Fender DG-7 Acoustic

comes very basic with cheap parts, mine is early to mid 80's, indonesia, but nice wood. looks nice with a little cracking on the finish. i cracked the neck (messing with my cat) but it is being fixed by eric chaz (www.ericsguitarshop.com, if you are in l.a./sfv esp. you should go to 8101 orion ave. #21 van nuys, ca, tell him alex yoga guy sent you) as we speak...he said it wont change tone, he uses a very crazy strong glue that will get narley but he'll sand it smooth(removing some color from the finish--i call it character)

my recommendations/hot rods: get an earvana nut. this thing is worth every penny of the 70-80 bucks you'll pay.
lower the action as far as you can until it wants to start to buzz (unless you drop then cant go quite as far)
totally tweak the harmonics (ask eric) and majorly adjust the truss rod
lose tuners, and put on some sturdy ones...
this guitar beat out our taylor (1500$$) and the old ass martin (1000$$) we had, both in tone and pop for our hard core rock accoustic jams. overall it needs a lot to get there, i just happen to like the feel of this, very balanced and good weight, size is just right, im pretty normal with fairly big hands

stock--normal fender warmth but thin and not much sustain...7
the eric chaz special, the cheapest, best sounding accoustic i ever had (my fifth, two taylors, an old ass martin dreadnought, and a 53 harmony that was trashed (broken open and mutilated by weather and time) but totally restored (actually that thing sounds awesome--fixed in houston tx)..
but it still tries to buzz every once in a blue moon...kinda reminds me of an ex-girlfriend, always reliable and love to play with but always has to bitch once in a while...9

pretty well put together for a lower end guitar, wood wise. has one of the best looks of all the fender accoustics (not exactly known for their accous.--i own a mid 70s USA made musicmaster) as opposed to the flat and almost linoleum look to a lot of theirs...
gear from the factory was like the shit the owner of my old apartment put in, the cheapest, most basic shit that still works fine, by the way i also had the bridge custom shaped twice--once made it fuller then it seemed to help the sustain especially at the top (10th and up on the first couple...)
a little work really seems to be rewarded sound wise--if you like the feel and would rather go for it rather than just buy something else

to reiterate, needs a lot of work to be considered a player. on my way out the door, the taylor or the fender? probably the taylor but if i accidently grab the fender and im playing an open mic, i probably wont turn around to switch (im also very lazy like that) b/c it also had added a martin gold pickup...

what?

i love this thing and keep breaking it but fixing it so that should tell you something, im not some rookie, lots of my buds that play pick it up, play it, like it, and then are like wow that thing sounds good...

great backup that youll never have to worry about..
no labels fit (my space, "false god"), needles (www.moonrockneedles.com)

Basic set-up. 20 frets, plastic nut, light body, rosewood(probably pao-faro) fretboard.

This guitar was purchased used and even just at first glance that is very easily noticed. This one particularly has a very deep pure tone. With Martin strings, it's just right. Being a dreadnought, it of course has a lot of deep tones but there is just the right amount in the high range to balance the sound out very well. This guitar is great for folk or blues, or really just jamming by yourself at home.

The action is ok, the one thing I don't like is changing the strings because of how the nut is made ... it comes loose and falls out easily so while you put on the 1st and 4th strings you sort of have to hold it there at the same time. The finish is very basic and simple which I look for and like.

I probably would never use this guitar live, but I would definately record with it even with the deep tones it produces. The guitar is truly an amazing guitar for the price. I bought mine for $50. And yes, it is dependable and contrary to other reviews, it does stay in tune.

N/A

I've been playing the guitar for thirteen years total (performing for four) and play on many different models. My favorite being the Danelectro 59DC Pro. Aside from that I also have many Fender Stratocasters along with a Gretch Pro Jet, all Fender amps, and a Washburn acoustic guitar. I have no regrets with this guitar, I needed a second acoustic and this one is just right. I love the sound especially with a Moonshine slide. I played every acoustic in the store and couldn't find anything at all worth while until my dad saw this in a corner I didn't notice and strummed an E chord on it. As soon as I heard it I turned and said, "I think that's mine." My favorite feature on this guitar is it's playability. For such a low-end model, it is very well made. The frets aren't rolled as smoothly as a Paul Reed Smith but what other guitar plays like that anyway? I don't expect perfection from any instrument, if you can make it work for you that's all you need.

