Staff Review: We Jammed with Fender RIFF Portable Speaker

Staff Review: We Jammed with Fender RIFF Portable Speaker

When the first batch of Fender RIFF speakers arrived at Guitarlicious, our whole team was curious. We see a lot of gear pass through these doors, but seriously.. a lifestyle speaker.. from Fender?

We had to put it to the test. After spending a weekend with it—using it for everything from morning kopi playlists to late-night practice sessions—we can confidently say: This is the gear you didn't know you needed.

"Woiiii I ingat just another Bluetooth speaker with big brand logo... then I plugged in that Strat.." - Affendi, our jaw-dropped staff 

We are hyped to announce that the Fender RIFF Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black is officially in stock and ready for you to try!


Why the RIFF Blew Us Away

 

1. That "Maple Neck" Feel

The first thing I noticed was the top panel. It’s made of genuine maple wood, treated just like a high-end Fender neck. There are no clunky buttons here. I just slid my finger across the wood grain to turn up the volume, and the response was incredibly smooth. It’s a tactile, "boutique" touch that only a guitar brand would think of.


2. The "Play Along" Port is the Real Deal

Most speakers have an "Aux In," but the RIFF has a true 1/4" guitar input. We plugged in directly, fired up a backing track on Spotify via Bluetooth, and started jamming. There was zero lag. Usually, playing through a standard speaker feels "disconnected," but the RIFF felt like a mini-amp. It’s perfect for those times you want to play along to a song without setting up your entire pedalboard.


3. It can be Really Loud until polis knocks.. (if you wanna try)

Don't let the "portable" tag fool you. This thing packs 60 Watts of Class-D power. When we cranked it up in the shop, the bass radiators really kicked in. It’s got enough punch to fill a room of 20 people easily—making it the ultimate "backyard BBQ" speaker that doubles as your practice rig.


4. The built in "Ears" and "Brain" is incredible (Auto-EQ)


We then moved to our noisy showroom from our storeroom, and tried the Auto-EQ feature through the Fender app. It uses the onboard mics to "listen" to the room and adjusts the sound automatically. Whether we had it indoor or outside ourdoor, the sound stayed crisp and never got "boomy."


Product Spotlight: Fender RIFF Portable Bluetooth Speaker

After testing it ourselves, here are the "Staff Picks" features you need to know.

1. Insane Battery Life

We ran it all day in the shop and barely made a dent. It’s rated for 30 hours, and the 30-minute quick charge is a lifesaver when you're heading out.

2. Rugged for the Road

The IP54 rating means you don't have to panic if it gets splashed by the pool or caught in a light drizzle.

3. Modern Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.2 for a rock-solid connection, plus USB-C charging which is super convenient.

4. Guitar-Inspired Aesthetic

From the maple top to the pick-shaped grill holes, it looks like it belongs in a musician's studio.


The Verdict: Should You Get One?

If you're a musician who loves listening to music as much as playing it, the RIFF is a no-brainer. It’s the first speaker I’ve used that actually understands what a guitarist wants—simplicity, portability, and great tone.


Fender RIFF Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black

Fender RIFF Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black


The Fender RIFF is available NOW at Guitarlicious! Come visit us in-store to feel that maple touch-panel for yourself. Trust us, once you slide your finger across it, you'll want one.

Guitar Specialist Team

Recommended By Guitarlicious Specialist Team

This online guitar guide is recommended by our in-house guitar specialists, whose expertise is built upon years of hands-on experience and deep knowledge of the instrument. Based on their practical application and professional vetting, they have found this resource to be an exceptional and reliable tool for guitarists of all levels.