The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Fender Acoustic Guitar + Reviews
If your musical interests call for the best Fender acoustic guitar, yet you don’t have too much time to browse all the options available, you might find this paragraph to be of help. After considering the features of some of the most appreciated products in this line, we think that the first Fender acoustic guitar to take into account is the Fender Squier Dreadnought Bundle. The full-size acoustic guitar features an all-laminate body as well as quality materials for all of its parts. You will get mahogany neck, back, and sides, a maple fingerboard, and a Lindenwood top. The unit ensures ease of use thanks to its slim neck and is available in a variety of colors. What’s more, the pack includes all the accessories you need to start playing right away, which makes it ideal even for beginners. In case this item is currently unavailable, another option to consider is the Fender FA-125CE Natural.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
This unit is ideal for players with little experience but also more advanced musicians. What makes it a great choice for beginners is the variety of accessories included in the pack. Among them, there’s an instructional DVD that will help you explore this unit and learn with greater ease. The quality tonewoods employed ensure high sound quality and durability.
The transportation bag included in this bundle might not keep up with extended use.
Paired with various accessories that will enable you to play as soon as you receive the pack, this acoustic guitar is worth taking into account. It makes a great option for aspiring musicians.
2nd Best
If an acoustic-electric guitar is what you have in mind, this model might be right up your alley. The unit was built in such a way to ensure playability and excellent tone. The woods used will help you enjoy high-quality sounds whereas the Fishman electronics will get you a solid amplified sound when needed. It is a great option for beginners and advanced players alike.
This guitar model falls a bit on the expensive side and does not come with accessories.
Whether you’re new to guitar playing or you’ve already gained experience in this field, this item is worth adding to your list. It comes with quality tonewoods that produce high-quality sounds.
Also To Consider
Boasting a solid spruce top, a rosewood fretboard, and mahogany back and sides, this unit is ideal for left-handed players interested in exploring this instrument for a long time. The tonewoods featured ensure high-quality sounds as well as durability. The concert size, neck shape, and rolled fingerboard edges make it a comfortable option for beginners.
This acoustic guitar model is an entry-level unit designed for left-handed players.
Give this unit a try if you need a quality acoustic guitar that will serve your needs beautifully and do so for a long time. It is designed for left-handed users and different playing styles.
9 Best Fender Acoustic Guitars (Updated Reviews) in 2020
To express your personality beautifully, you need quality musical instruments. Finding the best Fender acoustic guitars is significantly easier these days thanks to online stores, yet choosing between the various models might make the entire shopping process challenging. To simplify your experience, we have compiled below a list of Fender acoustic guitar reviews.
- 1. Fender Squier Dreadnought Bundle
- 2. Fender FA-125CE Natural
- 3. Fender CC-60S Concert Left-Handed
- 4. Fender SA-150 Squier Beginner Dreadnought
- 5. Fender FA-115 Dreadnought with Bundle
- 6. Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12
- 7. Fender CD 60S Dread LH
- 8. Fender FA-115 Sunburst
- 9. Fender PM-2 Parlor NE
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Fender Squier Dreadnought Bundle
Built with quality materials that ensure durability and sound quality and paired with a variety of accessories, this guitar will help you start playing right away and do so for a long time. Thanks to the accessories it comes with, this unit can easily be seen as a Fender beginner acoustic guitar.
To provide beautiful sounds, the product features quality tonewoods and materials. It has mahogany body, back, and sides, a maple fingerboard, and a Lindenwood top. The guitar boasts an all-laminate construction and comes packed with a few guitar essentials that will enable you to play immediately upon arrival.
You will receive an instructional DVD to help you learn to play the instrument properly, a tuner to get it in tune whenever needed, a hard case for easy storage and transportation as well as strings and picks for easy playing. Plus, you will get a strap to make sure that playing for hours won’t get uncomfortable.
Pros
Whether you’re a beginner or a more seasoned musician on the lookout for a new Fender acoustic guitar, this model is worth paying attention to, given its quality and sonic properties.
The unit was built to perform and last and, thus, features quality tonewoods and materials; it sports a maple fingerboard, a Lindenwood top, and mahogany body, back, and sides.
Thanks to the slim neck featured, playing it is a comfortable experience; moreover, the unit comes with a strap to further boost your comfort when playing.
The pack includes various accessories that will get you started right away; you will receive a hard case for easy transportation, spare picks and strings, and a tuner.
The instructional DVD provided will help beginners learn to play the guitar properly and advance their skills.