Made in indonesia made in 2002 around that time 20 frests no special luxuries except for the danty chrome tuners basicly its the most standard acoustic basic in every single way and abousolutly perfect beginners guitar

well my fender dg7 went through a sound phase first it sound grand and beautiful and then dreaded a little and didnt sound great after numebrs of string changes and the most important ingrediant (time) after it sound so classic and beautiful like an unplugged master piece you can tell its sound from every other acoustic out there

came in perfect condition but i banged it on things as i was clumsy with it alot, but strachs arent noticable on it but it dings and chips, mine looks like a relic about no with dents all in the right places but all in all hasnt affected the sound much, but i didn have a problem with the strings how they were first set up but then i evenly sapced all the strings out 1cm apart which was a fun project at the time

when i need thid uguitar to play it shall and will any time the hard ware is still fresh but ive took it out in the sun to give it a nice fadded finish, i can always depend on it working on me

the warrenty was a year and that first year was very smooth sailing never had it rapaired or needed it but upgrades to thins ugitar are possible for instance bone nut or bone saddles will make it sound brilliant

been playing about two years but my first 3 months of playing this guitar when peopel heard me they thought ive been playing for a year and half which me quite proud and let me tell you, the tone of the gutiar had to have helped, i cant really compare it to any other guitar its pretty orginal for a beginners like guitar but the perfect neck on it also has been replicated in some epiphone acoustics but i love it and if your beginning or acoustic finatic its worth a try at least to professials but beginners its a sure thing to buy it without playing it

normal number of frets.
dreadnaught style
good size neck. not too big, or too small

The sound for theis guitar is brilliant. really nice solid mix of bass through highs. Resounds well, not extremly loud though. Has a rich full sound. I play a lot of worship music, so its very varied, and this guitar can handle it all.

Action was too high. I had it lowered at a local guitar store, and it was a million times better. cost $20 to get done. Small amount of buzzing occurs, not sure if thats the guitar or poor playing though!!!

Very durable guitar. i had it 2nd hand for about a year, and it was as good as new, and i didn't take much care with it!!

I really liked this guitar. it was a real cheap privce, but had a really nice sound and i loved it! I would highly recommend this guitar to the beginner, who wants to have a nice guitar that wont break the bank. The action was too high, so should be lowered, but that is easily done!

Basic acoustic guitar, no bells or whistles. The tuners, cheap as they are, are very solid and keep tune quite well. I rarely need to tune this baby. The top is laminated with a nice finish. Pretty standard, basic acoustic specs.

For the price, you can't find a better sounding guitar. I play rock/blues, and as I tried a number of acoustics from $150-$250, this one had the best "rock" sound to me; it's punchy and full on the lower strings, and very bright and ringing on the higher ones. This guitar is also fairly loud. The only complaint I have is that there isn't much depth to the sound, but then this is a very inexpensive guitar. This is good sounding instrument, but a not a beautiful sounding one. For the price, though, its fantastic.

I bought this guitar from a small music store, and I know someone there; they set up their instruments very well, and I believe a truss rod adjustment was made before I walked out of the store with it. From personal experience, I'd recommend picking this up from a store as opposed to ordering online; most will carry this model. That said, I've had no complaints. The action was great, although I have had to make a few adjustments myself to get it low enough for my liking. The finish is solid; I've had the guitar for about 7 months and no troubles. It's a beautiful guitar in my opinion.

Hard to say, really. I think that while it's well made, the finish may not take much of a beating. The guitar itself seems very well constructed and sturdy. I would say it is reliable and good enough for a solid backup, even at a gig if it's not the only instrument on stage. Only has one strap button...don't like that.

