Fender FA 135CE: An Affordable Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Fender FA 135CE is a concert-style acoustic-electric guitar that combines Fender’s renowned craftsmanship with affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players alike. Designed with user-friendly features and reliable electronics, the FA 135CE offers a versatile playing experience suitable for various musical styles.​

Body and Design

The FA-135CE features a laminated spruce top paired with laminated basswood back and sides, resulting in a lightweight yet sturdy construction. The concert body shape with a cutaway design allows for easy access to higher frets, enhancing playability. The gloss finish adds an attractive sheen, while the black pickguard and pearloid rosette contribute to its classic aesthetic. ​

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Neck and Fingerboard

Equipped with Fender’s ‘Easy-to-Play’ neck shape and rolled fretboard edges, the FA-135CE ensures a comfortable grip for players of all skill levels. The walnut fingerboard has a radius of 11.81 inches and houses 20 frets, providing a smooth surface for both chordal and melodic playing. The 25.3-inch scale length and 1.69-inch nut width offer a familiar feel, especially for those transitioning from electric guitars. ​

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Electronics

One of the standout features of the FA-135CE is its onboard Fishman electronics system, which includes a built-in tuner and controls for volume and tone. This setup allows players to easily amplify their sound without compromising the guitar’s natural tonal qualities, making it suitable for both practice sessions and live performances. ​

Sound Quality

Despite its affordable price point, the FA-135CE delivers a clear and articulate tone. The laminated spruce top contributes to a bright sound with decent sustain, while the basswood body adds warmth. The concert body shape ensures balanced projection, making it suitable for fingerstyle playing and . When plugged in, the Fishman preamp system faithfully reproduces the guitar’s acoustic characteristics, offering flexibility in various musical settings. ​

Playability

The FA-135CE is designed with playability in mind. The ‘Easy-to-Play’ neck profile and rolled fretboard edges reduce hand fatigue, making it ideal for extended playing sessions. The low action setup out of the box facilitates easier fretting, which is particularly beneficial for beginners developing their technique. ​

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Affordability: Offers excellent value for its price point.​
  • User-Friendly Features: The comfortable neck profile and built-in tuner enhance the overall playing experience.​
  • Versatility: Suitable for various musical genres, both acoustic and amplified settings.​

Cons:

  • Material Quality: The use of laminated woods may not provide the same resonance as solid wood options.​
  • Hardware: The stock tuners and strings might require upgrades for optimal performance.​

Conclusion

The Fender FA-135CE stands out as a reliable and affordable acoustic-electric guitar, particularly suited for beginners and intermediate players seeking a versatile instrument. Its combination of user-friendly design, decent sound quality, and built-in electronics makes it a worthy consideration for those embarking on their musical journey.​

FAQ

  1. Is the Fender FA-135CE suitable for beginners?

    Yes, the FA-135CE’s comfortable neck profile and affordable price make it an excellent choice for beginners.

  2. Does the FA-135CE come with a case?

    No, the guitar is typically sold separately from a case, so purchasing a gig bag or hard case is advisable for protection.

  3. Can the FA-135CE be played without an amplifier?

    It functions as a regular acoustic guitar and can be played unplugged.

  4. What type of strings does the FA-135CE use?

    It comes equipped with factory standard strings (.012–.053 gauges), but players can customize string gauges to their preference.

  5. How does the FA-135CE compare to other guitars in its price range?

    The FA-135CE offers a good balance of features and quality, making it competitive among other guitars in its price bracket.