Fender Baritone Buying guide
Fender Baritone: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a Fender baritone means understanding scale length, tuning, playability, and where to find one. Here's the complete guide to making the right choice.
If you're thinking about buying a Fender baritone, you're standing at an interesting crossroads. A Fender baritone sits between a standard electric guitar and a bass guitar—it offers sonic territory that neither can quite reach. But buying one without understanding what you're actually paying for leads to disappointment. This guide walks you through exactly what to look for, which models make sense at different price points, and what pitfalls to avoid when choosing your Fender baritone.
Understanding the Fender Baritone Landscape
Fender makes several baritone models, ranging from budget-friendly to premium. Understanding the landscape helps you pick the right one for your needs and budget:
- Fender Baritone Custom (Squier): the budget entry—often £150–250 secondhand. Decent playability and tone for the price, though build quality is entry-level.
- Fender Baritone Standard models: mid-range (£400–700 used, £600–900 new). Solid construction, reliable hardware, a genuine Fender feel.
- Fender Baritone Vintage Reissue or Artist Signature models: premium (£1,000+). Premium materials, meticulous construction, boutique-quality hardware.
For most players, a standard Fender baritone offers the best value. You get Fender's engineering without paying for vintage collector premiums.
Key Specs to Check Before Buying
Scale Length
This is the distance from the nut (the ridge at the headstock) to the bridge. A standard Fender Stratocaster scale is 25.5 inches; a baritone is typically 28.5–29.625 inches. The longer scale accommodates lower tuning without the strings feeling floppy. When you're shopping, confirm the scale length. Longer scale = deeper, more articulate tone but slightly more finger stretch required.
Tuning and String Gauge
Most Fender baritones come strung in B–E–A–D–F#–B tuning (down from standard by a fourth). Some come in A–D–G–C–E–A. When buying, ask what tuning and string gauge the guitar is set for. Heavier gauge strings (0.062"–0.046" range) are thicker and produce better tone but feel stiffer.
Neck Profile and Playability
A Fender baritone neck is usually medium or slightly slimmer than a standard Strat neck, which is good for players with smaller or medium-sized hands. Hold one in person if possible. The neck should feel comfortable when your hand is fretting notes. If it feels awkward, don't force it—another model might suit your hand better.
Body Wood and Construction
Most Fender baritones use alder or ash for the body. Alder is warm and resonant; ash is brighter and tighter. For tone preference, alder (warmer) suits rock and alternative; ash (brighter) suits more articulate genres. Check that the body has no deep cracks, dents, or structural damage. Minor surface damage is cosmetic and doesn't affect playability or longevity.
Pickups
Fender baritones typically come with single-coil or humbucker pickups. Single-coils are bright and articulate; humbuckers are thick and warm. For baritone, humbuckers or a humbucker/single-coil mix is common because the thicker tone suits the lower register. Check what's on the guitar you're considering. Some players later replace pickups, so don't pay a premium solely for pickup brand—good pickups can be upgraded later.
Hardware and Bridge
Quality hardware matters for tuning stability. A Fender baritone should have solid tuning pegs that turn smoothly and hold pitch (not slipping), a bridge that's structurally sound, and a nut that looks well-cut (no notches that are too deep or misaligned). Ask to tune the guitar and see if it stays in tune for a few minutes. If it drifts immediately, hardware might need work or replacement.
Price Tiers and What You're Actually Buying
| Price Range | Condition / Type | What You're Getting | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| £150–300 | Budget new or used Squier | Playable instrument, entry-level hardware, basic tone | Curious players, bedroom testing, absolute beginners |
| £300–600 | Used standard Fender or new Squier | Solid playability, better hardware, professional tone | Semi-pro players, gigging musicians, serious learners |
| £600–1,000 | New standard Fender or vintage/rare used | Premium construction, reliable hardware, distinctive tone | Professional players, collectors, touring musicians |
| £1,000+ | Premium, vintage, or signature models | Boutique-quality, collector's value, unique character | Professionals, collectors, those seeking specific vintage tone |
For most players, the £400–700 range (used standard Fender) offers the best value—genuine Fender quality without collector premiums.
Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Buying based on price alone. A cheap Fender baritone might need setup (intonation adjustment, fret levelling) within weeks. Budget for potential setup costs (£50–150) when buying used. Sometimes spending £100 more gets you a properly maintained instrument that needs nothing.
Mistake 2: Ignoring playability in person. Online shopping is convenient, but a baritone's playability depends on neck feel, string height, and fret condition—things you can't evaluate from photos. If possible, play one in person before buying or ensure the seller has a no-quibble return policy.
Mistake 3: Assuming all baritones sound the same. A 1990s Fender baritone sounds different from a modern one. Vintage models have different pickups, tonewoods, and hardware. Listen to clips of the specific model you're considering before buying.
Mistake 4: Overlooking setup and intonation. A baritone with perfect action (string height) and intonation (whether fretted notes are in tune) is worth more than one that's technically "rare" but unplayable. When evaluating a used guitar, check if it's been set up recently or if it needs work.
Mistake 5: Buying a baritone when what you actually need is a bass. If you're drawn to deeper tones primarily for bass-like riffs, a bass guitar might be more appropriate. A baritone is for players who want guitar technique and lower tone together—not a bass replacement.
Where to Buy and What to Expect
New Fender baritones are available through music shops, online retailers, and official Fender dealers. Used models appear on eBay, Reverb, local classifieds, and independent music shops. Used is usually better value; confirm the guitar's history and condition via photos and communication before committing. Inspect the frets (look for deep wear or pitting), check the neck for twist or back-bow, and confirm the electrics work (plug into an amp if possible). A reputable seller provides detailed photos and answer questions freely.
Setup and Maintenance Post-Purchase
After buying a Fender baritone, have a technician do a quick setup check: truss rod adjustment, bridge intonation, and string height. Budget £50–100 for this. It ensures the guitar plays perfectly and catches any lurking issues. Regular maintenance: keep the fretboard clean and conditioned (linseed oil monthly), check tuning pegs monthly, and restring every 2–3 months or when tone dulls.
The Final Word on Buying a Fender Baritone
A Fender baritone is an investment in a distinctive sound and playable instrument. Don't rush. Play as many as possible in person, listen to samples of the specific model you're considering, and prioritise playability and sound over rarity or price. A well-maintained £400 used Fender baritone often outperforms a pristine £800 model if the cheaper one simply feels better in your hands.
For deeper information about specific Fender baritone models, their differences, tuning strategies, and how to optimise tone post-purchase, the complete guide to Fender baritone covers all that ground. But for making the buying decision itself, focus on feel, sound, and condition. Trust those instincts and you'll end up with a Fender baritone you'll play for years.
Comments