Introduction
Fender has a long history of making iconic electric guitars, like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. But the company also has an extensive acoustic guitar line, catering to all playing levels. The Fender FA-15N is part of their beginner focused acoustic series, featuring a 3/4 scale size and nylon string construction for easy playability.
The 3/4 scale size means the FA-15N has a slightly smaller body and neck width than a full size classical guitar. This makes it perfect for younger students with smaller hands, as well as an excellent travel companion. The compact size won’t feel too cumbersome when played on the go.
Nylon strings provide a warmer, mellower tone compared to steel strings. They are also easier on the fingers for beginning players. The FA-15N captures the essence of a traditional nylon string classical guitar, providing rich tone without the difficulty of larger models.
With its accessible 3/4 scale size, comfortable nylon strings, and backing of the Fender brand, the FA-15N is an ideal choice for new guitarists of all ages looking to learn on a quality classical acoustic. Its well-constructed build and resonant sound lay a foundation for progression on the instrument.
Fender FA-15N Specs & Features
The Fender FA-15N 3/4 scale classical guitar has dimensions perfect for smaller hands and bodies. It features a 3/4 size body with a total length of 39 inches. The scale length is 22.8 inches, shorter than a full size classical. The nut width is 1.875 inches, providing ample room for fingering chords and notes up the neck.
For tonewoods, the FA-15N uses laminated spruce on top with laminated mahogany back and sides. The combination produces a balanced tone with clarity in the highs from the spruce and warmth in the lows from the mahogany. The neck is made from nato wood with a 20 fret rosewood fingerboard.
The bracing pattern inside is Fender’s non-scalloped X-type bracing, designed to enhance resonance and sustain. The bridge and saddle are made from synthetic bone material, which helps transfer string vibrations efficiently.
Overall the specs and dimensions make the FA-15N an easy to play 3/4 scale classical perfect for smaller players looking for comfort and classic nylon string tone.
Hardware & Accessories
The Fender FA-15N comes equipped with quality open-gear Grover tuners, providing precise and stable tuning over time. Many budget nylon string guitars use cheaper tuners that can slip and cause tuning issues, so the Grovers are a nice upgrade.
Unlike larger full-size Fender nylon string models, the FA-15N does not include any onboard electronics. It is an entirely acoustic instrument without built-in pickups or preamp systems. This helps keep costs down for beginners not yet needing amplification capabilities.
A padded nylon gig bag is included with the guitar for protection during transport and storage. The bag features backpack straps for easy carrying, as well as exterior and interior pockets for small accessories. While not a hardshell case, the included gig bag will sufficiently protect the instrument from dings and scratches during travel or lessons. Most competitors in this price range do not include a bag or case.
Sound & Playability
The Fender FA-15N produces a rich, warm tone thanks to its nylon strings. The strings have a mellow, rounded sound compared to steel strings, which many find easier on the fingers and ears for prolonged playing.
In terms of projection, the FA-15N has decent volume for personal practice and playing in small rooms. It likely won’t be loud enough to compete with other instruments in a jam session unplugged, but the focused mid-range cuts through for solo playing.
The guitar stays relatively in tune, with only minor tuning adjustments needed after playing. The nylon strings hold their pitch better than steel strings, especially once broken in. Intonation up the neck is accurate enough for beginner to intermediate playing.
Out of the box, the action may be set a little high for some players. But the bridge saddle and truss rod are adjustable to personalize the string height. Lowering the action can help eliminate fret buzz. The nut slots also seem cut accurately to avoid tuning or playability issues.
The FA-15N’s neck has a comfortable C-shape that fits nicely in the hand. The shorter 3/4 scale length reduces string tension, making bends and chords a bit easier to fret. The smooth satin finish allows for fast, fluid playing once your fingers adjust to the wider nylon string spacing compared to steel-string acoustics. Overall, the FA-15N provides a very playable experience for all skill levels.
Fender FA-15N vs Other Beginner Classical Guitars
The Fender FA-15N holds up well when compared to other popular starter classical guitars like those from Yamaha, Cordoba, and more. Here’s how it stacks up:
Pricing and Value
With a retail price of around $199, the FA-15N is very competitively priced for a beginner nylon string classical. Models like the Yamaha C40 or Cordoba C1M can cost $50-100 more while offering similar quality and features. The FA-15N gives you great bang for your buck.
Standout Features
The 3/4 scale size sets the FA-15N apart, making it a great choice specifically for smaller players with smaller hands and bodies. Most other classical guitar models only come in a full size.
The included gig bag is another nice perk that isn’t always standard for beginner classical guitars. This provides protection and portability right out of the box.
The slim neck profile and comfortable string action of the FA-15N also help maximize playability for novice players. It avoids the high action and thick necks found on some cheaper starter classical guitars.
