Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review: A Bold Step Up for Aspiring Musicians

Every guitarist remembers their first “real” instrument. For many of us, the journey begins with a cheap, unbranded acoustic that sits in the corner because it’s simply too painful or frustrating to play. You know the story: the strings are too high off the fretboard, the tuning pegs slip every five minutes, and the sound is more like a cardboard box than a musical instrument. This frustration often leads to beginners quitting before they’ve even learned their first G-chord. Finding a guitar that balances affordability with professional-grade playability is the ultimate challenge for any aspiring player or a parent looking to gift a lasting hobby. Solving this “entry-level hurdle” is crucial; if you don’t start with an instrument that feels good and stays in tune, you’re fighting against your gear rather than making music. That is precisely why we decided to put the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar through its paces to see if it truly offers the solution modern players need.

You can check the latest price and availability of this model to see why it has become such a popular choice for those transitioning from “beginner” to “intermediate” status.

Choosing Your First High-Quality Acoustic-Electric Guitar: A Buyer’s Guide

An Acoustic-Electric guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for musicians who want the versatility of a traditional acoustic sound combined with the power to plug into an amplifier or PA system for live performances. Unlike a standard acoustic, these instruments allow you to bridge the gap between practicing in your bedroom and performing on a stage. They solve the problem of being “drowned out” in a group setting while maintaining the portability of a self-contained instrument. The main benefits include built-in electronics for easy recording, an integrated tuner for convenience, and the ability to shape your tone through an EQ.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitation of a purely acoustic instrument, perhaps a student starting to play in a church band or a songwriter who wants to record demos directly into an interface. It’s also perfect for the “couch player” who wants the option to get loud every once in a while. However, it might not be suitable for those who strictly play classical music—who would require nylon strings—or professional recording artists who might demand all-solid wood construction for a more complex harmonic profile. In those cases, a high-end solid-top guitar might be the alternative to consider.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The “Dreadnought” body is the most common acoustic shape, but it is large. If you are a smaller-framed player or looking for a travel guitar, ensure you can comfortably wrap your arm around the 16.9-inch width. The dreadnought size is designed for maximum projection and volume, making it the “workhorse” of the guitar world.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for electronics that don’t just amplify, but actually enhance the sound. The quality of the preamp—the internal component that processes the sound—determines how “natural” your guitar sounds when plugged in. A built-in tuner is a non-negotiable feature for modern convenience.
• Materials & Durability: Laminate wood is often viewed as “entry-level,” but it has a secret weapon: durability. While solid wood sounds better as it ages, it is incredibly sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. Laminate construction, like that found in this model, is much more resistant to cracking and warping, making it ideal for players in varying climates.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: High “action” (the height of the strings from the fretboard) is the enemy of progress. Ensure the guitar has a truss rod and sealed tuners. Sealed-gear tuning machines require much less maintenance than open-gear versions and provide significantly better tuning stability over long sessions.

With these factors in mind, it becomes clear that selecting a guitar requires a balance between tone and practicality. While the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

When we first pulled the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar out of its protective packaging, the 2-Color Sunburst finish immediately caught our eye. It has a vintage, “expensive” look that belies its accessible price point. Many budget guitars suffer from a “dipped in plastic” look, but Fender has managed a gloss finish here that feels premium and highlights the grain of the Basswood top. The weight is balanced at roughly 6.8 pounds—substantial enough to feel sturdy but not so heavy that it causes fatigue during a long set.

The assembly is non-existent, as is standard with acoustics, but the “setup” out of the box was impressive. We found the neck to be straight and the fret ends surprisingly smooth for an instrument in this category. Compared to previous versions of the FA series, this iteration feels more refined, particularly with the inclusion of the Walnut fretboard, which offers a smoother tactile experience than the composite materials often used by competitors. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to compare how this aesthetics-first approach stacks up against other entry-level models.

Deep Dive: Performance Analysis of the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Design & Playability: The Cutaway Advantage

In our extensive testing, the standout physical feature of the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is the Venetian cutaway. For the uninitiated, this is the “scoop” taken out of the body where the neck meets the guitar. We found this design choice to be absolutely essential for anyone looking to play lead lines or reach those higher frets (12 through 20). Many traditional dreadnoughts are “full-bodied,” making it nearly impossible to hit a high solo note without awkwardly contorting your hand. Fender’s design here is ergonomic and invites exploration across the entire Walnut fretboard.

Speaking of the fretboard, the playability is where this guitar truly shines. We measured the “action”—the distance between the string and the fret—and found it to be consistently low. This is a massive win for beginners. One of the biggest complaints in user feedback is how “hard” it is to press down strings on budget guitars. We confirmed that this Fender model requires very little pressure to produce a clean note. Whether we were strumming aggressive open chords or practicing delicate fingerstyle, the neck felt fast and comfortable. This ease of use is a feature that really sets it apart from the generic “bundles” you often find online, which usually require a professional setup before they are even playable.

Sound Quality: Unplugged and Amplified

The Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar utilizes a combination of Basswood for the top and Sapele for the back and sides. While purists might scoff at laminate wood, our ears told a different story. The dreadnought body shape naturally emphasizes the low-end “thump.” When we strummed a heavy E-major chord, the guitar responded with a bold, room-filling sound. The Basswood top provides a very consistent tone—it’s punchy and clear, though it doesn’t have the same “ringing” sustain as a solid spruce top. However, for a beginner or intermediate player, this consistency is actually a benefit, as it makes the guitar very easy to record without worrying about erratic frequency spikes.