I've not dealt with Fender personally.

I've been playing for about a year. This was my second guitar, a bit of an upgrade imo over the Applause I had, which has a very thin unplugged sound and a very narrow fretboard. I also have a homemade strat, and a Paul Reed Smith Soapbar SE. I bought this guitar shortly after taking lessons, and I still think it sound great. It's not a Martin; but for the price it's a great sounding instrument and I'm very happy with it. It's a very comfortable guitar to hold and play, and with care this is a very solid and reliable instrument. I doubt very much that you will find a better instrument at the price. Fender has done it right here.

New Fender DG-7 >spruce laminate top, back/sides ??, ?
See other reviewers

I am a total novice trying to return to my long ago youth and pick up the guitar again. My brother always had nice acoustics & electrics that i messed around on. The DG-7 sounds pretty good, my wife approved anyway( said "sounded pretty good for a cheaper guitar")
I hear lower strings more then the upper(but maybe my rookie technique) Over sound seems good and some substain too.

It appears to be a clean setup, not any high strings along the frets, frets placed well, no glue or other sloppy signs either. The B string(2nd) first fret is real hard to press and sounds dead compared to others. ???
Neck is not real wide, but i have small/short fingers. I may have it checked out by a tech or try some lighter strings.

I am not the one to judge at this time. Should work for me as a home beginner guitar.

no idea

I bought it on ebay for $110 plus $30 shipping( ebayers are bad about hi shipping fees) but it came from Canada, so who knows. I like the guitar so far(had for 2 weeks now), getting over the sore fingers somewhat too. I tested this guitar out in a local shop, so I sorta knew what I was getting, but I forgot to test out some high ends for comparisons at that time(duh). But it did play better compared to some of the other cheapies I tested it aganist. I got it for my daughter and I to learn on. I also won an auction on ebay for a used Epiphone Dot 335, which will be my new toy. I would rather learn sometime new than watch tv & drink beer all night. It gives my daughter and me something to do too.

I just got this guitar in June 2003, and for being played every single day since June 13th, its holding up nicely. Inside it says "manufactured in Indonesia." Standard 20 frets...solid laminated spruce top.

I mostly just play acoustic stuff, and it fits me alright for that style. It has a nice bright sound to it and definitly good for its price.

The action is perfect. i have played many other guitars and the action would be high and akward, this one however was very nice.

i think this guitar is somewhat reliable. i will put it in a gig bag to back up my other guitar, and it goes out of tune, i dont know if that is due to the bag or what, but it seems like i have to tune it farely often.

I bought this guitar in 1998. I it was made in Indonesia, I don't know when. It has 20 frets with a laminated top. I think it is plywood, and the neck is rosewood with cheap chrome tuners. No case, strap or tools.

For a cheap beginners accoustic, it has a nice bright sound. It tunes nice with decent resonance. I liked it a lot until I played a Taylor, now I can hear the cheap sound. I'll give it a 7 cuz, despite the cheap sound, it is worth all the money I paid. And for being a fender, i can tell it is a step above all others in its price range.

I think it's too big and bulky. The tuners work and keep tune for a decent session, and that is about it. When I got it brand new, it was in perfect condition. THe frets are a little rough, but then again, my other guitar's frets are nice and smooth from years of play.

This is a sturdy little guitar. I think it'll survive small coffee shop live mic nights, but not a major gig. It's survived the trunk and backseat of my car for 5 years now without a case. A few nicks and scratches here and there. The tuners are cheap and don't seem like they'll last a long time. I've only changed the strings twice and each time, the tuners seem more loose. The strap button is sturdy palstic, and the finish is starting to crack in places. For what I paid for it, it is a good deal.

didn't ever deal with them. If i had too, I'm sure Fender has great customer service.

