Fender FA-115 II Guitar Pack Review – Good for Beginners?

The FA-115 acoustic guitar comes as part of an affordable guitar pack by Fender. The guitar has been built well (scalloped bracing) and looks more expensive than it actually is.

Build quality of the Fender FA-115 II

Though priced within reach of pretty much all beginner guitarists, the guitar is built extremely well.

This is the 2nd generation of the FA-115, and this time Fender used solid spruce for the top, which is usually not typical of guitars priced below $200. The reasons solid spruce is such a sought-after material for acoustic guitar tops are its strength, ability to complement a wide range of playing styles, and the bright dynamic range.

Other components are made using regular affordable guitar materials.

The back and sides are laminated basswoods; the neck is nato wood; the fretboard is laminated hardwood. The only area in its build where the guitar shows its price is the fretboard.

Also, the glossy finish is something that would not appeal to the majority of professional guitarists. That’s quite a shame because even if the guitar’s performance impressed well-trained guitarists, they may not gravitate to the instrument primarily due to its glossy look.

Newbie guitarists, on the contrary, would find the glossy finish alluring, which Fender would certainly not mind. Not to mention, the natural open-pore finish is attractive.

The hardwood bridge has the compensated saddle for increased playability and performance. Playing this guitar for hours together should not be a problem, as a result. The basswood elements, along with the other materials, do add to the guitar’s overall value.

Regardless of the materials used, each and every aspect of the build and design of this guitar has been looked at under the microscope. The result is a well-finished guitar with smooth edges.

You need to get it set up, but that is to be expected with beginner guitars.

Sound and tone of the Fender FA-115

The FA-115 succeeds the FA100, which was known for its sound performance. The Fender FA-115 only builds on it. The top has been upgraded on the newer version, which is one of the major reasons why it sounds better.

For an acoustic guitar to sound more than acceptable, it should have the combination of the X-Bracing and spruce top. The Fender FA-115 has it. In other words, the sound is another aspect that sets the FA-115 apart from its competition, besides its spruce top.

The guitar has good dynamic range and brighter tones, thanks to the braced spruce top. Moreover, you can strum this guitar really hard or go the delicate route without affecting the tone quality.

When you compare the guitar with other guitars in its price range, the sound difference would be quite apparent. Thanks to the dreadnought body and solid top, you could be certain of a sound output that is loud, strong, and clear.

Video review of the Fender FA-115

Here is a video review of the Fender FA-115 dreadnaught acoustic:

Fender FA-115 Guitar Pack opinion

This 2nd generation FA-115 bundle includes the following guitar accessories:

• picks
• strings
• shoulder strap

To tell you the truth, the accessories in this pack leave a lot to be desired. The shoulder strap isn’t of especially good quality, and doesn’t look too good either.

The picks are OK, but don’t cost much.

And the strings, well, you should get quality strings put on when you get your guitar set up, not these.

The kit does NOT include an electric tuner or a gig bag. The lack of tuner is not a big deal, I usually use an app at home to tune my guitars. Gig bags included with guitar packs usually aren’t of very good quality, so it’s not a big loss either.

If you like this guitar, get it for the guitar, not the accessories in the pack.

Fender FA-115 1st generation vs 2nd generation

There was a previous version fo the FA-115 pack, the so called FA-115 I.

The biggest difference was that it had a laminated top, and the pack included a cheap gig-bag.

THe FA-115 II has a scalloped solid sprude top, but no gig bag.

I think the new version is a better deal, since the guitar is better overall.

About Fender Guitars

Fender is one of the most famous guitar makers in the world. The company dates back to 1946, and during the years, it has grown to include other guitars brands as well (Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, Charvel, EVH).

Leo Fender, the founder of the company, got started in the field in the ’40s by making an amplified solid-body electric guitar. The rest is music history.

Beginner to advanced guitarists use Fender instruments for practice and performing in front of thousands of people.

Fender guitars are manufactured in Mexico and at the company’s flagship U.S. factory in Corona, California.

Our Opinion on the Fender FA-115

It’s hard to strike the right balance between sound and build with a budget-friendly acoustic guitar. The Fender FA-115 does that well though.

Though slightly priced higher than typical beginner guitars, the FA-115 can still be categorized as one of the few “budget” guitars that offer solid bang for the buck.