If you’re looking for a small, affordable acoustic guitar that doesn’t skimp on quality, the Fender FA-15 might be exactly what you need. This 3/4-scale guitar is designed for beginners, younger players, or anyone with smaller hands, but it still delivers a surprisingly full sound.
I’ve spent some time with this guitar, and some of my students have used. Here’s my honest take on it.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the FA-15 looks great. It comes in different finishes, including natural wood, black, and even some fun colors like red or blue.
The design is simple but stylish, with a classic Fender headstock and a clean, no-frills body.
It feels lightweight and easy to handle, which is perfect if you’re just starting out or need something portable. The included gig bag is a nice bonus—it’s not high-end, but it does the job for basic protection.
Build and Materials
The FA-15 is made entirely from laminate wood, which means it’s built to last. The top is laminated agathis, while the back and sides are sapele.
Laminate isn’t as premium as solid wood, but for the price, it’s a smart choice. It keeps the guitar durable and resistant to changes in humidity, which is great for beginners who might not yet know how to care for a more delicate instrument.
The neck is made of nato wood, which is similar to mahogany, and it has a comfortable C-shape profile.
The fretboard is either walnut or rosewood, depending on the model, and it feels smooth under your fingers.
Some players might notice that the frets aren’t the highest quality—they’re nickel silver, not stainless steel—but for casual playing, they’re just fine.
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FA-15 Playability
One of the best things about the FA-15 is how easy it is to play. The shorter 23.3-inch scale length means the strings are under less tension, making fretting chords and bending notes easier for beginners.
The nut width is 1.69 inches (43mm), which is narrow enough for smaller hands but still comfortable for most players.
The action (string height) out of the box is decent, though some players might want to adjust it slightly for an even smoother feel.
A few reviews mention that the frets can be a little rough around the edges, but a quick filing can fix that if needed. Overall, it’s a very beginner-friendly guitar.
Sound Quality
For a small, budget-friendly guitar, the FA-15 sounds impressive. The laminated construction gives it a balanced tone—warm but with enough brightness to keep things lively.
It certainly won’t compete with a high-end solid-wood guitar, but for practice, casual playing, or even small performances, it holds its own.
The volume is good for its size, and the sustain is decent too. If you’re fingerpicking, the notes come through clearly, and strumming chords sounds full.
The Viking bridge (on the steel-string version) helps transfer vibrations well, adding to the resonance.
Who Is the FA-15 For?
This guitar is ideal for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a smaller instrument for travel.
It’s also a great backup guitar for more experienced players who need something lightweight to take on the go. Parents will appreciate that it’s sturdy enough to handle a bit of rough treatment, and teachers might like it as a reliable student guitar.
That said, if you’re an advanced player looking for deep, rich tones, you’ll probably want to invest in something with solid wood. But for the price, the FA-15 is hard to beat.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break it down simply. The pros: it’s affordable, easy to play, sounds good for its size, and comes with a gig bag. The cons: the laminate construction limits tonal depth, the frets could be smoother, and it’s not the loudest guitar out there. But honestly, at this price point, those trade-offs are expected.
Final Thoughts
The Fender FA-15 is a solid choice for anyone needing a small, reliable acoustic guitar. It’s not fancy, but it does what it’s supposed to do—help you learn, play, and enjoy music without breaking the bank. If you’re just starting out or need a compact guitar for travel, this one’s worth considering.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for beginners. It’s a great little guitar that punches above its weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Fender FA-15 Acoustic Guitar
1. What is the Fender FA-15?
The Fender FA-15 is a 3/4-scale steel-string acoustic guitar designed for beginners, kids, and players with smaller hands. It features an all-laminate construction, a comfortable “C”-shaped neck, and comes with a gig bag for easy transport.
2. What are the key features of the FA-15?
- All-laminate construction (Agathis top, Sapele back and sides) for durability.
- 3/4 scale length (23.3″) for easier playability.
- Nato neck with a walnut fingerboard for a smooth playing experience.
- Viking bridge and die-cast tuning machines for better tuning stability.
- Includes a gig bag for protection and portability.
3. Who is this guitar best suited for?
The FA-15 is ideal for:
- Beginners learning their first chords.
- Kids or players with smaller hands due to its compact size.
- Travelers who need a lightweight, portable guitar.
4. How does the FA-15 sound?
The laminated Agathis top and Sapele back/sides produce a warm, balanced tone suitable for strumming and fingerpicking. While it doesn’t match the depth of solid-wood guitars, it offers great sound for its price range.
5. Is the FA-15 available in different colors?
Yes, it comes in several finishes, including:
- Natural
- Black
- Sunburst
- Moonlight Burst
- Red.
6. What accessories are included?
Most versions come with:
- A gig bag for storage and transport 18.
- Some bundles (like Austin Bazaar’s) include a tuner, strap, picks, and online lessons 10.
7. How does the FA-15 compare to full-size guitars?
- Pros: Easier to play for beginners, lightweight, great for travel.
- Cons: Slightly less volume and bass response than full-size acoustics.
8. Does it stay in tune well?
Thanks to die-cast tuning machines, the FA-15 has decent tuning stability, though new strings may need occasional adjustments.
9. Is the FA-15 good for left-handed players?
Currently, it’s only available in right-handed configurations. Left-handed players may need to restring it or look for a different model.
10. What’s the price range?
Prices vary, but it’s generally budget-friendly, often under $200, making it a great value for beginners 118.
11. Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, Fender offers a 2-year warranty on the FA-15.
12. Can advanced players use this guitar?
While it’s designed for beginners, it can serve as a travel or backup guitar for more experienced players 49.
13. Are there any common complaints?
Some users note:
- Fret edges may need smoothing.
- Laminated wood limits tonal richness compared to solid wood.
14. Where is the FA-15 made?
It’s manufactured in China as part of Fender’s budget-friendly line.
15. Is it easy to maintain?
Yes! The laminate construction is resistant to humidity changes, making it low-maintenance for beginners.