Fender PD-220E Review

– Tuning Machines

---

On this Fender PD-220E, the tuning machines are nickel-plated and have a open-back geared design.

• Type: Open-Back
• Design: Open-Back Geared

One of the most significant aspects of any guitar’s hardware is the tuning machines (or “tuners”).

They’re responsible for holding the strings tight so that they can vibrate properly and produce the correct pitch.

Low-quality tuning machines can ruin even the best guitar, so choose smartly.

This is because tuning machines are what keep the guitar’s strings tight.

If your tuning machines are not working as they should, the strings will become loose and go out of tune.

They can also make changing the strings more difficult, as well as playing the guitar more challenging in general.

Must Remember:

High-quality tuning machines are usually constructed from tougher materials and have dependable, smooth action.

To avoid rust, make sure to choose materials like nickel-plated steel or stainless steel.

These materials are also less likely to tarnish, so your guitar will maintain its appearance for a longer period of time.

– Pickguard

---

The Fender PD-220E has a brown pickguard with a 1-ply tiger striped design.

• Color: Brown
• Design: 1-Ply Tiger Striped

Having fewer layers means that scratches and wear will usually be more visible on the pickguard over time.

Most pickguards are made of plastic, and nowadays maybe even carbon fiber, and there are a few different designs that you’ll come across.

Their aim is to prevent the pick from scratching the guitar’s finish as you play.

When choosing a pickguard, it is important to consider both its durability and its ability to protect the guitar body from scratches.

It should also be placed in such a way that it will effectively protect the guitar’s body from scratches produced by the player’s pick.

In terms of look, the pickguard must blend with the guitar’s overall design.

It shouldn’t be too intrusive or stand out too much, but it also shouldn’t be so small or low-quality that it looks out of place.

– Strap Buttons

---

Both strap buttons on the Fender PD-220E are constructed of nickel-plated, appear to be strong enough, and are found at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.

Strap buttons are small metal buttons that are mounted on the body of the guitar, and they’re used to attach a strap to the instrument.

On the body of most guitars, there will be at least two strap buttons, one on each side.

Metal strap buttons should be solid and strong to avoid coming loose over time.

Even though the quality of the strap buttons isn’t a deal-breaker for most individuals, it’s still something to consider.

Body

---

The body of a guitar is the main part of the instrument, and it’s where the neck, bridge, and strings are attached.

This is also where you’ll notice a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound from inside the instrument rebounds and resonates.

The majority of guitars have a wooden body, although others have carbon fiber, metal, or plastic bodies (less usual).

– Wood

---

The type of wood used for the body might alter the sound of the guitar, so keep that in mind if you’re searching for a specific tone.

When it comes to the Fender PD-220E, it has a solid sitka spruce top with a solid mahogany back and solid mahogany sides.

Having a solid top is important because it means that the wood hasn’t been laminated, which could affect the sound quality since laminated wood is often thinner.

When wood is laminated, this means that strips of wood are glued together to create a piece.

– Finish

---

The final layer of protection for the guitar body’s wood is the body finish.

When it comes to this guitar in specific, it features a gloss polyester finish.

It’s what gives the guitar its brilliance and shine, but also protects the wood from scratches, dents, and other wear and tear.

You’ll encounter a variety of finishes, including the following:

• Polyurethane
• Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Polyester

Nitrocellulose Lacquer is considered to be the best type of finish, but it’s also the most expensive.

It’s a durable finish that can be buffed to a high shine, and it’s also relatively easy to repair if it’s damaged.

Polyurethane is a cheaper alternative that’s almost as good, and Polyester is the cheapest option but it doesn’t provide as much protection.

Among these categories, there are subcategories as well, such as:

• Gloss finishes: High shine and they’re very reflective.

• Matte finishes: Have a lower shine and they’re not very reflective.

• Satin finishes: Somewhere in-between gloss and matte, they have a moderate shine and they’re somewhat reflective.

– Colors Available

---

The color of a guitar’s body is never an important factor on its overall sound.

It can, however, influence the instrument’s aesthetic appeal to you.