Been playing for almost 10 years. My other guitar is an awesome Cortez Flying V and a small Fender champ 110 amp. If it was stolen I wouldn't mind cuz I prefer electric (I like to thrash!) If it was, I'd have to replace it with a Talyor. I love the bargin! Good guitar for the price. I would recommend it for any beginning guitarist who wanted an accoustic or someone like me who plays electric 90% of the time and wants a decent sounding accoustic. I hate this guitar! It's an accoustic! Give me some spellbinding metal meyham anyday! The funny thing is, I bought this guitar while my electric was in the shop getting some wiring problems fixed and needed a guitar to play in the meantime. After 5 years, I picked the right guitar for me.

Let's see, had a "Made in Indonesia" sticker on the box when it arrived. I got it for Christmas 2001, and Musician's Friend had them fairly cheap because they said the DG-7s were being discontinued or some such thing (apparently not true). Box contained: guitar, a warranty/registration card, and lots of packing foam/paper and stuff. Your basic acoustic, I'm sure the features have been run through many times below. Everything you'd expect, except maybe a truss rod or some sort of neck adjustment, but fairly basic/entry level components. I give it a 7 because it is essentially average features that work a bit above averagely well.

It was/is my first/only acoustic guitar, so I don't have a lot to compare it to, besides some of my friends' guitars that I have played. A Taylor I played once (sorry, don't know model) was much brighter and responsive, everything about your technique could be heard and stood out (good and bad). The DG-7 has a mellower sound, a bit bottom heavy, but overall a nice balance. The very highs (high e string at the 9+ fret) are fairly thin and tend to drop away quickly. The guitar does not sustain very well, but it has the original (read, old) strings on it right now, I am going to get them replaced tomorrow. I play on a Praise and Worship team, and it accompanies vocals very well, and you can easily change the sound of the guitar (boomy lows, trebly highs, etc.) by experimenting with how you mic it. I give it a 6 because it sounds about like a 6. Nothing wrong with the sound as fas as I hear, but nothing uber-outstanding either.

Hmmm... the action. I'm also hoping to get this fixed tomorrow, because from the factory it isn't so good. It is acceptably low on the lower five frets, but from the seventh or eightgh up, it gets ridiculous. It is very nearly impossible to play anthing intricate up there because of how high it is, aka Incubus's "Mexico". Everything seems to fit well, no flaws, the finish is holding up well (except for where my case is coming apart on the inside, and slightly marring a place on the finish, but this is not the DG-7s fault), so 2 out of 3 ain't bad, right? It gets a seven.

This guitar is a brick $hithouse. I play this guitar about constantly and there is no visible wear anywhere, besides the aforementioned marring from the case. It only came w/ one strap button, and I never had a second one installed, so I don't know how durable they would be. I gig with it every week without a backup, the only thing that could happen would be a broken string (which hasn't happened to me in almost 4 years of playing, guess I'm lucky) or a high-speed encounter with a Mack truck. I depend on it every week, and it hasn't let me down yet.

Never had to deal with them.

I've played for nearly 4 years, my only other guitar is a Rogue ST-3 (I know, I know, but it was my first time, and it was cheap) electric. If lost/stolen, I may not replace it right away, would probably go acoustic-electric shopping. Heck, I'd go acoustic-electric shopping NOW if I had the $$$. But as of right now, I'd probably borrow my friend's Samick until I had enough saved up to buy a higher end guitar. For a beginner, this is perfect. A very small investment, and if you don't like playing after all, or you wimp out cuz it hurts your wee wittle fingers, then you can recover most of your meager spent funds by selling it. And if you do like it, then this guitar can grow with you. I didn't begin to play better than the instrument until I few months ago, so I'm going to try to update the instrument to get it back ahead of myself. Plays well, sounds pretty good, will go on forever if you don't physically destroy it.

This Fender DG-7 was made in Indonesia in 1999 if I'm reading the serial number correctly. It has 20 frets. It's a laminated top. The back and sides are made from meranti, which I don't know what that is. It's a dreadnaught without any electronics. The tuners are the standard silver Fenders tuners. Not sure what the neck scale is but it's a little fatter than my Stratocaster neck. It has a rosewood fretboard, of course. One of those cowboy teardrop pickguards too.
No accessories were included.
I have to give it a rating of 1 since it doesn't really have any features..but I don't mean to imply that's a bad thing.

