Fender FA-100 Review (2024) – Best Budget Guitar for Beginners?

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FENDER FA 100 REVIEW

The Fender FA-100 is probably one of the best acoustic guitar for beginners. No frills, just a straightaway perfect out-of-the-box guitar. Ask anyone their thoughts on this guitar and you’ll find the same answer: it’s awesome.

In our review on the Fender FA-100, we have discussed the features that make it one of the best acoustic guitar for beginners.

Upgraded Version
Fender FA-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
4.5


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Most Recommended First Guitar by Professionals

Fender has been making amazing guitars since the early 1930s. As such, you are guaranteed to buy a carefully crafted guitar from a company with almost a century in guitar manufacturing.

It’s no wonder the Fender FA-100 is so recommended by many professionals as a first guitar.

A Dreadnought with Great Design

The Fender FA-100 acoustic guitar is a dreadnought with a good design. While the competition transforms their guitar design to attract more clients, Fender maintains a traditional look reminiscent of most old-school guitars.

fender fa 100 review
Photos Provided by FMIC

However, its exterior is covered in glossy and clean paint to give it a remarkable upgrade and add to its look.

Most dreadnought guitars resemble each other, what matters is the sound quality and sometimes the manufacturer. Regarding size, the FA-100 has a full-body size that a lot of grown folk will appreciate.

The beauty of playing guitar is not only in the beautiful melody that emanates from it but its ability to fit comfortably in your arms.

If you are considering purchasing this as entry-level guitar for your child or someone younger, we’d recommend these kids acoustic guitars instead.

fender fa 100 acoustic review
Photos Provided by FMIC

Not to mention, a beginner’s guitar doesn’t mean that it will be the only instrument of its kind that you will purchase.

With time you get to upgrade, still, most people hold onto the FA 100 for sentimental purposes maybe to remind them of their first gig or their musical journey.

Low Action

The string and fretboard on the this dreadnought are very close to each other. As such, a low action is created which in turn increases playability.

Fretting will be almost effortless as the low action also eases the process of pressing down the strings for a good sound.

fender fa 100 acoustic guitar review
Photos Provided by FMIC

As a beginner, you are expected to experience buzzing noises when strings touch other frets; it is a common thing in the guitar world.

However, the more you practice, The higher your chances of eliminating amateurish mistakes.

These are some of the little things that you have to get used to so as to be able to play this FA-100 with ease. Luckily, this guitar makes playing very easy.

Worthy Purchase for its Price

For a guitar on the entry level, the Fender FA-100 has a very distinctive and incredible sound.

fender fa-100 review
Photos Provided by FMIC

You would expect the sound from guitars going at a higher price, which makes this acoustic guitar a worthy purchase.

The intonation of any acoustic guitar should have nothing but brightness as opposed to its classical counterpart.

You will be able to feel and hear every note clearly, which fastens the learning process and makes it even more entertaining.

The Fender FA-100 can help you perform even the most jubilant of songs with the same sound quality as a professional guitar.

Specs – Body Material & Style, Back/Side,

  • Top – Laminated Spruce
  • Back – Basswood
  • Side – Basswood
  • Body Style – Dreadnought
  • Bracing – “X”-bracing
  • Fingerboard – 20-fret Walnut
  • Bridge – Hardwood with compensated saddle
  • Finish- Gloss

Other Features

Stability and projection are increased by the time-tested quartersawn X bracing that can be found right under the Basswood top.

Bracing is a feature that you would expect in guitars for players in the intermediate or professional level.

If you are lucky enough to find this feature in an entry-level guitar such as this one, do not underestimate its sound quality.

Also, the hex adjustable truss rod that can be found on the neck plays a significant role in counteracting string action.

fender fa-100 headstock
Photos Provided by FMIC

This feature ensures that your guitar performs at the optimal level consistently.

Pros

  • It is relatively affordable but still of quality
  • Despite its price, this guitar is already a full size guitar.
  • Aesthetically attractive

Cons

  • Sound quality is not the best. Beginners won’t notice the difference though.
  • High action, needs a bit of adjustment
  • Not very consistent with its tuning and requires some adjustment
  • Has visible residual glue spots

Verdict

Upgraded Version
Fender FA-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
4.5


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The Fender FA-100 might be an entry level guitar, but it has all the qualities to be used even for professional purposes.

It is very hard to find a beginner’s guitar with a solid spruce top and bracing let alone at such a low price.

This guitar the best option for someone who wishes to learn the tricks of the guitar playing trade without having to spend a lot of money on the instrument.

Other Guitars To Consider

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Body and Neck
Material
Sound
Value for Money
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The Guitar Junky
Hi there, I’m Charles, chief editor here at The Guitar Junky. I'm a professional guitarist, and have over 10 years experience in playing guitar, piano, and other music instruments. When not working, I love playing with my two lovely kids. Read more about our team of music experts here.
fender-fa100-reviewQuick Review <p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fender-FA-100-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar/dp/B00CA8982Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=theguitarjunky-20&linkId=a6f4e05f4a41144c42fec90fc82496e1&language=en_US">Fender FA-100</a> is one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners. At an affordable price, it has all the basic features a newbie need to start playing. It has a full-size dreadnought body for a full and resonant tone, and a laminated spruce top with X-bracing which provides durability.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C5XV47T/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=theguitarjunky-20&linkId=a3dcd877d5bee3415616fa3677ed35ec" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><span class="td_btn td_btn_lg td_round_btn">View on Amazon.com</span></a> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/2507849/789347/11319?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FNewPrtPlyWNAT--fender-newporter-player-acoustic-electric-guitar-natural" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><span class="td_btn td_btn_lg td_round_btn">View on Sweetwater.com</span></a></p>

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