Some individuals like a specific color guitar because it complements their personal style.

Some of the most popular colors for guitar bodies are:

• Natural: This is the color of wood that hasn’t been stained or painted.
• Black: Black is a popular color for metal-style guitars.
• Sunburst: Sunburst is a combination of light and dark colors, usually red, yellow, and brown.

Choosing a guitar based on its color is purely a matter of personal preference.

But if you do take your time and choose something that you’re happy with, you’ll be much more likely to play it often and develop your skills quicker.

– Bridge, Saddle, and Pins

---

The Fender PD-220E has ovangkol bridge with ebony with mother-of-pearl dots pins and also a saddle made of bone.

Each of these elements has a significant impact on how the guitar sounds and feels.

For example, the bridge’s primary purpose is to carry the vibrations of the strings to the guitar’s body.

The saddle is what the strings sit on, and it’s usually made of plastic or bone.

On the other hand, the pins, are what keep the strings in place.

There are many various types of bridges, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

On acoustic guitars, you’ll mainly see three types of bridges:

• Pin bridges (standard)
• Pinless bridges
• Classical bridge

Pin bridges are the most common type of bridge, and they’re also the easiest to replace.

They are, however, more difficult to intonate, which means getting the strings in the proper place.

Pinless bridges are bit less common, although they are easy to intonate as well.

They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which can be difficult to track and are very easy to lose.

Finally, the vast majority of classical guitar bridges are only seen on classical guitars.

They are very similar in design to most other bridges, but the main distinction is that they have no pins and instead consist of a saddle and a wooden block with a hole for each string.

This hole is used to tie the string down, giving the guitar a much cleaner appearance.

Now, the type of saddle you use is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and quickest to find, but they do not last as long as bone saddles.

Bone saddles are more expensive, but they’re also way more durable.

As for the bridge pins, there are three main types:

• Plastic bridge pins
• Steel bridge pins
• Brass bridge pins

Plastic bridge pins are the cheapest and easiest to find, but they are known to be the least durable.

Steel bridge pins are more expensive, but they’re also more durable in many ways.

Brass bridge pins are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable our of the three.

Neck

---

When it comes to the Fender PD-220E, its neck is made of mahogany with a satin urethane with gloss urethane headstock face finish, and it has a “C” Shape shape with an dual-action truss rod.

The guitar’s neck is the long, thin piece that runs from the body to the headstock.

Since different woods have distinct qualities that influence how the vibrations created by the strings behave, the type of wood chosen for the neck can affect the guitar’s playability and sound.

The most popular style of neck is the bolt-on neck, which is screwed or fastened onto the body of the guitar.

Set-necks, which are glued to the body, are another popular style.

The fretboard, frets, nut, and truss rod are all crucial components of a guitar neck.

Fretboard

---

The fretboard is the surface on the neck of the guitar where your fingers push down on the strings.

It’s most commonly made of wood, although it can also be made of carbon fiber, plastic, or even metal.

As for the Fender PD-220E, it has a fretboard made of ovangkol with a radius of 15.75″ (400 mm) and snowflake inlays:

Despite the fact that this has traditionally been a point of controversy, it is widely accepted that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a small impact on the sound of the guitar.

Maple, in particular, is a popular wood for electric guitars because it produces a farily bright tone.

Rosewood is another popular material for acoustic guitars because it provides a warm and full-bodied tone.

Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars with a very clean, clear tone.

There are many different types of fretboards available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The kind of fretboard you pick is entirely up to you and what you really want in a guitar; the tone will not be dramatically different, but the feel will be.

Brand Info

---

Fender is a leading manufacturer of electric guitars, and they’ve been in business since 1946.

They’re one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world, and their instruments are used by some of the most famous musicians of all time.

Also, the company offers a wide range of different models, from simple beginner guitars to complex professional instruments.

Their guitars are known for their great tone and quality craftsmanship, and they’re a popular choice for both beginner and experienced players.

At the same time, Fender guitars are very affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious musicians.

Review

The New Fender Paramount Series Updates: PD-220e and PS-220e