps to add to the general overall great playability.

Sound

If you are a serious guitar person, you may find that the laminate top doesn’t give you the type of sound that you will get from guitars with more expensive woods, but I really like the sound of the MC-1. Most kids will also like the sound. Obviously, it is crazy to compare this to a more expensive guitar as far as the sound goes, but for this price range, it sounds great.

Quality

If you compare the MC-1 to higher end Fenders, you will probably have a lot to complain about with the quality of this model. But if you look at it compared to other guitars in this price range from other companies, you will be pretty happy with it. To me, I almost feel like this guitar is under-priced. I think a lot of people would probably pay another $100 or so for it. It is well made, with the construction being top notch. Also, it’s a Fender, so with this model you are getting all of the technique and knowledge that they have acquired over the years, but since they are using the laminate materials, you are getting a remarkably affordable instrument.

What to look out for with this guitar

• Classical guitars don’t usually come with a strap attachment.
• The gig bag that comes with it is a little flimsy
• The strings are nylon so they need to be stretched for a week or so until they will stay in tune.

Overall

The MC-1 is an excellent starter guitar for kids. The fact it is lightweight, a 3/4 size and has the nylon strings make it ideal for beginners. The Fender brand name also means that you will be getting a well-constructed, good quality guitar for the price. If you do go with this model, you may want to invest in a padded gig bag, since the bag that comes with it isn’t the greatest.

Check it out on Amazon

Specifications- Fender MC-1 3/4 Nylon Acoustic
Top Material- Laminated Agathis
Back and Sides- Laminated Sapele
Neck- Nato
FingerBoard- Rosewood
Bridge- Rosewood with Compensated Saddle
Fingerboard Radius- 11.81″ (300 mm)
String Scale- 23.3″ (592 mm)
Case- Sold separately