Anyone Buy A Fender California Malibu Classic (Acoustic)?

I never read much about people buying and playing Fender acoustic guitars. I saw today (1/14/2020) that Musician's Friend's Stupid Deal of the Day is featuring this guitar at a $450 drop in price (!) from its $800 MSRP. Although I tend to gravitate towards natural-hued guitars, I find this one oddly attractive. I'll pass on it, though, because I don't play my Taylor enough (even though it cost me less than this guitar's "normal" price, but more than it's SDOD price, which is $350).

So, I'm more interested in peoples' opinions of Fender's acoustic guitar offerings. Should they stick to electrics, or are their acoustics hidden gems?

Those guitars have the most tinny sound. Really awful.

For a while Fender made USA-built acoustics side by side with Guild guitars (and Ovations). They were pretty nice, but never took off.

I've play Fender acoustics for 25 years and have acquired these over that time when they were clearance priced. The DG7 and 20 came with plastic nut and saddle and really improved with Tusq. The 100 and 140 had Tusq when I got them and sound really nice. I can't speak on the California model. I have seen them in the stores but never played them because I'm good on supply. None of the Fender acoustics I have are anywhere close to sounding tinny though. The 7 is a Nato neck, back, and side while the rest are mahogany.
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...bc&oe=5E92CD92

I've played some good Fender acoustics. The Malibu and California are just junk. That says nothing about other Fender models.

OldStrummer, I just recently bought a California Newporter Classic and the build and tone is really sweet to my ears. I like the preamp--keeps the sound nice and clean. Solid Sitka top, solid Hog back and sides, Koa binding and rosette, pau ferro fretboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle. I'm also enjoying the size, which is between the small Malibu and the dread sized Redondo. I just can't put this thing down, and I've got a sweet Breedlove AC25sm that competes for playing time. What's not to like?

Man, you guys must be playing a better version of the Newporter than I had. I swear I believe you, but the one I had was like a plastic toy. My brother in law has a vintage one, and it is sweet. The one I got was nothing like it. Just cheap, over-polyed awfulness.

I bought a Newporter Series with the p/u and it is very lackluster. I an still chasing a good sound unplugged. Plugged up, it’s ok.......................

When Fender bought Guild they built some high-end Fender acoustics side by side with the guilds (as well as Ovation). Some nicely made guitars but still didn't measure up to the Guilds.