Cons
The case included in the pack might not be that durable and the frets might be a bit sharp along the edges.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
2. Fender FA-125CE Natural
If you’re interested in getting an acoustic-electric guitar that ensures a great tone and enhanced playability, you might want to give this unit a try. The product makes a good option for beginners and more experienced players alike. It is built with quality materials that promise to keep up with many practice sessions.
The guitar has a laminated spruce top, a nato neck, laminated basswood back and sides as well as laminated hardwood bridge and fingerboard. The dreadnought acoustic-electric unit boasts Fishman electronics to deliver a solid amplified acoustic tone when on stage.
The C-shaped neck makes it easy and comfortable to play this unit and, therefore, a perfect choice for beginners. The Viking bridge and modern Fender 3+3 headstock further add to the value offered by this unit as they enhanced playability and sound quality. To help you customize your experience, the guitar has bass, volume, and treble controls.
Pros
Ideal for both beginners and developing artists, this acoustic-electric guitar is packed with features that will help you perform for a long time.
The quality construction ensures durability as it features a nato neck, laminated spruce top, basswood back and sides as well as laminated hardwood bridge and fingerboard.
Thanks to the C-shaped neck, beginners won’t find it difficult to play for hours on end as this guitar part ensures a comfortable experience even when employed for a long time.
To help you get the sound produced closer to your preferences and needs, the guitar comes with bass, volume, and treble controls.
Due to the Fishman electronics featured, you will get a solid amplified acoustic tone, which means that you can consider this model even for stage performances.
Cons
The unit might be a bit pricier than other models in this category and it does not come with accessories.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
3. Fender CC-60S Concert Left-Handed
In case you need a left-handed Fender acoustic guitar to help you start your musical journey, this model might be cut out for you. It was designed with left-handed players in mind and comes with a body that will ensure easy and comfortable playing for a long time.
To deliver high sound quality and keep up with many practice sessions, the unit boasts a solid spruce top, a rosewood fretboard, and mahogany back and sides. This choice of materials ensures beautiful sounds as well as durability. What’s more, to make it easier for beginners to play, the item has a comfortable neck shape and rolled fingerboard edges.
The guitar comes in a concert size, which makes it ideal for smaller-framed players and provides a nicely-balanced tone. Given its design and specs, you can employ it for strumming and fingerpicking alike. The classic design and natural color will also add a touch of style to your performance.
Pros
Committed to helping beginners explore the sonic capacities of this instrument easily and comfortably, this acoustic guitar is ideal for strumming and fingerpicking alike.
Given the quality materials featured, you will get to use it for a long time to sonically translate your personality.
The unit boasts mahogany back and sides, a rosewood fretboard, a walnut fingerboard, and a solid spruce top, so you can produce high-quality sounds.
The concert-size body, rolled fingerboard edges, and neck shape ensure a comfortable playing experience and render the unit ideal for smaller-framed musicians.
The guitar size also makes it easy to add the instrument to your travel gear and carry it from one place to another comfortably.
Moreover, you can visit the manufacturer’s official website for instructions and lessons that will help you play your first songs in minutes.
Cons
Keep in mind that this model is built for left-handed musicians and is an entry-level unit.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
4. Fender SA-150 Squier Beginner Dreadnought
This model is ideal for beginners interested in playing blues, folk, and country and employing the instrument for many practice sessions. Since learning to play an acoustic guitar involves many hours of practice, the product was built with quality materials that promise to last.
The traditional body shape ensures not only comfortable playing but also a well-balanced tone and excellent projection, so you can produce beautiful sounds from the beginning. The unit has mahogany back and neck, a Lindenwood top, a walnut fretboard, and a basswood body. All these materials will work together to provide you with high sound quality and durability.
The neck is slim and has a shape that will provide you with comfort even if you practice for hours. This is another feature that renders this unit ideal for beginners and musicians with little experience. By ensuring a comfortable playing experience, the product will motivate players to keep on practicing.
Pros
Playing the guitar is a rewarding experience, yet the learning process might not be that easy; with this model from Fender, though, you can embark on this musical journey comfortably.
The shape and size of this unit will make it easier for beginners to learn and enjoy a comfortable experience even when engaging in long practice sessions.
To produce pleasant sounds, a well-balanced tone, and a great projection, the product features quality materials and a carefully-built body.
It sports a walnut fretboard, mahogany back and neck, a Lindenwood top, and a basswood body, which translates into durability and remarkable sound quality.
The neck shape further adds to the comfort provided and helps the aspiring musicians play for hours.
