Introduction
The Fender FA-15 acoustic guitar comes in both steel-string and nylon-string versions, offering players a quality 3/4 size instrument perfect for beginners, travelers, and those with smaller hands. With its shortened 23.3" scale length, the FA-15 provides easy playability while maintaining Fender’s iconic style and tone.
The 3/4 size body yields many benefits. The compact dimensions are comfortable for younger players and make the FA-15 an exceptional travel companion. The reduced scale length lessens string tension, making the guitar easier to fret and strum for small hands. While 3/4 size guitars are often thought of as student models, the FA-15 proves they can deliver impressive sound too.
Let’s take a quick look at the Fender FA-15 in action:
[youtube video showcasing the FA-15]
The FA-15 aims to bring Fender’s renowned craftsmanship and tone to aspiring players of all ages. Whether you’re seeking your first guitar, need a road warrior companion, or have difficulties playing full-scale acoustics, the FA-15 warrants a close look.
Fender FA-15 3/4 Steel String Model Review
The Fender FA-15 3/4 scale steel string acoustic guitar features a laminate spruce top with laminate sapele back and sides. This combination of tonewoods produces a balanced and resonant tone, with crisp highs and warm low mids.
The playability of the FA-15 is excellent, thanks to its comfortable C-shaped neck profile and 23.3" scale length. The fretboard is made of walnut, providing a smooth feel. The shorter scale length makes chords and stretches much easier for beginners and players with small hands.
In terms of sound quality and projection, the FA-15 punches above its weight. Despite the compact 3/4 size body, it produces impressive volume and sustain. The steel strings have excellent clarity and definition. While not as boomy as a full dreadnought, the FA-15 has a focused and balanced acoustic voice.
It features the iconic Fender headstock design carried over from their full-size acoustic models. The modern streamlined shape complements the smaller body nicely. Overall the FA-15 steel string model has excellent build quality and playability at an affordable price point.
Fender FA-15 3/4 Nylon String Model Review
The Fender FA-15 3/4 size nylon string model differs in a few key ways from its steel string counterpart. Most notably, it utilizes nylon strings rather than steel strings. This provides a warmer, mellower tone that many players find easier on the fingers. The decreased string tension also makes the nylon version a great choice for beginners learning basic chords and fingerpicking techniques.
Nylon strings have some inherent advantages, especially for new players. The softer feel is less harsh on uncalloused fingertips. The mellower sound projects clearly without the metallic brightness of steel strings. This allows the natural resonance of the guitar’s tonewoods to come through. For fingerstyle playing, the decreased tension allows more expressive control when bending and shaping notes.
When comparing the nylon and steel FA-15 models side by side, the most obvious difference is in the sound. The nylon version has a rounded, darker tone focused on the midrange. It lacks the bright treble sparkle of steel strings. The bass end is also less punchy than the steel model. However, the nylon guitar projects very well and has a full, rich voice. The smooth playability makes it a great choice as a practice and leisure guitar.
So while the steel string FA-15 may be better suited to strumming and picking, the nylon variant offers an easy playing experience perfect for beginners. The warm, classical-like voice is smooth and resonant. For players with smaller hands seeking an accessible nylon-string guitar, the Fender FA-15 3/4 size is an excellent option.
Is the Fender FA-15 3/4 Good for Beginners?
The Fender FA-15 3/4 acoustic guitar has several features that make it an excellent choice for beginner guitarists.
Firstly, the reduced 23.3" scale length is ideal for players with smaller hands who are just starting out on guitar. The shorter neck and fretboard length means less stretching is required to form chords and fret notes up and down the neck. This makes playing easier and more comfortable for beginners.
Additionally, the lightweight and compact body size and dimensions of the FA-15 3/4 models provide a very comfortable guitar for new players to practice on. The small body rests nicely against the player’s body while seated and is easy to hold in a playing position while standing. This helps reduce fatigue from long practice sessions.
Finally, the affordable price point of the Fender FA-15 acoustic guitars make them a very accessible option for beginners on a budget. The quality and playability provided by the FA-15 3/4 at this inexpensive price make it a great first guitar.
