Substrate
technology

Fender ELIE 6 Bluetooth Speaker Functions as Speaker and Guitar Amplifier

Fender introduced the ELIE 6 Bluetooth speaker at CES 2026, which serves as both a portable speaker and an amplifier for guitar and other instruments. The device features a three-way driver system with 60 watts of power. An accompanying app for controls is planned but not yet available.

Wired
1 source·Apr 8, 10:00 AM(27 days ago)·1m read
Fender ELIE 6 Bluetooth Speaker Functions as Speaker and Guitar AmplifierWired
Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.

Fender, a company known for guitars and amplifiers since the 1940s, debuted its first in-house Bluetooth speakers in January at CES 2026. The ELIE series, which stands for Extremely Loud Infinitely Expressive, includes the ELIE 6 and the larger ELIE 12 models.

The ELIE 6 measures about the size of a lunch box and supports playback via Bluetooth while also amplifying instruments such as guitars and vocals.

The ELIE 6 incorporates a three-way driver system, including a tweeter, midrange driver, and rubberized woofer in the base. This setup delivers 60 watts of power for audio output. The design features a minimalist industrial frame with a rotating metal handle covered in textured vinyl and a cedar block on the top panel.

The front mesh grille covers the tweeter and midrange drivers, similar to Fender's traditional guitar amplifiers. The base woofer handles low frequencies. Testing of the ELIE 6 occurred over several weeks in home and portable settings.

Fender has expanded its brand presence with a flagship store in Tokyo, which displays guitars, amplifiers, and apparel. The store's layout resembles retail experiences for consumer electronics. This development follows Fender's history with models like the Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars.

Currently, the ELIE 6 lacks a dedicated mobile app for functions such as equalizer adjustments or effects for guitar distortion and vocals. Fender has stated that an app is in development. Without the app, users access basic controls directly on the device.

The ELIE 6 joins other portable speakers that double as instrument amplifiers, including products from Marshall. Its driver layout resembles that of the Brane X speaker from Brane Audio. The device's portability suits on-the-go use for musicians and general audio listening.

Key Facts

ELIE 6
Bluetooth speaker and instrument amplifier with 60 watts
CES 2026
Debut of Fender's first in-house Bluetooth speakers
App development
Planned for EQ and effects controls
Three-way driver system
Includes tweeter, midrange, and woofer

Story Timeline

3 events
  1. Recent weeks

    Testing of the Fender ELIE 6 occurred in home and portable settings.

    1 sourceWired
  2. January 2026

    Fender debuted the ELIE series Bluetooth speakers at CES 2026.

    1 sourceWired
  3. 1940s

    Fender began producing guitars and amplifiers.

    1 sourceWired

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Musicians may adopt the ELIE 6 for portable practice sessions.

  2. 02

    Fender could expand its market share in portable audio devices.

  3. 03

    Release of the app may improve user access to audio adjustments.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score70%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count279 words
PublishedApr 8, 2026, 10:00 AM
Bias signals removed4 across 2 outlets
Signal Breakdown
Editorializing 2Loaded 1Amplifying 1

Related Stories

Major Publishers and Author Sue Meta Over Alleged Use of Copyrighted Works in Llama AI Traininginsurancejournal.com
technology37 min agoUpdated

Major Publishers and Author Sue Meta Over Alleged Use of Copyrighted Works in Llama AI Training

Five major publishing houses and author Scott Turow filed a lawsuit against Meta in Manhattan federal court, accusing the company of pirating millions of copyrighted works to train its Llama AI models. The suit claims Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally authorized the infringemen…

The Independent
fortune.com
The Washington Post
The Guardian
The Verge
+1
6 sources
Brockman Testifies on Heated 2017 Dispute with Musk Over OpenAI's For-Profit Shift in Federal Trialnaturalnews.com
ai37 min agoUpdated

Brockman Testifies on Heated 2017 Dispute with Musk Over OpenAI's For-Profit Shift in Federal Trial

OpenAI President Greg Brockman detailed a heated 2017 confrontation with Elon Musk during testimony in the federal trial Musk v. Altman. He described Musk storming around a table and grabbing a painting after rejecting shared control proposals. The lawsuit seeks $150 billion in d…

The New York Times
Wired
New York Post
BBC News
Business Insider
+4
10 sources
Trump Administration Explores Government Review of AI Models Before Public ReleaseShealeah Craighead / Wikimedia (Public domain)
technology2 hrs agoUpdated

Trump Administration Explores Government Review of AI Models Before Public Release

The Trump administration is discussing measures to vet advanced AI models for safety and security risks prior to their release, marking a potential shift from its previous hands-off stance on AI regulation. Officials are considering an executive order to establish a working group…

FO
The New York Times
Semafor
Politico
CBS News
+6
12 sources