Cons
The G and B strings might have a bit of fret buzz, yet you can solve this issue with a truss rod adjustment; however, if you’re a beginner, you might need a professional to help you with that.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($92.99)
5. Fender FA-115 Dreadnought with Bundle
Packed with various accessories to help you start learning and playing right away, this unit is an option you might want to consider. If you’re new to this musical instrument and you could use a bundle including essential items for immediate playing, this option might also help you spend less than if buying all the accessories separately.
Built for right-handed players, the item features steel strings that will get you a bright and loud sound. The tonewoods and materials employed for the construction of this unit all contribute to the beautiful sounds produced and durability ensured.
The guitar has a spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, a nato neck, and laminated hardwood fingerboard and bridge. The bundle also includes a strap for comfortable playing, picks, and an extra set of strings to cover your needs for a long time. The guitar is available in two color options including natural and sunburst.
Pros
Boasting quality materials and a thoughtfully-designed body, this acoustic guitar will help you advance your skills and play for hours on end.
To ensure beautiful sounds, the product features laminated mahogany back and sides, a nato neck, a spruce top, and laminated hardwood fingerboard and bridge.
The materials used for the construction of this guitar are committed to keeping up with countless practice sessions.
The gloss finish and the natural color used for this model will also add a touch of style to your performances; the unit is available in sunburst as well.
Thanks to the various accessories included in the pack, you will be able to play as soon as you receive the bundle; you will get a strap for comfortable playing, picks, strings, and an instructional DVD.
Cons
The unit is designed for right-hand use and the bundle does not include a tuner; therefore, you will have to buy one separately.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($186.99)
6. Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat 12
Whether you’re into band performances or solo gigs, this unit should not be ignored as it comes with 12 strings that make it ideal for both types of use. Designed by Tim Armstrong, the founder of punk band Rancid, this acoustic guitar promises to provide the classic vibe of old Fender acoustic guitars while delivering a new 12-string design.
Given the remarkable acoustic tone delivered and the versatile electronics featured, you can use this product to play various genres ranging from folk to punk. Playability is ensured by the thoughtful design including the smooth satin body and neck finish.
The product sports laminated mahogany sides and back and a C-shaped maple neck. The concert-size guitar is ideal for beginners and advanced musicians alike. Moreover, the stylish body and color choice will complement your performance from a visual point of view as well.
Pros
Built for both solo performances and band gigs, this acoustic guitar delivers the classic vibe of old Fender acoustic guitars as well as enhanced versatility thanks to its 12-string design.
To make sure that employing it for various genres ranging from punk to blues, the product features 12 strings as well as versatile onboard electronics.
The satin body and neck finish and the C-shaped neck ensure a smooth and comfortable playing experience; moreover, the concert size renders it ideal for beginners as well.
The materials used including mahogany and maple are bound to keep up with extended use and create beautiful sounds.
The 3-month pre-paid card included will give you access to lessons and instructions that will help you play your first songs in a short time.
Cons
This acoustic guitar is designed for right-handed players and falls on the expensive side, yet the results ensured are superior.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($499.99)
7. Fender CD 60S Dread LH
If what you want from your next Fender acoustic guitar is enhanced playability and a great tone, this unit might be right up your alley. The product was built to ensure such results and cover various playing styles; therefore, it comes with quality materials and a carefully-built body.
The CD-60S LH features mahogany back and sides as well as a solid spruce top. Thanks to these tonewoods, the guitar will help you explore your creativity beautifully and employ the unit for a long time. What’s more, engaging in long practice sessions is simplified due to the easy-to-play neck and rolled fingerboard.
The unit is built for left-handed players and comes paired with a prepaid card that will give you access to online instructions and lessons. You can thus easily learn to play your first songs in minutes. This benefit makes this option ideal for beginners.
Pros
Built with left-handed musicians in mind, this acoustic guitar is bound to help you explore your musical preferences for a long time.
It features materials and tonewoods that will make sure durability is paired with an excellent tone so you can create beautiful sounds.
Playability is another benefit you will get to enjoy when employing this item thanks to the way it was designed and the neck shape and rolled fingerboard featured.
The solid spruce used for the top and the mahogany employed for the unit’s back and sides are appreciated for delivering high tonal quality.
The pack includes a prepaid card that you can use to access online instructions and lessons to learn your first songs easily and rapidly.
Given the card included and the instructions available, this product makes a great choice for beginners.
Cons
The guitar features a design that can be used by left-handed players only; besides the card, the item comes with no other accessory.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
8. Fender FA-115 Sunburst
Entering the realm of music is easier with this unit from Fender, given the product’s features and sonic capacities. The item was designed to perform and last and, therefore, boasts quality materials and a thoughtful design. Moreover, it is committed to providing musicians with versatility regardless of their acoustic playing styles.
