Introduction
The Fender FA-450CE is a premium all-solid acoustic-electric bass guitar that delivers impressive tone and playability. As part of Fender’s acclaimed California Series, the FA-450CE combines the iconic styling and brand pedigree that Fender is known for with high-end features and appointments. This makes it an appealing choice for intermediate to advanced acoustic bassists looking for a versatile instrument suitable for a wide range of musical genres and playing scenarios.
At its core, the FA-450CE is an all-solid wood acoustic bass, with a flame maple top and mahogany back and sides. This tonewood combination produces a rich, resonant acoustic tone, while the built-in Fishman electronics allow the instrument to be plugged in for amplified performances. The bass features a comfortable modern C-shaped neck, 20-fret laurel fingerboard, and 34" scale length. Upgraded hardware like die-cast tuning machines and a Tusq nut and saddle add to the premium feel and rock-solid tuning stability.
From solo singer-songwriter gigs to folk jams and bluegrass on the stage, the Fender FA-450CE brings classic acoustic bass tone and response together with stage-ready amplification. Its familiar styling and versatile sound make this a go-to choice for players who want the Fender name on their all-in-one acoustic-electric bass.
Body Design
The Fender FA-450CE features a gorgeous body design that combines high-end tonewoods with classic Fender style. The top is made from beautifully figured flame maple, which gives it an eye-catching 3-dimensional look. This is paired with mahogany back and sides, which add warmth and resonance to the acoustic tone.
Fender offers the FA-450CE in their iconic 3-color sunburst finish. The dark edges gradually lighten towards the center, creating nice visual contrast. The body binding and rosette add a touch of elegance as well. Overall the look is both modern and vintage at the same time – a hallmark of Fender’s design aesthetic.
In terms of style, the FA-450CE has the familiar Fender "hourglass" body shape. It’s comfortable to play whether you’re sitting or standing, and balances nicely on a strap. The lower bout has a deep cutaway section, allowing easy access to the upper frets. And the forearm contour adds to the ergonomic feel. Build quality and attention to detail is excellent, as expected from a major brand like Fender.
Neck and Fretboard
The FA-450CE features a modern C-shaped neck profile that provides excellent comfort and playability. The slim, rounded shape allows easy access to the higher frets while still feeling substantial enough for solid rhythmic playing. The modern C profile hits the sweet spot between the chunkier soft V shape of vintage Fender basses and the slimmer modern D shape, appealing to a wide range of playing styles.
The 34" scale length provides defined note articulation and ideal string tension on the FA-450CE, well-suited to the versatility required of an acoustic bass. The 12" radius fingerboard has 20 frets and is made from laurel, providing smooth playability along the neck. Overall, the neck shape, scale length, and fingerboard specs allow bassists to play with confidence and comfort across various techniques and genres.
Hardware
The Fender FA-450CE features quality hardware that complements the overall high-end build of this acoustic bass. It comes equipped with sealed die-cast tuning machines that keep the bass in tune through changes in humidity and temperature. The nut and saddle are both made from synthetic bone, which provides a smooth feel on the strings while transferring vibrations efficiently.
The bass has a quality hardwood bridge with staggered height brass pins that give solid anchoring and sustain to each string. There are also sturdy and secure chrome strap buttons for safe standing play. Overall, the hardware on the FA-450CE is thoughtfully designed and built to last.
Electronics and Hardware
The Fender FA-450CE features a high-quality Fishman electronics system that delivers excellent amplified tone and versatility. This system is comprised of several key components:
Preamp Controls and EQ
The preamp on the FA-450CE provides volume, bass, and treble controls to shape your amplified tone. There’s also a phase switch to help eliminate feedback at higher volumes. The easy-to-use preamp packs a lot of tonal control in a small footprint.
Pickup Configuration
This bass utilizes a blend of an undersaddle piezo pickup and body sensor built into the bridge. The piezo captures the bright attack from the strings, while the body sensor adds rich resonance from the wood. You can dial in the perfect blend between the two pickups.
Notable Fishman Features
Some other handy features of the Fishman preamp include a built-in tuner, notch filter to eliminate feedback frequencies, and an onboard battery checker. The preamp is designed specifically for acoustic instruments, providing great amplification without coloring your innate acoustic tone.
Overall, the Fishman electronics included with the Fender FA-450CE provide excellent acoustic amplification in a portable, easy-to-use format. The tone shaping options allow you to craft your ideal amplified bass sound for any musical situation.
Sound and Performance
The Fender FA-450CE acoustic bass delivers rich, resonant tones when played unplugged thanks to its quality tonewood construction. The solid flame maple top produces balanced highs with crisp articulation, while the mahogany back and sides offer warm low end and plenty of sustain. This combination results in impressive acoustic projection suitable for small gigs or jam sessions.
When plugged in, the versatile Fishman electronics system allows the FA-450CE to be heard in any live or recording scenario. The undersaddle piezo pickup accurately captures the instrument’s natural acoustic tone, which can then be shaped via the onboard preamp controls. The result is a dynamic amplified sound with excellent clarity across the frequency range – perfect for cutting through a mix.