When we plugged the guitar into a standard acoustic amplifier, the FE-A2 electronics took center stage. This system is remarkably quiet, with very little “hiss” even at higher volumes. We found the EQ to be responsive, allowing us to dial back the “quack” that is often associated with piezo pickups. The built-in tuner is a godsend; it is bright enough to see on a dark stage and accurate enough to handle the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar‘s sealed-gear tuning machines. We found that even after an hour of heavy playing, the tuning remained rock solid, a testament to the quality of the internal components.

Durability and Material Integrity

We need to talk about the “All-Laminate” construction from a professional perspective. Many people think laminate is “cheap,” but in our experience, it is the most logical choice for a guitar that is going to be moved around. If you are a student taking your guitar to lessons, or a weekend warrior playing backyard BBQs, a solid wood guitar is a liability. It can crack if the humidity drops below 40%. The Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is built like a tank. The laminate Sapele and Basswood are glued in cross-grained layers, making the wood incredibly stable. We feel confident recommending this as a “life-proof” guitar.

Furthermore, the choice of Nato for the neck and Walnut for the bridge and fretboard shows Fender’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing the feel of traditional tonewoods. The walnut has a tight grain and a dark, rich color that feels excellent under the fingertips. In our tests, the bridge felt securely anchored, and the internal bracing was cleanly finished—details that are often overlooked in mass-produced instruments. If you are looking for long-term value, you can check the latest price and availability to see how Fender manages to pack this level of build quality into such an affordable package.

The Electronic Edge: Fender FE-A2 System

Most guitars at this price point use generic, “no-name” electronics. The fact that the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar features the FE-A2 system—designed by Fender specifically for their FA line—is a significant advantage. During our evaluation, we focused on the “onboard tuner” functionality. It’s a chromatic tuner, meaning it can help you with alternative tunings (like Drop D or DADGAD), not just standard tuning. This is a vital tool for any player looking to expand their musical vocabulary.

The preamp interface is minimalist but effective. There is a volume knob and a tone control, which essentially acts as a “tilt” EQ. Turning it up adds brightness and clarity for fingerpicking, while turning it down warms up the sound for heavy strumming. This simplicity is perfect for players who don’t want to get bogged down in technical settings and just want to “plug and play.” We found that even when plugged directly into a computer interface for recording, the signal was clean and required very little post-processing. This makes it an ideal entry-level recording tool for aspiring YouTubers or bedroom producers.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment from the guitar community regarding the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is overwhelmingly positive, particularly concerning its “out of the box” readiness. We reviewed dozens of reports to see if our expert findings matched the average user experience. One user highlighted the aesthetics and utility, stating, “I live the quality and design. It is very functional and the built-in tuner is great.” This sentiment was echoed by another player who noted, “Gorgeous guitar! Nice tuner, easy to tune, low action!”

The consensus is clear: the “low action” mentioned by users is the most critical feature for those starting their musical journey. It prevents the finger fatigue that kills motivation. While some users noted that they eventually upgraded the strings to a higher-end brand to get a “brighter” sound, the hardware and build quality received high marks across the board. The built-in tuner is consistently cited as a favorite feature, saving users from having to carry around extra gadgets. This feedback confirms our assessment that the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is designed with the user’s convenience in mind. You can see more user ratings to get a feel for how it performs in different hands.

Comparing the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar to Top Alternatives

While we are impressed with the FA Series, it’s important to see how it compares to other options in the Fender family and beyond. Here are three alternatives that might suit different needs.

1. Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar

If you love the “chimey,” orchestral sound of a 12-string guitar, the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String is the logical step up. Unlike the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar, this model features a solid spruce top, which offers more resonance and “bloom” as the wood ages. However, 12-string guitars are significantly harder to play and maintain than a 6-string. We recommend this for intermediate players who specifically want that “wall of sound” for folk or 60s rock, but beginners should stick to the 6-string FA series to learn the basics first.

2. Cordoba C5-CET Spalted Maple Cutaway Classical Guitar

The Cordoba C5-CET is a completely different beast. It features nylon strings and a thinner body. This is the ideal alternative for those who find steel strings too painful or who are interested in classical, flamenco, or bossa nova styles. The spalted maple looks incredible, but the tone is much mellower and “thinner” than the bold dreadnought sound of the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar. If you want a guitar that is easy on the fingers and has a “sophisticated” unplugged vibe, this Cordoba is a fantastic choice.

3. Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

For those who have a slightly higher budget and want a “one-and-done” purchase, this bundle is hard to beat. The CD-60SCE is the “big brother” to the FA series, featuring a solid mahogany top for a warmer, darker tone. The bundle includes a hard case, which is a $100 value on its own, along with extra strings, a strap, and picks. While the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a better value for the guitar alone, this bundle is the perfect “gift” package for someone who wants to ensure they have every single accessory they need from day one.

Final Verdict: Is the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Right for You?

After putting the Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar through rigorous testing, our verdict is a resounding “yes” for anyone looking for a reliable, stage-ready instrument without breaking the bank. Its strongest suit is its playability; the low action and comfortable neck profile make it a joy to play for hours on end. While it may lack the complex tonal depth of a solid-wood guitar costing three times as much, its durability and consistent performance make it a superior choice for students, travelers, and casual performers.

If you need a guitar that looks professional, stays in tune, and can be plugged in for your first open mic night, this is the one. We highly recommend it for its balance of features, aesthetic appeal, and the peace of mind that comes with the Fender name. Don’t let a bad instrument hold your talent back—take the next step in your musical journey and get your Fender FA Series Dreadnought today to start playing with the quality you deserve.