The FA-115 can be used for flatpicking, fingerpicking, and strumming alike. The remarkable sounds produced are ensured by the tonewoods employed for the construction of this unit. The laminated spruce top and mahogany sides and back ensure bright sounds and a wide dynamic range. The shape of the guitar provides a comfortable feel no matter the type of your performance.
The unit comes with a nato beck and a walnut fingerboard that further contribute to the performance and durability delivered. The gloss finish will complement your performance with a touch of style whereas the dreadnought body ensures excellent low-end projection as well as a well-balanced tone.
Pros
Whether you’re more into strumming or fingerpicking, this product is an option you might want to try as it was built to cover many playing styles and perform beautifully.
The tonewoods used to build this acoustic guitar ensure superior sound quality; the item thus features a laminated spruce top, mahogany sides and back, a walnut fingerboard, and a nato neck.
Given the dreadnought body, the product is bound to deliver remarkable low-end projection and a balanced tone, which makes it ideal for both lead and rhythm work.
The way the instrument was built also ensures a comfortable feel no matter the type of playing style you go for.
The unit makes a nice addition to your musical gear from a visual point of view as well, considering its design and gloss finish.
Cons
If you engage in hard strumming or more aggressive playing styles, the bridge might come apart from the guitar.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($169.99)
9. Fender PM-2 Parlor NE
What you get with this guitar is not only superior sound quality but also a stylish body that will complement your performances. The unit features a durable body that will keep up with many practice sessions and gigs as well as a tonewood that delivers sonic enchantment.
The mahogany used to build this model is a popular choice among guitar manufacturers thanks to its superior tonal qualities. The item thus sports an open-pore mahogany top as well as scalloped X-bracing. The back and sides feature solid mahogany. All that translates not only into high-quality sounds but also durability.
The stylish design and organic finish further add to the value offered by this unit. Thanks to the deluxe hardshell case included in the pack, you will get to transport your instrument from one place to another comfortably. You will also receive a humidifier.
Pros
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner interested in mastering the acoustic guitar, this product is worth taking into account as it features a premium build.
Since the unit was designed with quality mahogany, it is bound to take your musical journey one step further by producing high-quality sounds.
The open-pore mahogany top and solid mahogany back and sides are committed not only to performing beautifully from a sonic point of view but also to standing the test of time.
The classic yet stylish design and organic finish will make a nice visual addition to your performance.
Easy and safe transportation is ensured by the deluxe hardshell case included in the pack; you will also receive a humidifier to keep the instrument in mint condition.
Cons
Given that this model is a premium guitar, it is pricier than other products in this line; however, the results ensured are superior.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($599.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced guitarist, using the best instruments available is a must if superior performance is wanted. If you’re a Fender buff and you’re interested in finding the best acoustic guitar from this manufacturer, this buying guide might help you reach a more informed decision and get the right model for your particular needs.
Your interests and goals hold great importance when it comes to making a decision. Since acoustic guitars have different features and come in a variety of versions, considering the key factors highlighted below is an essential step to take.
Acoustic guitar body style
A quick online search will get you different results and the various acoustic guitar models might get you confused. Once you know what each body style delivers and is good for, it will be easier for you to choose the one that best meets your needs. The size and shape of an acoustic guitar affect the tonal quality ensured and the player’s comfort when using the instrument.
The market now mainly offers travel-size, standard, jumbo, and dreadnought acoustic guitars. Small-sized guitars are ideal for on-the-road practice sessions and if you intend to play for your entertainment just now and then.
In case you’re serious about learning to play this instrument, you might want to consider the standard model. Such units are often preferred by beginners as they will help you transition to other guitar types with greater ease.
It is always best to try out a guitar before you buy it. If there’s a musical instrument store you can easily reach, then it is best to head over there and try each acoustic guitar type available to see how different body styles affect the sound. You can thus choose accordingly.
Tonewoods
What determines the tone and sounds produced by a certain acoustic guitar is the tonewood used for its construction. Acoustic guitars differ as far as the tonewood featured is regarded. The most popular tonewoods employed to build acoustic guitars include mahogany, spruce, maple, rosewood, and cedar.
Each of them creates a different tone and that’s why this feature should not be overlooked when looking for your next Fender acoustic guitar. For example, cedar is appreciated for its balanced warm sounds and quick response while rosewood is used for its broader range of overtones.