The easy playability, solid sound, and low cost check all the right boxes for what most beginner guitarists need. While the laminate construction means it may eventually be outgrown, the Fender FA-15 3/4 offers fantastic value for new players starting their guitar journey.
Fender FA-15 for Travel and Kids
The Fender FA-15’s compact size makes it a great choice for travel and portability. At just 3/4 scale, it’s much smaller and lighter than a full-size acoustic, making it easy to pack in a suitcase or backpack.
Despite its small size, the FA-15 has a very durable build quality that can stand up to the rigors of travel. The all-laminate construction is designed to be resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. Many buyers also appreciate that some versions of the FA-15 come bundled with a padded gig bag for even more protection.
Having a guitar case or bag is crucial when traveling, as it prevents potential damage to the instrument. The included gig bags have thick padding and strong zippers to keep the guitar safe in transit. For parents buying the FA-15 for their kids, the gig bag adds peace of mind knowing their child’s guitar has a layer of protection.
The FA-15’s portability also makes it a smart choice for kids and younger players. It’s lightweight enough for children to comfortably hold and play. The short 23.3" scale length reduces string tension, making it easier on small hands during longer practice sessions. Between the compact size, gig bag, and playability factors, the Fender FA-15 is built to handle travel and younger players.
Fender FA-15 Acoustic Specs, Pricing & Availability
The Fender FA-15 3/4 scale acoustic guitar comes in both steel-string and nylon-string versions. Here’s an overview of the key specs:
- Scale length: 23.3" – shorter than a full-size acoustic for easier playability
- Body size: 3/4 size, smaller body ideal for travel and smaller players
- Top: Laminated spruce – provides balanced tone and durability
- Back & sides: Laminate mahogany or sapele – warm, balanced tone
- Neck: Maple – smooth playability
- Fretboard & bridge: Rosewood – mellow tone, comfortable feel
- Nut width: 1.6875" – narrow for comfort and accessibility
- Frets: 20 – allows access to higher notes
The FA-15 comes in a variety of great-looking finish options including natural, black, vintage sunburst, and blue burst.
Current pricing for a new Fender FA-15 is around $199 for the steel-string model and $229 for the nylon-string version. Used FA-15 guitars can often be found in the $100-150 range.
The Fender FA-15 is sold at major guitar retailers including Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and online stores like Amazon and Reverb. Local music stores may also carry it. Buying new gives the full factory warranty while used models will be cheaper but without a warranty.
Alternatives
There are a few other quality 3/4 size acoustic guitars worth considering as alternatives to the Fender FA-15:
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Yamaha JR1 3/4 Dreadnought Acoustic – Yamaha is known for making great beginner acoustic guitars, and the JR1 is an affordable 3/4 size dreadnought. It has a spruce top with meranti back and sides, a rosewood bridge and fretboard, and a nice balanced tone. The playability is also very good for the price.
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Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic – This 3/4 scale guitar by the legendary American guitar maker Martin has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It produces a bright and articulate tone, with excellent playability and craftsmanship you’d expect from Martin. A great choice but more expensive than the Fender FA-15.
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Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor Acoustic – Taylor’s 3/4 size dreadnought BT1 features a solid mahogany top and layered walnut back and sides. It has their patented neck design for excellent playability. The tone is balanced, with good volume and sustain. Another great option but it comes at a higher price point.
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Alvarez Artist Series AD30 Acoustic – Alvarez makes high quality acoustics, and the AD30 is an all-solid wood 3/4 size guitar. With a cedar top and mahogany back and sides, it delivers a warm and rich tone, especially for fingerstyle playing. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is superb.
While the Fender FA-15 is an excellent beginner’s 3/4 acoustic, for those willing to spend more, the Little Martin, Baby Taylor, and Alvarez AD30 represent great alternatives with all-solid wood construction and top-notch quality. They produce noticeably better tone, volume and resonance.
Conclusion
The Fender FA-15 3/4 scale acoustic guitar offers a lot of value in a small package. This compact guitar is ideal for beginners, younger players, or anyone with smaller hands who wants a comfortable, playable acoustic.
