Fender FA-135 Concert Acoustic Guitar Review: A Compact Marvel for Beginners and Beyond
The Fender FA-135 Concert Acoustic Guitar is a stellar entry in Fender’s acoustic lineup, offering a compact size and impressive playability at a budget-friendly price point. Tailored for beginners and intermediate players, the FA-135 features a classic Fender design with modern enhancements that deliver excellent sound, comfort, and reliability.
Whether you’re looking for a practice guitar or an acoustic instrument for small gigs, the Fender FA-135 is an option worth exploring. Here’s an in-depth review of its design, sound, features, and why it might be the perfect guitar for you.
Key Features of the Fender FA-135
- Body Style: Concert size acoustic guitar
- 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)
- Number of Frets: 20
- Finish: Gloss finish
- Tuners: Die-cast sealed tuners
This concert-style guitar is compact yet resonant, designed to deliver a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing sound quality.
Design and Build Quality
The Fender FA-135 Concert is built with a laminated spruce top and basswood back and sides, providing a lightweight yet durable construction. While laminated wood doesn’t resonate as richly as solid wood, it adds a layer of durability, making the FA-135 a great option for players who need a reliable guitar for travel or practice.
The concert body shape is slightly smaller than a traditional dreadnought, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer a lighter guitar or have smaller frames. This body style is ideal for fingerstyle players or those who value clarity over volume.
The gloss finish adds a sleek and polished look to the guitar while also protecting the wood from scratches and wear. The nato neck is smooth and easy to grip, and the walnut fretboard adds a subtle touch of warmth to the design. Overall, the FA-135 feels sturdy and comfortable, embodying Fender’s reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Sound Quality
For a guitar in this price range, the Fender FA-135 delivers impressive sound quality. The laminated spruce top helps produce a bright, clear tone, while the basswood back and sides contribute to a well-balanced sound with focused mids and highs.
The concert body style enhances clarity and articulation, making this guitar well-suited for genres like folk, blues, and pop. While it doesn’t offer the booming bass of a dreadnought, the FA-135 provides a sweet, intimate tone that’s perfect for small performances or solo practice sessions.
Though seasoned players may notice some limitations in tonal depth, beginners and casual players will find the FA-135’s sound quality more than sufficient for their needs.
Playability
Playability is where the Fender FA-135 truly shines. The smaller concert body makes it comfortable to hold, particularly for younger players, smaller individuals, or those who find larger guitars cumbersome.
The neck features a slim “C” profile, which is both ergonomic and beginner-friendly. The low action ensures that the strings are easy to press down, minimizing hand fatigue during long practice sessions.
Additionally, the 25.3-inch scale length and well-spaced frets make the FA-135 accessible for players with smaller hands. Whether you’re practicing chords, scales, or fingerpicking patterns, this guitar provides a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.
Durability and Maintenance
The laminated construction of the FA-135 ensures that it can withstand changes in temperature and humidity better than guitars made from solid wood. This makes it an excellent choice for players who travel frequently or live in areas with fluctuating climates.
The gloss finish protects the guitar from scratches, dings, and other signs of wear, while the die-cast tuners help keep the guitar in tune with minimal adjustments. With proper care—such as regular cleaning and string changes—the FA-135 will remain in great condition for years.
Tuners and Hardware
The die-cast sealed tuners are reliable and hold tuning well, even during extended playing sessions. This is particularly important for beginners, as maintaining tuning stability can often be a challenge with lower-end guitars.
The walnut bridge and compensated saddle contribute to accurate intonation, ensuring that the guitar sounds great across the entire fretboard.
Accessories
The FA-135 is often available as part of a starter bundle, which may include:
- A gig bag for safe storage and easy transport.
- Picks to get you started with strumming.
- An extra set of strings for replacements.
- Strap for comfortable standing play.
These accessories make the FA-135 a convenient and cost-effective option for beginners who need an all-in-one package to begin their musical journey.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact Size: The concert body is lightweight and easy to handle, perfect for smaller players or those seeking portability.
- Good Sound Quality: Clear and balanced tone suitable for fingerpicking and light strumming.
- Beginner-Friendly: Low action and comfortable neck profile enhance playability.
- Durable Build: Laminated wood construction ensures longevity.
- Affordable Price: Great value for an entry-level acoustic guitar.
Cons:
- Lack of Depth: Doesn’t offer the rich tonal complexity of solid wood guitars.
- Limited Volume: Not as loud or resonant as larger body styles like dreadnoughts.
- No Electronics: Lacks built-in pickups for amplification, limiting its use for performances.
Who Should Buy the Fender FA-135?
The Fender FA-135 is an excellent choice for:
- Beginners: Its affordable price, compact size, and easy playability make it ideal for new players.
- Smaller Players: The concert body style and slim neck are perfect for those with smaller hands or frames.
- Travelers: The lightweight, durable design makes it a great travel companion.
- Fingerstyle Players: Its balanced tone and clarity suit fingerpicking techniques.
Final Verdict
The Fender FA-135 Concert Acoustic Guitar is a fantastic entry-level instrument that combines affordability, quality, and comfort. While it doesn’t have the tonal richness of high-end guitars, it delivers excellent value for its price and is a joy to play, especially for beginners and casual players.
Its compact design, smooth playability, and balanced sound make it a standout choice for those just starting their musical journey or looking for a reliable second guitar. If you’re in the market for an affordable acoustic guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Fender FA-135 deserves serious consideration.
Whether you’re practicing at home, jamming with friends, or taking it on the road, the FA-135 is a versatile and reliable partner that will inspire you to keep playing and improving.