The various tonewoods mentioned can be used for different parts of the same guitar. You will thus find models that have a spruce top yet mahogany back and sides. Such a choice of materials is not random, though. Mahogany can be used for the back and sides of a guitar thanks to its high sound velocity and the way this velocity colors the overtones.
Still, many guitar manufacturers consider the tonewood used for the top to be the most important one as far as the tonal quality delivered is regarded. For example, a mahogany-topped guitar is ideal for musical genres that require strong punchy tones.
Neck and intonation
Besides the guitar shape and body and the tonewoods used, you should also consider the width and thickness of the instrument’s neck. Generally, these aspects are based on the size of the instrument and the number of frets featured. Acoustic guitars usually have necks with 12 or 14 frets.
To choose a guitar that will make it comfortable and easy for you to play, you need to pay attention to this part of the instrument and the size of your hand. Try out the unit you’ve set your eyes on before purchasing it. Play a bit to see if it fits your hands comfortably.
Another neck-related aspect regards the distance between the frets. If the distance is off, typically above the 12th fret, the instrument won’t play in tune. The intonation ensured by a specific model is thus a key factor. It will determine whether the notes played are in tune or not as you move up the neck.
Electronics and tuning machines
Some acoustic guitars feature built-in preamps and pickups. Such units are worth considering if you plan on performing in larger venues where the acoustic sounds of your guitar need to fill the room.
You will find these electronics either mounted on the side of the guitar or inside the soundhole. Pricier units sport systems that include a preamp, a mic, tuners, piezo pickups, and EQ. However, you can find affordable models that sport decent electronics.
Don’t overlook the tuning machine type featured. You will find enclosed and open tuning machines. The first type is often preferred by musicians because the heads are resistant to rust and corrosion, which means that you won’t have to replace them too often. Open tuning machines require maintenance and replacement more often.
Durability and budget
The two aspects are directly connected. A cheap Fender acoustic guitar might last less than a pricier model. Still, many affordable Fender acoustic guitar models ensure nice sounds and durability.
Think of your long-term goals. If you want to practice frequently, a more expensive and durable model is highly likely to keep up with many hours of practice. In case you take this hobby lightly, there are a few cheap Fender acoustic guitars that do a decent job.
It is always a good idea to read a Fender acoustic guitar review before your purchase. See what other users have to say about a particular model and choose accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Are Fender acoustic guitars good?
Although Fender is mainly known for its electric guitars, the acoustic models manufactured by the company have also gathered appreciation, especially from beginners and developing musicians. The manufacturer began to produce acoustic guitars in 1964, after making electric guitars.
Many well-known musicians have at least one Fender in their collection of musical instruments. Even if the company is not considered to be a high-end manufacturer of acoustic guitars, their entry-level and mid-range models are appreciated worldwide.
Models such as the Fender CD-60 All Mahogany and Fender CF-60 have put the brand on the global map as far as acoustic guitars are regarded. After enjoying great success with the Stratocaster, the company made an acoustic version of this electric guitar model, Stratacoustic.
What’s more, since the products manufactured by this company also include many accessories, you won’t find it difficult to get the ones needed for your Fender acoustic guitar.
Q: Where are the Fender acoustic guitars made?
Fender, just like many other manufacturers, makes instruments and accessories in more than one facility. The company was founded over 70 years ago in Southern California. Later in 1985, the company established its headquarters and opened the flagship U.S. factory in Corona, California.
Two years later, the company opened a second manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Baja California (Mexico). Since the products made by Fender include various musical instruments and accessories, the company makes them in different locations. Some of Fender’s products are made in the U.S. while others are made in Asia.
For example, Fender acquired Squier, a string manufacturer, and Squire guitars are manufactured in various locations including the U.S., Japan, Korea, China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. To find out where the guitar you want to buy or you’ve already purchased is made, it is best to check out the label. It should mention where the item was made.
Q: What kind of guitars does Fender make?
Even if the products made by Fender are not limited to guitars, the company is primarily known for its electric guitars. The manufacturer first focused on the development of these instruments and later began to produce acoustic guitars. The electric guitars that have made the company famous include the Telecaster, Duo-Sonic, Jazzmaster, Mustang, and Stratocaster.
Fender products also include bass guitars. This line has had its own popular models such as the Mustang, Jazz, Jaguar, and Precision. Although acoustic guitars were a later addition to the brand’s line of products, they do offer a few noteworthy models. The California and Paramount series and the traditional and alternative acoustic models are worth mentioning.
The acoustic guitars offered by this company are also available in packs that provide the player with all the accessories required to play right away. That’s why Fender acoustic guitars are a popular choice among beginners.
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