Fender PM-2 Acoustic Parlor Guitar

Fender PM-2 Acoustic Parlor Guitar

A little acoustic that goes a long way ...

by Chris Loeffler

Parlor-sized acoustics (and similar small acoustics) have been stepping out of the shadow of their bigger brothers in recent years, and have been a part of Fender’s growing Paramount series since its introduction. Expanding on the core line, Fender has added an eye-catching, all-mahogany version to its PM-2 line and sent one out for Harmony Central to review. The Fender Paramount Series PM-2 Deluxe Parlor ships strung and tuned, with a deluxe hardshell case and a humidifier.

What You Need to Know

The PM-2 features solid Mahogany top and sides and is a “vintage modern” take on a petite acoustic. The open-pore finish looks and feels great, and does a good job of visually representing the instrument's organic, woody tone. The top is reinforced with scalloped x bracing to balance strength and projection.

The short scale length sees the joint at the 12th fret, and the C-shape neck has rolled edges for a "worn-in" experience. The vintage tuning keys give the guitar an antique vibe, but are more robust and stable than many of the true vintage tuners I’ve played. Additional cosmetic appointments, like the checkerboard purfling and rosette and distinctly shaped pickguard, further contribute to the guitar's vintage vibe. The PM-2 is also extremely light, making it a good option for smaller-framed players.

“Warm” is probably the best way to describe the sound. Acoustically, it has a rich midrange that is tight and focused for strong note separation, making it well-suited for fingerpicking. It’s louder than I expected, and easily can hang in with higher-priced parlors I’ve played from dedicated acoustic guitar brands. I found full chords to be articulate, but not quite the cannon shot you’d get from a larger body style. The PM-2 sustains well, adding a fullness that complements the instrument's tone as a whole. I replaced the factory strings with my favorite set, and found it added a bit more high-end sparkle.

The harmonics on the guitar really sustain well, without the overtones or brittleness I’ve experienced in other small format acoustic guitars. Again, fingerpicking is really where the PM-2 shines, and it's easy to get lost in some pick 'n grin bluegrass when you bond with the instrument's tone.

Limitations

The smaller body size means less bass and volume than a full-sized Dreadnought.

Conclusion

The Fender Paramount Series PM-2 Deluxe Mahogany Parlor is a visually striking, acoustically balanced guitar that will appeal to players looking for an affordable, professional-sounding “small body” acoustic guitar. -HC- 

Resources

Fender Paramount Series PM-2 Deluxe Parlor Product Page

Buy Fender Paramount Series PM-2 Deluxe Parlor ($599.99 Street)

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Chris Loeffler is a multi-instrumentalist and the Content Strategist of Harmony Central. In addition to his ten years experience as an online guitar merchandiser, marketing strategist, and community director he has worked as an international exporter, website consultant and brand manager. When he’s not working he can be found playing music, geeking out on guitar pedals and amps, and brewing tasty beer.