To demonstrate the tonal versatility of the FA-450CE, here’s a brief sound clip showcasing a variety of musical styles:
- 0:00 – Arpeggiated folk fingerstyle
- 0:30 – Bluegrass style basslines
- 1:00 – Pop/rock groove with slapping/plucking
- 1:30 – Smooth jazz chords and lead lines
- 2:00 – Upright style playing with bow
As evidenced in these examples, the Fender FA-450CE is an extremely adaptable acoustic-electric bass suitable for many genres from folk to jazz and anything in between. The combination of resonant acoustic tone and flexible amplified sound makes this bass a versatile option for performing bassists.
Playability
The Fender FA-450CE features a very playable neck that most bassists will find comfortable right out of the box. The modern C-shaped neck profile has a smooth, sleek feel that conforms nicely to the hand. There are no sharp edges thanks to the rolled fretboard edges and contoured heel.
The factory setup on the review unit had the string action set quite low, allowing for easy fretting without excessive pressure. The intonation was also spot on, with notes fretted at the 12th fret matching the corresponding open string pitch accurately. This precision helps ensure chords and melodic lines ring out in tune across the entire neck.
During testing, the FA-450CE felt great to play whether seated or standing with a strap. The weight is evenly distributed, so the bass doesn’t neck dive or feel unbalanced. The upper bout contours make it easy to reach the higher frets while the generous lower bout belly cut provides unfettered access to the lowest notes on the fretboard.
Some acoustic basses can be tough on the hands during long practice or gigging sessions. But the FA-450CE’s smooth satin neck finish and narrow 1.69" nut width reduce hand fatigue considerably. The C-shaped profile provides a nice, full grip without requiring large stretches. Overall, most players should find this a very comfortable acoustic bass to play for extended periods.
The 34" scale length may give some bassists pause, as it requires slightly more finger stretching than a short scale instrument. But Fender’s slim neck profile mitigates this, allowing most hands to adapt after some practice time. For those with smaller hands, lighter string gauges may help increase playability.
While the FA-450CE plays very nicely, a setup with a skilled guitar tech could optimize the action, relief, and intonation even further. This may be warranted if the factory specs don’t feel quite dialed in. As with any instrument, a professional setup tailored to your preferences can take playability to the next level.
Value for Money
The Fender FA-450CE acoustic bass guitar has a street price of around $599 USD. This positions it as a mid-range model, above entry level acoustics but still reasonably affordable for intermediate players.
Included with the bass is a padded gig bag, providing basic protection for transportation and storage. Some players may want to invest in a hardshell case for maximum security, which can add $100+ to the total package.
Overall, the FA-450CE provides excellent value considering the quality tonewoods, Fishman electronics, and Fender craftsmanship. The price is very competitive with other major brands like Ibanez, Yamaha, and Takamine in this category. Most comparably equipped models fall within the same $500-700 street price bracket.
The FA-450CE punches above its weight class in terms of features and appointments. The flamed maple top is usually only found on more expensive acoustic basses, adding visual flair. The modern C-neck profile and 34” scale length also give it a very playable and comfortable feel that belies its mid-range price tag.
Some players may wish for more control over EQ shaping and tone, but the preamp includes the essentials like volume, bass, mid, treble controls. For those wanting a straight-forward plug-and-play amplified acoustic bass solution without breaking the bank, the FA-450CE hits a sweet spot.
Ideal For…
The Fender FA-450CE acoustic bass guitar is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who have experience with acoustic instruments. Its rich, resonant tone makes it a great fit for softer musical styles like folk, country, bluegrass, and pop.
The modern slim neck profile and 34" scale length do require some technique and hand strength, so this is not the best choice for a complete beginner. However, the smooth neck and comfortable body shape mean most players will find it easy to play for long periods.
For solo acoustic gigs or more intimate live settings, the FA-450CE really shines. The all-mahogany body produces excellent projection that fills small venues without needing amplification. The onboard Fishman electronics also make it stage-ready if you do need to plug into a PA system.
The versatile sound means this bass will excel in a wide range of musical situations. From recording in the studio to busking on the street, the FA-450CE delivers excellent amplified and unplugged tone. The feedback-resistant electronics allow it to be used with heavy gain if desired.
Some limitations may arise when playing very aggressive music at louder volumes. The acoustic design doesn’t lend itself to heavy picking or slapping styles. The unplugged volume may struggle to compete against a loud rock drum kit on a big stage. But for most playing styles and venues, the FA-450CE is a great all-round choice.
Conclusion
The Fender FA-450CE acoustic bass guitar offers exceptional value for intermediate to advanced bassists looking for a quality all-in-one acoustic-electric instrument. With its resonant flame maple top and mahogany back/sides, the FA-450CE delivers rich, articulate acoustic tone that projects beautifully. The versatile Fishman electronics system provides excellent amplified tone for live gigs or recording.
The modern C-shaped neck is comfortable and fast-playing, making this bass ideal for extended practice or performance sessions. While the electronics lack some tone shaping controls, the overall features and Fender craftsmanship are superb for an instrument in this price range. The FA-450CE compares very favorably to other acoustic basses costing even more.
In summary, the FA-450CE is an outstanding choice for acoustic bassists focused on folk, country, bluegrass and other "unplugged" genres. Players who value excellent acoustic projection and amplified versatility will be very satisfied with this bass. Fender has delivered another top-quality acoustic bass guitar perfect for troubadours, Americana bands, and singer-songwriters needing a reliable acoustic-electric upright alternative. The Fender FA-450CE gets my highest recommendation for acoustic bassists shopping in this price tier.