CROSSOVER
A spruce top, flamed maple back and sides and ebony fingerboard are well finished and understated, with a slight modern influence thanks to the cutaway and 14 fret to the body neck. Whilst the 12 model has more of a traditional feel, the 14 is intended to be a bit more user friendly for those coming from a steel string acoustic pedigree. The bridge is set a little further forward and obviously the 14th fret neck/body join more resembles a steel string acoustic making upper register excursions a little easier and general fretboard feel and recognition nice and familiar. On top of this, the cutaway increases reach when needed with access to even high B in the 17th fret quite easy. Predominantly electric and steel string acoustic players should also like the slightly smaller neck profile too.
Tonally the Fusion 14 has a tight and controlled sound with nice resonance and sustain. All the strings seemed balanced and the intonation and tuning was spot on. I also liked the look and feel of the black tuner buttons. Cordoba have gone for the Fishman Presys Blend pickup/preamp which offers a mic and under saddle pickup. On board you have controls for Bass, Middle and Treble, a notch control and Phase switch, Tuner and Mic Blend control allowing you to work between the two pickup sounds. This can be especially good in louder situations when you might need to control potential feedback from the mic by blending in some extra saddle pickup. Overall it does a solid job and has the reliable Fishman name attached to it.
FUSION
There’s nothing quite like playing a nylon string acoustic guitar. Especially if it’s something you don’t do regularly. The simplicity of the instrument and the rich and natural tone really makes you focus on your playing. I like the fact that the Fusion 14 offers some compromises for an easier transition for electric and steel string players, yet still retains a traditional nylon string tone. The guitar is great also for live use thanks to the Fishman electronics.
