Fender has long been a household name for quality instruments, and their foray into acoustic‑electric guitars continues that tradition. The Fender SA‑105CE Electro Acoustic Guitar is designed as an affordable, beginner‑friendly option that doesn’t compromise on versatility. With its classic dreadnought cutaway body, integrated electronics, and approachable playability, the SA‑105CE is built to perform both unplugged and on stage. In this review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Fender SA‑105CE—from its design and build to its tonal qualities, electronics, and value for money.
Design and Construction
Classic Dreadnought Cutaway Aesthetics
At first glance, the Fender SA‑105CE impresses with its traditional dreadnought shape—a design celebrated for its powerful projection and balanced tonal response. The addition of a cutaway not only modernizes the look but also provides easier access to the upper frets, making it easier for players to explore solos and intricate chord voicings. This combination of classic style and contemporary functionality makes the SA‑105CE an attractive option for both beginners and more seasoned players.
Quality Materials for Durability
Fender’s reputation for reliable construction is evident in the SA‑105CE:
- Laminated Spruce Top: The instrument features a laminated spruce top, which delivers a bright and articulate tone. While a solid top might offer enhanced resonance, the laminated spruce helps keep production costs down and increases durability—ideal for a beginner’s guitar.
- Laminated Basswood Back and Sides: Paired with the spruce top, the laminated basswood used for the back and sides provides warmth and balance. Although it may not have the depth of tone of solid wood, this construction method offers excellent stability in varying climates.
- Nato Neck with Walnut Fretboard: The neck is constructed from nato—a sturdy tonewood known for its stability—and is paired with a walnut fretboard that offers a smooth, comfortable playing surface. Fender has designed the neck with a slim profile and rolled fretboard edges, ensuring that chord transitions and scale runs are effortless, even for beginners.
Ergonomics and Finish
The Fender SA‑105CE boasts an understated yet modern finish. The clean lines and minimalistic design allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Its ergonomic shape ensures that the guitar sits comfortably whether you’re playing at home, in a practice room, or on stage. Overall, the SA‑105CE is built to last and is crafted with the kind of quality control Fender is known for.
Integrated Electronics
Fishman Pickup and Preamp System
One of the standout features of the SA‑105CE is its integrated electronics. The guitar comes equipped with a Fishman pickup and preamp system, which is designed to capture the natural acoustic sound and reproduce it faithfully when amplified.
- Onboard Controls: The built‑in controls allow you to adjust volume and tone directly from the guitar. Some models also include a built‑in tuner, ensuring that you can stay in tune without additional gadgets.
- Versatility: Whether you’re performing in a small venue, recording in your home studio, or simply practicing at home, the integrated electronics offer a straightforward and effective way to amplify your sound. The Fishman system is praised for its clarity and its ability to retain the guitar’s natural tonal character.
Reliable Performance
The electronics in the SA‑105CE are designed with the beginner in mind. They are user‑friendly and robust, ensuring that you can plug in and play with confidence. The combination of a quality pickup system and intuitive controls means that the transition from acoustic practice to amplified performance is seamless.
Sound Quality and Tonal Characteristics
A Bright and Balanced Acoustic Tone
Tone is arguably the most critical factor in any acoustic guitar. The Fender SA‑105CE delivers a bright, clear sound that suits a variety of musical styles.
- Articulate Spruce Top: The laminated spruce top provides a crisp, articulate tone with excellent projection. This allows the guitar to shine when strummed or gently fingerpicked.
- Warm Back and Sides: The basswood back and sides add warmth and depth to the sound, balancing the brightness of the top. The result is a well‑rounded acoustic tone that is versatile enough for genres ranging from folk and country to pop and light rock.
- Dynamic Response: The guitar responds well to different playing dynamics. Whether you’re playing softly for a gentle ballad or strumming vigorously for a rock tune, the SA‑105CE adapts to your touch and delivers a consistent performance.
Amplified Tone
When plugged in, the integrated Fishman system does not dilute the acoustic character of the guitar. Instead, it faithfully reproduces the natural tone with added versatility:
- Clean and Clear: The amplified sound remains warm and full‑bodied, ensuring that your performance retains its emotional impact.
- Adjustable EQ: The onboard equalizer allows you to tailor the sound to suit different environments—whether you’re playing live, recording, or jamming with friends.
