Fender might just be the very biggest name in all of guitar. And for the record, their reputation is quite well-earned. They have been making really excellent stuff for quite some time.
But that doesn’t mean that they haven’t also made some duds. Which category does the Fender FA-100 fall into? That is the question that we have gathered here to answer today.
We have taken a look at the highs of this instrument, and also the lows. Everything that we learned has been assembled here in our Fender FA-100 review.
Read on to learn if this instrument is going to be right for your needs.
Important Features
We will now take a look at a few of the important features that we found on this guitar. Everything included in the section below reflects aspects of the guitar that we liked.
We will also examine some issues a little bit later on.
Affordable
One of the best aspects of this guitar is the price tag. You get a lot more quality than most guitars that are available at this price range.
The affordable price is going to make it an appealing option for beginners. Even experienced players are going to find a lot to like. It is hard to find a decent guitar available at this price. This is especially true when considering brands as prominent as Fender.
If you are hoping to get a decent guitar at a price that won’t break the bank, this is one to consider.
Robust Package
Besides being affordable, the Fender FA-100 set is also extremely comprehensive. In addition to getting the guitar itself, you also get everything else you could need. It comes with straps, a tuner, and an instructional DVD.
You also get picks, and, perhaps best of all, a hard top case. To put this deal in context a little bit, there are many cases out there that cost more than this entire package.
With this package, you get truly everything that you could possibly need to get started. If you are a beginner, this is definitely the most affordable opportunity you will find to get what you need.
Chrome Hardware
The FA-100 comes with a full set of chrome hardware. For those that don’t know, chrome hardware is generally praised for being durable, and long-lasting.
Essentially, this means that you can count on the tuners, and other aspects of the guitar going the distance.
In the grand scheme of things, this is a relatively small aspect of the guitar to consider. However, if you are looking for every advantage that you can hope for, the chrome will come in handy.
We actually did have some durability concerns with this guitar, but the hardware will help.
Responsive
One of the big pluses that we noticed here was that this guitar is pretty responsive to nuanced playing. This means that it will really register even the more subtle notes that you strum.
This may sound like a basic element of any guitar. Indeed, it is in many ways. However, it also is never a given. This is especially true of laminate top guitars that are available in this price range.
A lot of the time, cheap guitars just don’t display any nuance. Notes bleed together in the air, and the musician is unable to demonstrate their full range of skill.
All of this said, we did have a few concerns that pertained to the sound quality here. It does lack a little bit of vibrancy. However, if you are hoping for a distinct reflection of your nuanced playing, you will still find it here.
Issues
The majority of the problems pertain to any guitar in this price range. Still, they are worth mention. One of the most serious problems that we found pertains to the sound quality.
The guitar features a fairly thin sound profile. This is something that you are going to find in any laminate built guitar.
Laminated spruce might look good, but it just doesn’t perform the same way that hardtop does.
The other issue is durability. Laminate is also very prone to scratches and even cracks. If you aren’t careful, you may encounter cosmetic wear and tear, or even damage that can impact how the instrument performs.
This problem can be abated from careful handling. Still, it is something to keep an eye out for.
Last but not least, we also noticed that the wood is a little bit vulnerable to warping. Humidity and moisture may impact the body of the instrument.
Again, it is worth emphasizing that these are issues virtually any laminate guitar will encounter. If you want a more robust sound profile, you are going to need to pay a little bit more for it.
Pros And Cons
Our review is almost complete. As you prepare to make your buying decision, you may find it worthwhile to reflect on this guitar. Below you will find a list of pros and cons that may help make the decision easier.
Pros Of Fender FA-100
- Affordable
- Package includes hardtop case, instructional DVD, pick, strap, etc.
- Chrome hardware
- Responsive
Cons Of Fender FA-100
- Vulnerable to wear and tear
- Sound quality is a little bit thin
- Wood is susceptible to warping when exposed to moisture
Conclusion
For the beginner looking for a comprehensive set, few guitars can rival the package that you get here. The FA-100 comes with everything you could possibly need to get started.
Is it perfect? No, of course. No guitar in this price range is. If you are a more advanced player, you are probably going to want to keep looking.
The issues really aren’t attributable to anything that the FA-100 does wrong. They are all just common to faults that arise with guitars in this price range. IF you want a richer sound quality, you are going to need to be willing to pay for it
Otherwise, it is a comprehensive package at a price that won’t be beat.
