Fender FA-135CE Electric Guitar: A Comprehensive Review
The Fender FA-135CE is an acoustic-electric guitar that has gained a solid reputation among musicians of varying skill levels and styles. This versatile instrument is designed to cater to the needs of both beginner and experienced players, providing excellent sound quality, playability, and affordability. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the history, design, construction, sound, and notable features of the Fender FA-135CE electric guitar.
History of the Fender FA-135CE
Fender, a renowned American guitar manufacturer, has been producing top-quality instruments since 1946. Although it is best known for its electric guitars like the Stratocaster and Telecaster, Fender has also made significant contributions to the world of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. The Fender FA-135CE is a testament to the company’s dedication to providing high-quality, affordable, and versatile instruments for musicians across the globe.
Design and Construction
The Fender FA-135CE is a concert-style, cutaway guitar that boasts a slim and comfortable body shape. The cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets, making it an ideal choice for guitarists who often play lead or solo parts. The guitar features a laminated spruce top, which provides a bright and resonant tone, while the laminated basswood back and sides contribute to its durability and cost-effectiveness.
The guitar’s neck is made of nato wood, which is known for its strength and resistance to warping. The fingerboard is crafted from rosewood, providing a smooth and comfortable playing surface. The FA-135CE also comes equipped with a set of die-cast tuners, ensuring that the instrument stays in tune even after extended playing sessions.
One of the most notable features of the Fender FA-135CE is its Fishman electronics. The guitar comes with a built-in Fishman preamp and tuner, allowing players to easily adjust their tone and volume when plugged into an amplifier or PA system. This feature makes the FA-135CE an ideal choice for live performances and recording sessions.
Sound and Playability
The Fender FA-135CE acoustic-electric guitar is known for its rich and warm sound, with a well-balanced tonal range that makes it suitable for various musical styles. The laminated spruce top produces a bright and clear high-end, while the basswood back and sides contribute to a solid mid-range and deep low-end. The nato wood neck adds warmth and resonance to the overall tone.
When it comes to playability, the FA-135CE is designed for comfort and ease of use. The slim concert-style body is lightweight and easy to hold, making it an excellent choice for players of all sizes. The cutaway design allows for effortless access to the higher frets, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface that is gentle on the fingers.
The built-in Fishman preamp and tuner make it easy to achieve the perfect tone and tuning when playing through an amplifier or PA system. Additionally, the die-cast tuners ensure that the guitar stays in tune, even during lengthy playing sessions.
Notable Features
Several features set the Fender FA-135CE apart from other acoustic-electric guitars in its price range. These include:
- Fishman electronics: The built-in Fishman preamp and tuner provide excellent sound quality and ease of use, making the FA-135CE a great choice for live performances and recording sessions.
- Cutaway design: The concert-style cutaway allows for easy access to the higher frets, making this guitar suitable for lead and solo playing.
- Laminated construction: The combination of a laminated spruce top and basswood back and sides make the FA-135CE a durable and cost-effective option.
- Nato wood neck: Known for its strength and resistance to warping, the nato wood neck ensures that the FA-135CE maintains its playability and tone over time.
- Die-cast tuners: These high-quality tuners ensure that the guitar stays in tune, even during extended playing sessions.
Conclusion
The Fender FA-135CE is a versatile and affordable acoustic-electric guitar that offers excellent sound quality, playability, and durability. Its unique design, comfortable body shape, and built-in Fishman electronics make it an ideal choice for guitarists of all skill levels and musical styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable first instrument or an experienced player seeking a dependable guitar for live performances and recording sessions, the Fender FA-135CE is well worth considering.