Pros:
- Reduced scale length great for smaller hands
- Lightweight and easy to hold for extended playing
- Quality tone and projection from laminate top
- Affordable pricing for a starter instrument
- Available in steel or nylon string models
Cons:
- Laminate back and sides don’t resonate as well
- Shorter scale length may be outgrown eventually
- Not a long-term guitar for serious players
The Fender FA-15 gets a rating of 4 out of 5 stars as an acoustic for beginners and travel. While not a professional-grade instrument, it excels at being an easy to play, decent sounding, and inexpensive option for new guitarists. The compact size also makes it a great choice for kids and portability.
Overall, the FA-15 is highly recommended for anyone looking to learn on a 3/4 size acoustic guitar. The smooth playability, comfortable feel, and wallet-friendly price make it a winner. While not ideal for lifelong use, it’s a fantastic entry-level guitar to start the journey with.
Accessories
When purchasing the Fender FA-15 acoustic guitar, there are some useful accessories and related gear worth considering as well. This can help enhance your playing experience and keep the guitar protected.
Related Gear to Consider
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Gig bag or hardshell case: While some FA-15 models come with a gig bag, having a hardshell case offers more protection, especially for travel. Fender and other brands make cases specifically for 3/4 size guitars.
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Extra strings: It’s handy to have an extra set or two of strings on hand for when the factory strings need changing. Fender makes string sets for both steel and nylon FA-15 models.
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Guitar strap: A comfortable strap makes playing the FA-15 while standing easier and more secure. Look for straps designed for smaller acoustic guitars.
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Capo: A capo is useful for changing the key of songs while using the same chord shapes. Great for beginners learning songs in multiple keys.
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Guitar picks: Picks come in different shapes, sizes and materials. Variety packs are ideal for experimenting to find the best fit for your playing style.
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Guitar tuner: Whether clip-on or handheld, a tuner is essential for keeping the FA-15 tuned properly. Tuning regularly helps beginners develop a good ear.
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Guitar stand: A stand provides a handy place to safely store the guitar when not playing. This protects the guitar from getting knocked over and damaged.
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Humidifier: For guitars stored long-term, a humidifier helps maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent the wood from drying out.
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Guitar polish: Over time, fingerprints and dust can build up on the FA-15’s finish. Polish helps keep it looking new. Apply carefully to avoid the fretboard.
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Instructional book: A beginner guitar book can provide structured lessons and songs to help new players advance their skills beyond online videos.
FAQ
What is the scale length of the Fender FA-15?
The Fender FA-15 has a reduced 3/4 scale length of 23.3 inches, compared to the standard 25.5 inch scale length on most full-size acoustic guitars. This shorter scale length makes playing easier for beginners, children, and those with smaller hands.
What type of strings does the FA-15 use?
The Fender FA-15 comes in two versions – a steel string model and a nylon string model. The steel string uses light gauge steel strings, while the nylon string uses classical-style nylon strings.
What body style is the Fender FA-15?
The FA-15 has a compact grand concert body shape. It’s smaller than a standard dreadnought, but larger than a parlor or travel size.
What are the top, back, and side woods?
The Fender FA-15 uses laminated wood construction. The top is made of laminated spruce, while the back and sides are laminate mahogany or sapele.
Does the FA-15 come with a case or gig bag?
Some FA-15 bundles come with a padded gig bag included. However, a hardshell case is not included and needs to be purchased separately if desired.
What is the nut and saddle material?
The nut and saddle on the FA-15 are made from synthetic bone material. This is typical for guitars in this price range.
How much does the Fender FA-15 cost?
The Fender FA-15 retails for around $199 USD for the steel string model, and $229 for the nylon string version. Used FA-15 models can often be found for under $150.
Is the FA-15 a good guitar for kids to learn on?
Yes, the smaller size, shorter scale length, and comfortable body shape make the Fender FA-15 a great choice as a first guitar for kids and teens. The durable construction can stand up to beginner playing.
What ages is the FA-15 appropriate for?
The FA-15 is best suited for children aged 8 and up. The scale length works well for smaller hands. Adult guitarists with small hands also appreciate the FA-15’s playability.