Playability and Comfort
Designed for Beginners and Beyond
The Fender SA‑105CE is built with playability as a priority:
- Slim Neck Profile: The comfortable neck is designed to ease chord changes and facilitate smooth scale runs, which is especially important for beginners who are still developing finger strength.
- Low Action: Out of the box, the guitar generally features low action, meaning that the strings are positioned at an optimal height for ease of playing. This reduces finger fatigue and encourages longer practice sessions.
- Cutaway Advantage: The cutaway not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides easier access to higher frets, making soloing and intricate fingerstyle work more comfortable.
- Overall Ergonomics: The combination of these features ensures that the SA‑105CE is enjoyable to play for extended periods—whether you’re practicing at home or performing live.
Suitable for a Range of Players
While the SA‑105CE is ideal for beginners, its comfortable playability and versatile tone also make it appealing to intermediate players looking for a reliable, budget‑friendly instrument.
Value for Money
Affordable and Feature‑Rich
The Fender SA‑105CE offers an impressive combination of features at an accessible price:
- Budget-Friendly: Fender has managed to incorporate modern electronics, quality tonewoods, and a classic design into an instrument that won’t break the bank. This makes the SA‑105CE an excellent entry‑point for beginners.
- Versatility: The built‑in Fishman system, combined with the acoustic‑electric design, ensures that you’re getting an instrument that can grow with you. It’s as suitable for practice as it is for live performance.
- Durability: The laminated construction offers enhanced resistance to humidity and temperature fluctuations, making the guitar a dependable choice for everyday use and travel.
- Brand Reliability: Fender’s longstanding reputation for quality adds an extra layer of assurance that you’re investing in an instrument that is built to last.
Long‑Term Investment
For players who are just starting out or those who need a reliable, versatile guitar for casual playing and performance, the SA‑105CE is a smart investment. Its feature set and overall build quality ensure that it can serve as a solid foundation as your skills develop over time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Integrated Electronics: The built‑in Fishman pickup and preamp system provide excellent amplification options while retaining the natural acoustic tone.
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for money, making it an ideal choice for beginners and budget‑conscious players.
- Classic Dreadnought Cutaway Design: Combines the robust projection of a dreadnought with the ease of access provided by a cutaway.
- Comfortable Playability: A slim neck, low action, and smooth fretboard make it easy to play, even for extended sessions.
- Versatility: Suitable for both unplugged acoustic playing and amplified performance, thanks to the integrated electronics.
Cons
- Laminated Construction: The use of laminated spruce, basswood, and nato means that the guitar may not have the same resonance and tonal depth as a fully solid wood instrument.
- Basic Aesthetics: The design is clean and understated, which might not appeal to players looking for more ornate or flashy visuals.
- Entry‑Level Electronics: While the Fishman system is reliable, it may not offer the same advanced tonal shaping capabilities as higher‑end acoustic‑electric guitars.
- Potential Setup Adjustments: Some players might find that minor tweaks to the action or intonation are needed to suit their personal playing style.
Final Verdict
The Fender SA‑105CE Electro Acoustic Guitar is a compelling choice for anyone looking for an affordable, versatile instrument that bridges the gap between traditional acoustic warmth and modern amplification. With its classic dreadnought cutaway design, integrated Fishman electronics, and comfortable playability, the SA‑105CE offers a lot for its price.
While it may not have the full resonance of a solid wood guitar, its durable laminated construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily practice and performance. Its user‑friendly electronics make it ideal for beginners who want to explore amplified acoustics without needing to invest in additional gear.
Overall, the Fender SA‑105CE is a smart, reliable option for beginners and intermediate players alike. It delivers a balanced, bright tone both unplugged and amplified, making it a versatile instrument that can support your musical journey from practice to performance.
Conclusion
In summary, the Fender SA‑105CE Electro Acoustic Guitar stands out as an excellent entry‑level instrument that doesn’t compromise on versatility or playability. Its integrated Fishman system, classic dreadnought cutaway design, and comfortable build make it a solid choice for players on a budget. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps into the world of guitar or an intermediate player seeking a reliable workhorse for gigs and practice, the SA‑105CE offers the features and performance you need to inspire your music.
Happy strumming, and may your musical journey be filled with creativity and great sound!