Overall, the FA-15N holds its own against the competition and excels in areas like scale size and playability that make it distinctly appealing to true guitar beginners. The value proposition is strong with the FA-15N.
Fender FA-15N Review: Pros and Cons
Pros:
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The Fender FA-15N offers excellent value for a well-made beginner nylon string guitar. Considering the quality laminate build and included gig bag, it’s very competitively priced.
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The 3/4 scale size makes it perfect for smaller hands, younger players, or travel. The compact body is comfortable to hold and easy to play.
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It has a very nice classic nylon string tone. The walnut laminate body and quality hardware produce a warm, resonant sound.
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The smaller 3/4 size also makes it extremely portable. It’s lightweight and easy to transport or take on the go.
Cons:
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The laminate woods may not age and resonate as nicely over time as a solid wood top instrument. However, they do enhance durability.
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The 3/4 scale size may still feel a bit cramped for some larger-handed adult players. A full size classical guitar may be more comfortable.
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There are limited finish and color options. Only a natural and black walnut laminate are offered.
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It lacks onboard electronics, so you cannot plug it in for amplification. An acoustic pickup would need to be added separately.
Final Verdict:
Overall, the Fender FA-15N is an excellent beginner nylon string guitar, especially considering the affordable price. The quality, playability, classic sound, and 3/4 scale size make it a great choice for new players, children, or travel. While the laminate woods and lack of electronics have some trade-offs, the pros outweigh the cons for most entry-level players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full size or 3/4 scale guitar?
The Fender FA-15N is a 3/4 scale guitar, meaning it is smaller than a full size classical guitar. The 3/4 scale is perfect for younger players, smaller adults, or anyone looking for a more portable nylon string guitar. The body length is around 3/4 that of a full size model.
What is the proper string gauge/tension for the FA-15N?
Fender ships the FA-15N with its own custom set of Fender 92B nylon strings. These are a medium tension set with gauges of .028 – .032 – .036 – .044 – .052 – .064. This string gauge works well for the shorter 3/4 scale neck and provides a good balance of playability and tone.
How does the gig bag included with the FA-15N hold up?
The gig bag that comes included with the Fender FA-15N is a nice bonus for an entry-level guitar. It’s made from a durable nylon exterior with about 10mm of padding to protect the guitar. The interior is lined with a soft fabric to prevent scratches. Overall, the gig bag provides decent protection for transport and storage. It’s great for taking the guitar to lessons or practice. For more heavy-duty protection, a hard case upgrade may be warranted.
Is this guitar suitable for kids/adults learning guitar?
Yes, the FA-15N is an excellent choice for both kids and adult beginners learning to play classical guitar. The smaller 3/4 size body and neck width make it very comfortable for smaller hands. It produces a rich classical tone, intonates well, and has decent playability right out of the box. The laminate construction is also rugged enough to handle the learning process. Many guitar teachers recommend the Fender FA-15N for new students.
Conclusion
The Fender FA-15N 3/4 scale nylon string acoustic guitar proves itself to be an excellent option for beginner and intermediate players looking for their first classical guitar. Its smaller 3/4 size body makes it comfortable for younger students with smaller hands, while still retaining the rich tone expected from a nylon string instrument.
The all-laminate construction provides good durability for a guitar at this price point, and the included gig bag adds value as well. While the tone woods may not resonate as beautifully as a solid wood classical guitar, the FA-15N still projects nicely and has a balanced, warm sound.
Overall, the Fender FA-15N is easy to recommend for new classical guitarists, especially children and younger teens. The affordable price, classic styling, and quality construction make this a great choice as a starter instrument. Players who stick with it can later upgrade to a more professional full-size classical guitar if desired.
For those interested in purchasing the Fender FA-15N, it is readily available from most major music retailers like Guitar Center and Musician’s Friend. Often it is offered in a bundle with useful beginner accessories like a tuner, strings, picks, and instructional DVD. This bundles maximize value while providing everything needed to start playing classical guitar.
After reviewing the specs, construction, sound, and playability, the Fender FA-15N earns a strong recommendation as one of the best beginner classical guitars currently available. It has the right combination of quality, playability and affordability to launch any student’s nylon string guitar journey.
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Video Review
To see the Fender FA-15N 3/4 scale nylon string acoustic guitar in action, check out this video review. It provides great audio samples of the warm, rich classical guitar tone from the nylon strings.
The video also clearly shows the smaller 3/4 size body and neck, demonstrating how it feels for smaller hands. Closeups of the fretboard and machine heads give you a detailed look at the hardware and build quality.
Overall, this video review is a nice complement to our written review, allowing you to both hear and see the FA-15N in a real-world playing situation. It’s a helpful resource for anyone considering the Fender FA-15N as a beginner classical guitar.
Let me know if you need me to expand or modify this video review section at all!