I play alternative rock. Stuff like Nirvana all the way to punk and beyong to the Goo Goo Dolls. This guitar is good for that sound. It's a lot flatter than any other acoustic you would probably find. I hear the low-end Yamahas are very competitive with this model. I haev to be honest and say the sound isn't special at all. I think it's fine for a bedroom guitar or in your living room or by a campfire. I've taken it to open mics before. Mic'ed the soundhole and it performed well.
There's not a lot of variety to this. There's really nothing to like or dislike about the sound. You won't find it bad or special. I'll give it a 4

The action was just OK when I bought it. I took it to a guitar tech and it needed some adjustments. This was made in Indonesia off an assembly line most likely. Several frets needed to be filed, the nut had to be nudged over a bit. About $50 of luthier work. I gotta say after that this is the best playing $200 guitar you'll find. The action is pretty low and works well for rock. I highly recommend putting in the work to make this a good guitar.
I think the top was either bookmatched properly, or it's just one big piece. I see no discrepencies with the way it's fitted. Other than a few frets there weren't any problems with it. Even the cheap tuners keep a tune well. Actually, I'm surprised how well it stays in tune. I actually keep this guitar in an alternate tuning since I have another acoustic.
This gets a 5 since it wasn't perfect. I would be surprised if you bought one of these brand new that didn't need some work.

This guitar can take as much abuse as any acoustic can. It's a tough little s.o.b. I knick it quite often and there's no severe dents in it. Just some little scrapes here and there. But it's a cheap guitar. It's character. The finish is fine though there is one flake at the base of the neck. It's been there awhile and hasn't grown any worse. The fretboard is nice. It's not caving in from my constant playing. And I do play this alot as it sits in a stand easy to grab.
Someone else listed the top is flaking. Not mine and I've had it for three years.
The bottom strap button (was no top one) did come out.
I would depend on it. Only you can hurt it..it won't hurt itself. I wouldn't gig with it now since I have a better guitar. But I would use it as a backup. Maybe put an ibeam in it and use it live if I needed a differently tuned guitar. There's no shame with this axe.
The hardware is standard..but I think it'll last awhile. At least three years.

I've dealt with Fender over a different guitar. They were nice and called me back a week after our first conversation.
I'm not sure how long this warranty is. Probably not long at all.

I've been playing since I was 18. Got serious about three years ago. I'm 36 now, but let's just say I have three years of serious playing.
I have three other guitars, a strat, another Fender acoustic and an epiphone electric. This is my songwriting guitar. My friends grab it when they walk in the door. In a way it just kinda fits everyone. They know they can't hurt it.

I didn't know guitars that well before I bought this. I didn't know about laminated tops or solid woods or koa or rosewood. I'm more educated now on these matters.

With my experience I would not buy this guitar again. If it was stolen I'd be pissed mostly because of the sentimental value. This is a great learning and knock around guitar. But if it was stolen I'd either live with the loss or buy something that's a higher end product.

What do I love about this guitar? It's comfortable. It's really nice to have one guitar you don't have to worry about. There's nothing about it I hate. The best feature though is the neck.
I didn't compare this with other guitars when I bought it. I was just "cool, an acoustic." I chose it because of the price.

Do you not have a guitar to beat around? Teach a child on? Hit the Honky Tonk Man over the head with? Buy this guitar.
Do you play for a living? Do you want to plug in and grow to the guitars exceptional qualities? Then don't buy this guitar.

I do wish I could plug it in. I wish there was more versatility..but it's a cheap guitar. You can get them much cheaper now than the price I paid.

Lastly and most importantly: If you buy this guitar factor in the luthier cost. You should probably do that with any $200 acoustic. This will not be perfect out of the box. But a good luthier can make it very playable. I'd suggest that even for the most novice of players. You'll thank yourself.