Fender ELIE 6 at CES 2026: Nordic Minimalism Meets 60W Powerful Sound

Experience Fender ELIE 6’s sleek Nordic design and 60W audio power that redefines portable Bluetooth speakers with authentic musical heritage.

Fender’s Bold Step into Portable Audio

Fender’s legendary reputation in guitars and amplifiers had me raising an eyebrow when they introduced the Fender ELIE 6 portable Bluetooth speaker at CES 2026. Honestly, a portable speaker from Fender? It felt like an odd turn. But then I laid eyes on the ELIE 6, and everything clicked. The design instantly whisked me back to that cool, Scandinavian vibe reminiscent of Vifa or Bang & Olufsen—where sleek simplicity isn’t just style, it’s sophistication.

The ELIE 6 flaunts a softly perforated grille, a wooden handle, and clean, geometric proportions. It doesn’t scream for attention, but somehow, it commands it effortlessly. I couldn’t stop staring—there’s this quiet confidence in the way it looks.

Sound That Surprised Me in a Crowded Room

If you’ve ever been to a trade show, you know how audio demos usually go down: bombastic volume to drown out the room’s chaos, losing all nuance in the process. But Fender’s team flipped the script. They played the ELIE 6 at moderate levels, letting the speaker breathe. That three-driver setup with a dedicated subwoofer delivered a depth and clarity I didn’t expect from such a compact device.

And here’s a little gem for all guitar lovers: the wood on the top panel? It’s not just any wood. It’s actual Fender fretboard wood—the same material you run your fingers over on a guitar. This kind of detail gives the handle a story and connects the speaker to decades of musical tradition, all while holding onto that Scandinavian minimalism that fits anywhere in your home.

A Handle That Speaks Fender’s Legacy

That fretboard wood handle is a stroke of genius. It’s Fender saying, “We know where we come from, but we’re not stuck there.” Instead of slapping a vintage logo onto a generic speaker box, they embedded a core element of their craftsmanship into this new form. It’s a much more authentic nod to their legacy than the retro-for-retro’s-sake designs flooding the market.

And speaking of authenticity, the physical volume knobs on top feel like a breath of fresh air. In an era where everything is shoved into smartphone apps, having tactile controls feels downright luxurious. The ELIE 6 is built to be touched, carried, and enjoyed—not just adjusted from a screen.

Powerful Audio Engineered for Clarity

The ELIE 6 crams a dedicated tweeter, a full-range driver, and a subwoofer into its sleek frame, powered by a robust 60 watts. What really caught my attention is the inclusion of the Waves system-on-a-chip (SoC). This clever piece of tech boosts output while keeping distortion low—a common weakness in portable speakers when cranked up. Plus, the battery promises up to 18 hours of playback with a neat trick: a quick 15-minute charge scores you 90 more minutes of tunes. That’s not just a neat party trick; it’s practical for real-life use.

Mixing Creativity and Convenience: Four Channel Inputs

Here’s where Fender’s intimate knowledge of musicians shines through. The ELIE 6 supports four separate audio inputs simultaneously. Imagine the possibilities: a guitarist plugging in their instrument while jamming along with a backing track from their phone, or a small group mixing a microphone, instrument, and laptop for an impromptu performance.

This isn’t just a speaker for passive listening—it’s an active tool for creators. This rare feature makes the $299 price tag feel downright reasonable, adding serious value to an already premium package.

A Fresh Design That Honors Fender’s Musical Roots

Fender Audio didn’t just make a mini amplifier-looking speaker—that would’ve been too easy and predictable. Instead, they crafted a device that respects modern design trends while weaving in their DNA in subtle, meaningful ways.

The ELIE 6 is a fully realized concept balancing Scandinavian sleekness, stellar audio performance, and genuine functionality born from a real understanding of sound creators. It’s Fender’s confident first step into consumer portable audio, proving they’re focused on the future rather than resting on past glories.

"This approach feels so much more authentic than the retro-for-retro’s-sake styling we see from competitors." — Fender ELIE 6 Hands-on at CES 2026

• How long does the ELIE 6’s battery last?
  The ELIE 6 offers up to 18 hours of continuous playback on a full charge. Plus, a quick 15-minute charge adds 90 minutes of use.
• What makes the ELIE 6’s sound quality stand out?
  Its three-driver system with a dedicated subwoofer, powered by 60W and enhanced by Waves SoC technology, delivers deep, clear audio with minimal distortion.
• Can multiple devices be connected at the same time?
  Yes! The ELIE 6 supports up to four audio inputs simultaneously, making it ideal for musicians and creative collaborations.
• What’s unique about the wooden handle?
  The handle is crafted from authentic Fender fretboard wood, adding a tactile connection to the brand’s musical heritage.
• Is this speaker suitable for outdoor use?
  While designed for portability and robustness, specific weather resistance details haven’t been highlighted, so it’s best suited for indoor or controlled environments.

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