Fender FA-125CE Review

Fender FA-125CE Review: A Budget-Friendly Acoustic-Electric Guitar for Beginners

The Fender FA-125CE is a versatile and affordable acoustic-electric guitar aimed primarily at beginner and intermediate players. Part of Fender’s renowned FA Series, this guitar offers excellent value for its price point, blending Fender’s classic design aesthetics with modern playability. But does the FA-125CE live up to the expectations set by Fender’s brand reputation? In this review, we’ll dive into its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if this guitar is the right fit for you.

Fender FA-125CE Review

Key Features at a Glance

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of the key features that define the Fender FA-125CE:

  • Body Style: Dreadnought Cutaway
  • Top Wood: Laminated Spruce
  • Back and Sides Wood: Laminated Basswood
  • Neck Material: Nato
  • Fretboard Material: Walnut
  • Electronics: Fishman® Electronics with built-in tuner
  • Bridge Material: Walnut
  • Finish: Gloss
  • Scale Length: 25.3 inches (643 mm)
  • Number of Frets: 20

These features make it clear that the FA-125CE is designed with affordability and ease of use in mind, making it an appealing choice for beginners.

Fender FA,125CE Electro Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Design and Build Quality

The Fender FA-125CE boasts a dreadnought body shape with a single cutaway, giving it a bold and rich tone while also allowing easy access to the higher frets. The body is made of laminated woods (spruce for the top and basswood for the back and sides), which is common in guitars at this price point. While laminated wood doesn’t offer the same tonal richness as solid wood, it does provide added durability, making this guitar more resistant to temperature and humidity changes—perfect for beginners or casual players.

The gloss finish gives the guitar a polished, attractive look. The neck, made of nato wood, is smooth and comfortable to hold, with a thin profile that makes it easy for players with smaller hands to navigate the fretboard. Additionally, the walnut bridge and fretboard are a nice touch, providing a natural look and feel.


Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Fender FA-125CE is impressive for an entry-level guitar. The laminated spruce top contributes to a balanced tone with decent projection and clarity. While it may lack the resonance and depth of a solid-top guitar, the FA-125CE holds its own when strumming chords or playing simple fingerpicking patterns.

The dreadnought body shape helps amplify its volume and provides a bass-heavy tone, making it ideal for genres like country, rock, and folk. However, the basswood back and sides tend to produce a somewhat “flat” sound compared to guitars made with higher-end tonewoods like mahogany or rosewood.

For amplified performance, the FA-125CE is equipped with Fishman® electronics. The onboard preamp system includes a built-in tuner and EQ controls, allowing you to easily shape your sound when plugged into an amplifier or PA system. The electronics perform well, providing a clean and accurate representation of the guitar’s natural tone, making it a great option for small gigs, open mics, or home recordings.


Playability

One of the standout features of the FA-125CE is its playability. Fender has designed this guitar with beginners in mind, offering a low action that makes it easier to press down on the strings. The walnut fretboard is smooth and comfortable, allowing for easy transitions between chords and frets.

The neck’s “C”-shaped profile is thin and ergonomic, which is ideal for players who are still developing their finger strength and technique. The cutaway design also provides better access to higher frets, which is particularly useful for lead playing or more advanced techniques.


Durability

The use of laminated woods for the top, back, and sides makes the FA-125CE highly durable. This guitar can withstand the wear and tear of daily practice and casual use without much risk of warping or cracking. Its gloss finish adds an extra layer of protection, making it resistant to scratches and dings.

The build quality is solid overall, with no noticeable flaws in the craftsmanship. The tuning pegs are reliable and hold the tuning well, even after extended playing sessions.


Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. Affordable Price: The FA-125CE offers excellent value, especially for beginners or those on a budget.
  2. Onboard Electronics: The Fishman® system with a built-in tuner makes it versatile for both acoustic and amplified playing.
  3. Easy Playability: The thin neck profile, low action, and cutaway design make it beginner-friendly.
  4. Durable Build: Laminated woods and a gloss finish ensure long-lasting durability.
  5. Attractive Design: The glossy finish and dreadnought body give it a sleek, polished look.

Cons:

  1. Laminated Woods: The sound lacks the richness and resonance of a solid-wood guitar.
  2. Basic Tone: While decent for beginners, advanced players may find the tone a bit one-dimensional.
  3. Limited Customization: The electronics system is basic, with limited EQ controls compared to more advanced models.

Who Should Buy the Fender FA-125CE?

The Fender FA-125CE is an excellent choice for beginners, casual players, or anyone looking for a reliable and affordable acoustic-electric guitar. It’s especially suitable for:

  • Beginners: Thanks to its easy playability and low action, it’s perfect for those just starting their guitar journey.
  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you’re looking for a decent acoustic-electric guitar without spending too much, the FA-125CE fits the bill.
  • Gigging Beginners: The onboard Fishman® electronics make it ideal for small performances or amplifying your sound.

However, if you’re an intermediate or advanced player seeking a richer tonal experience, you might want to consider investing in a solid-top guitar or exploring higher-end models.


Final Verdict

The Fender FA-125CE is a fantastic entry-level acoustic-electric guitar that combines affordability, playability, and versatility. While it may not rival higher-end models in terms of tone, it delivers solid performance and reliability at an accessible price point. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar or a casual player in need of a dependable practice instrument, the FA-125CE is a great option to consider.

With its sleek design, durable build, and onboard electronics, the FA-125CE lives up to Fender’s reputation for quality and innovation, making it a worthy addition to the brand’s lineup. For beginners especially, this guitar strikes a perfect balance between functionality and affordability.

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