Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar review perfect for beginners with full accessory bundle

Description

Classic Design and Build Quality

The Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar bundle immediately caught my eye with its timeless dreadnought body style. I’ve always been partial to this design because it offers a bold, resonant tone that effortlessly fills a room. The spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides doesn’t just look stunning; it also contributes to the guitar’s warm yet crisp sound. The natural gloss finish adds an extra layer of elegance, making it something you’d be proud to display even when it’s not in use.

One detail I appreciated during testing was the “X”-bracing construction, a feature that enhances projection and resonance. You can really feel the difference when you strum; the sound is rich and dynamic, ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. Even small touches like the white dot position inlays on the 20-fret walnut fingerboard help make this guitar not only functional but also visually appealing.

Playability and Comfort

Playing this guitar felt incredibly smooth, thanks to the gloss urethane neck finish and comfortable fretboard radius of 11.81 inches. I’ve tried other guitars in this price range, and many tend to feel either too bulky or too stiff. This wasn’t the case here. The compensated saddle and walnut bridge also ensured that the intonation was spot-on. No matter how hard I strummed or how delicately I fingerpicked, the tuning stayed consistent, which is a massive relief for someone who dislikes constant re-tuning.

Even after an extended session, my hands didn’t feel fatigued—a testament to its ergonomic design. For beginners who might be worried about finger soreness, this guitar is forgiving, yet it doesn’t compromise on quality for more advanced players looking to experiment with different styles.

Key Benefits

Here’s what stood out to me during the testing process:

• Rich, bold tone that works well across genres.
• Easy playability, making it accessible for beginners while still satisfying experienced players.
• Sturdy build quality with attention to small details like the compensated saddle and tuning stability.
• Comes as a complete bundle, eliminating the need to hunt for accessories.

Areas for Improvement

While I genuinely enjoyed this guitar, a few things could be better:

• The plastic nut and saddle might not appeal to purists who prefer bone or higher-end materials.
• The gig bag included in the bundle feels a bit thin and doesn’t offer substantial protection for travel.
• The tuner, while functional, is quite basic and could be upgraded for better precision.

Everything You Need to Start Playing

What makes this bundle stand out is how beginner-friendly it is right out of the box. Along with the guitar, you get a gig bag, strap, picks, spare strings, a basic tuner, and even an instructional DVD. For someone just starting out, this is incredibly convenient. I personally tested the tuner and found it useful, though as I mentioned earlier, it’s not the most advanced model out there.

The inclusion of Fender Play lessons is a fantastic touch. Having access to online lessons lets you dive right into learning chords, strumming patterns, and even full songs. This feature alone makes the bundle a solid choice for anyone looking to pick up the guitar for the first time.

Competing Products

In the crowded world of acoustic guitars, there are a few notable competitors to this model. The Yamaha FG800, for instance, is another popular choice in a similar price range. While the Yamaha offers a slightly brighter tone and a solid top, it doesn’t come with as comprehensive a bundle as the Fender FA-115.

Another contender is the Epiphone DR-100, which has a comparable build quality but lacks the dreadnought projection that the Fender provides. I also found that the tuning stability on the Fender was superior, which is a big deal for anyone who’s ever dealt with constantly slipping strings.

Ultimately, the Fender FA-115 shines in its playability and the value of its all-in-one package, making it an excellent pick for beginners who want everything they need in one purchase.

Quality for Price

When you consider the features and the comprehensive bundle, this guitar delivers excellent value for money. The materials used—like the spruce top and laminated mahogany—are typically found in higher-end models, yet Fender has managed to keep this guitar affordable without sacrificing sound quality.

It’s rare to find a bundle that includes accessories, online lessons, and a guitar of this quality in one package. For a beginner or even an intermediate player looking for a reliable backup guitar, this is a smart investment. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the balance of quality and affordability justifies the price.

In short: It’s not just about getting a guitar; it’s about getting a complete setup that allows you to focus on what matters—playing.

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