Fender Paramount PM-2 Standard Parlor

Fender continues to grow their affordable acoustic line with the new workhorse worthy Paramount series. Unveiled at the recently concluded 2016 NAMM show, this series is starting out with 3 models – Dreadnought, Triple 0 and Parlor. And as always our main focus will be on the Parlor models, of which the Fender Paramount PM-2 Standard Parlor is included.

The Paramount Series is an interesting release by Fender because it shows how the company is upping their game in the acoustic market, and are now targeting the $500 to $1000 price bracket where most working musicians usually grab their workhorse axe. And this applies to the Paramount PM-2 Standard Parlor, which comes with an all-solidwood body and built-in electronics – while keeping the price reasonable at just under $800.

Thankfully, this parlor guitar does not have the awkward looking Strat style headstock, rather it follows conventional guitar designs based on acoustic guitars from the ’60s. Granted that there are some cool Fender acoustics that had the Strat headstock, I highly doubt it would work on a small parlor, so I was relieved that it was not used on the new Paramount series.

The top of the guitar is crafted from solid Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are made from solid mahogany. This is a tonewood combination that’s familiar and well loved by most guitarists – characterized by full sounding and punchy strums with emphasis on the lows and higher frequencies. Since the body shape is smaller, the PM-2 Standard Parlor adds a bit more emphasis on the mids which makes it a great complement for other bigger acoustics.

The guitar has a short 24.75″ scale mahogany neck that is topped by a rosewood fingerboard. It has a total of 19 frets, with a fingerboard radius of 15.75″ and a bone nut that is 1.75″ wide. The neck joins the body at the 12th fret, much like how older acoustic guitars are configured. All-in-all, the C-shape neck feels convenient and easy to play, as expected from traditional parlor guitars.

Giving this parlor guitar it’s plugged-in voice is the new Fishman and Fender co-designed Paramount preamp systems. It is said that each of the new Paramount models have custom tweaked preamps that are specifically voiced to match their shape. This means that the plugged in tone of the new PM-2 Standard Parlor will be closer to it’s natural acoustic sound.

Wrapping up the features of this guitar are cosmetic appointments and hardware which include the checkerboard purfling and rosette, unique pickguard shape, abalone and mother-of-pearl “Concert Tone” finger inlays. A nifty hardshell case with humidifier is also included, making this parlor guitar even more of a tempting package.

For more information on the new Fender Paramount PM-2 Standard Parlor, you can head over to Fender.