Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Review: An Affordable Classic for Beginners
The Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is one of the most affordable options in Fender’s lineup, designed specifically for beginners and casual players who are just starting their guitar journey. Known for its simplicity, classic dreadnought design, and reliable build, this guitar is an entry-level favorite that delivers good value without breaking the bank. But how does it hold up in terms of sound, playability, and overall quality? Let’s take a closer look in this in-depth review.
Key Features of the Fender FA-115
Here’s a quick overview of what the FA-115 offers:
- Body Style: Full-size dreadnought
- Top Wood: Laminated spruce
- Back and Sides Wood: Laminated basswood
- Neck Material: Nato
- Fretboard Material: Walnut
- Bridge Material: Walnut
- Scale Length: 25.3 inches (643 mm)
- Finish: Gloss finish on the body and neck
- Number of Frets: 20
- Included Accessories: Complete beginner’s kit (often bundled with picks, strings, strap, and gig bag)
This combination of features ensures that the FA-115 is durable, easy to play, and a great choice for those taking their first steps into the world of guitar.
Design and Build Quality
The Fender FA-115 features a traditional dreadnought body shape, which is known for its rich, full-bodied tone and robust projection. The body is crafted from laminated spruce on the top and laminated basswood on the back and sides. While laminated woods don’t provide the same depth of tone as solid woods, they make the guitar more durable and less prone to warping, which is perfect for beginners who might not yet have an ideal storage environment for their instrument.
The gloss finish adds a sleek and polished appearance to the guitar, giving it a premium feel despite its affordable price point. The nato neck and walnut fretboard are smooth and comfortable, offering decent playability for a guitar in this price range. The materials and craftsmanship may not match higher-end models, but they’re sufficient for beginner needs.
Sound Quality
For an entry-level guitar, the Fender FA-115 delivers decent sound quality. Thanks to the dreadnought shape, the guitar produces a loud and punchy tone with a good balance of bass, mids, and treble. While it may lack the tonal complexity of more expensive guitars made with solid wood, the FA-115 still manages to provide a warm and pleasing sound that’s well-suited for strumming chords or simple fingerpicking patterns.
The laminated spruce top adds brightness and clarity to the sound, while the basswood back and sides give it a balanced tone. However, advanced players may notice that the sound lacks the depth and resonance of higher-end models. Still, for beginners and casual players, the FA-115 offers more than enough tonal quality to make learning and practicing enjoyable.
Playability
One of the standout features of the Fender FA-115 is its playability, which is essential for beginners. The neck’s “C”-shaped profile is comfortable to hold, and the low action makes it easier to press down on the strings, reducing hand fatigue for new players. The walnut fretboard is smooth, making it easy to slide between chords or practice scales.
At its core, the FA-115 is designed to be forgiving for beginners. Whether you’re strumming basic chords or attempting your first fingerpicking exercises, the guitar’s design and setup encourage you to keep playing without feeling frustrated.
Durability and Maintenance
The laminated construction of the FA-115 makes it a durable option for beginners who may not yet know how to properly care for a guitar. It’s resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, meaning it can handle less-than-ideal storage conditions better than a solid wood guitar.
The gloss finish protects the guitar from scratches and minor dings, ensuring it stays looking good even after months of regular use. Proper maintenance, such as keeping it clean and changing strings regularly, will keep the FA-115 in great condition for years.
Accessories
The Fender FA-115 is often sold as part of a beginner’s kit, which includes essential accessories like:
- Guitar strap
- Picks
- Extra strings
- Gig bag for easy transport
- Instructional materials, such as a beginner guide or online lessons
This bundle is a huge advantage for first-time buyers, as it includes everything you need to start playing right out of the box.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: One of the most budget-friendly guitars from Fender, ideal for beginners.
- Durable Build: Laminated woods and a gloss finish ensure long-lasting reliability.
- Great Playability: Comfortable neck profile and low action make it easy for beginners to play.
- Complete Beginner’s Kit: Includes accessories like a strap, picks, and gig bag.
- Classic Dreadnought Design: Produces a loud and balanced tone suitable for various genres.
Cons:
- Basic Sound: Lacks the tonal richness and complexity of guitars made with solid wood.
- No Electronics: This is a strictly acoustic guitar with no built-in preamp or pickup.
- Limited Customization: More advanced players may feel restricted by the guitar’s basic setup.
Who Should Buy the Fender FA-115?
The Fender FA-115 is best suited for:
- Beginners: Its affordability, playability, and bundled accessories make it an ideal choice for first-time guitarists.
- Casual Players: If you’re looking for a simple and reliable guitar for occasional use, the FA-115 fits the bill.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a well-made guitar at an entry-level price will find value in the FA-115.
However, if you’re an intermediate or advanced player, or if you’re planning to perform live or record music, you may want to consider a higher-end model with better tonewoods and built-in electronics.
Final Verdict
The Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a fantastic option for beginners or casual players looking for an affordable yet reliable instrument. While it doesn’t offer the tonal complexity or advanced features of higher-end guitars, it more than makes up for it with its durability, playability, and value for money.
With its classic dreadnought design, forgiving playability, and included beginner’s kit, the FA-115 is a great starting point for anyone looking to pick up the guitar for the first time. Fender’s reputation for quality craftsmanship shines through, even in this budget-friendly model, making it a solid investment for new guitarists.
If you’re looking for a no-frills acoustic guitar that’s easy to play and sounds great for the price, the Fender FA-115 is a worthy contender.