Who hasn’t heard of Fender? Known for legendary guitars like the Stratocaster and Telecaster, Fender also makes beginner-friendly acoustics like the FA-100.
This full-sized dreadnought is designed as an affordable entry-level guitar that offers simple design and solid playability for new players. It may not have the premium feel of Fender’s higher-end models, but it provides a decent starting point for learning and practice.
But is it the right guitar for you? While it’s affordable and decent for beginners, it does have some limitations. In this acoustic guitar review, I’ll go over its features, playability, price, and alternatives to help you decide if this is the right guitar for your needs.
- Fender Acoustic offers great Fender sound and value
- Quartersawn X bracing adds FA 100’s distinct projection
- Dreadnought body shape creates rich sound
- Protective Fender black nylon gig bag included
Who Is It For?
The Fender FA-100 is a great choice if you’re just starting out on guitar. It’s affordable and comes with everything a beginner needs, like a gig bag, picks, and a tuner.
Since it’s a full-sized dreadnought, it’s better suited for teens and adults rather than younger kids. If you’re looking for a budget guitar to play casually—maybe at home, around a campfire or on a road trip—this one gets the job done.
However, if you’re an experienced player or want a guitar with top-notch sound, this might not be the best option. The FA-100 has a laminated spruce top, which doesn’t produce the richest tone, and the action might need some tweaking.
If you’re okay with making a few adjustments, it can be a solid budget-friendly choice. But if you want a higher-quality sound, you might want to check out other options.
Construction and Build Quality

The Fender FA-100 is a budget-friendly, full-sized guitar with a dreadnought style body. It’s built for beginners, so the materials and construction are simple but solid.
The top is made of laminated spruce, which helps keep costs down but doesn’t resonate as well as solid wood. The back and sides are either basswood or agathis, both common in affordable guitars.
The neck is typically maple, and the fretboard is either laminated hardwood or rosewood, giving it a smooth feel for a beginner guitar.
Dimensions:
- Scale Length: 25.3 inches (643 mm)
- Fingerboard Radius: 11.81 inches (300 mm)
- Nut Width: 1.650 inches (42 mm)
- Number of Frets: 20
The FA-100 features quartersawn X bracing for stability and a glossy finish that looks nice but may show fingerprints easily. The nut and saddle are made of synthetic bone, with the saddle being compensated for better intonation.
The overall build is decent for the price, though some guitars may have minor quality control issues.
Some players report misaligned tuning keys or rough fret edges, but these aren’t dealbreakers for most beginners.
If you’re okay with making a few adjustments, it’s a solid first step into Fender acoustic guitars.
Sound Quality and Playability

The Fender FA-100 is a decent starter guitar, but it has some quirks. The sound is okay—not amazing, but good enough for learning.
It has a classic, warm tone, but I think it leans a bit bass-heavy. The projection is solid, and it sounds smooth when strumming. Fingerpicking works too, but it doesn’t have much sustain.
Out of the box, the playability can be hit or miss. The action isn’t super low, so pressing down on the strings might take some effort. Luckily, there’s a truss rod to adjust the neck if needed.
Mine had a little fret buzz on the higher frets, but a quick setup helped. The tuning ability is decent—once the strings settle, it holds tune pretty well.
One downside is the cheap plastic nut and saddle. They work, but upgrading them could improve the tone.
It’s not the easiest guitar to play, but it gets the job done for beginners. If you’re serious about learning to play guitar, you might need to tweak it a bit, but for a first-time player, it’s a solid choice.
As one satisfied buyer, Jen put it:
Big, clear sound and very strong body. Great starter guitar for our teenager and best price out there.
Fender FA 100 Price

The Fender FA series is made for beginners, and the FA-100 sticks to that idea with its affordable price point. At around $160, it’s a budget-friendly way to start learning. It often comes in a pack with a gig bag, strap and other accessories, which is great if you’re just getting started.
That said, to keep costs low, Fender uses laminate wood, which affects the sound a bit. It won’t have the richness of pricier guitars, and experienced players might notice the difference. The stock strings aren’t the best either, so some setup works and upgrades are required.
Still, for a starter guitar, it’s worth considering. If you’re unsure about committing to the guitar long-term, this is an easy way to start without spending too much.
Want to hear how the Fender FA-100 actually sounds? Watch our video review for a closer look at its tone, playability, and build quality in action!

Alternatives of Fender FA 100
If you’re looking for a guitar for beginners and can’t find the Fender FA-100, there are some good alternatives. The Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 costs about the same and has a better overall tone with a solid feel. Many people say it lasts longer and sounds fuller than the FA-100.
For around $40 more, the Fender CD-60 V3 is another solid option. It’s easy to play, has better sound quality, and feels more polished than the FA-100.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Yamaha and Ibanez acoustic guitars offer even better tone and durability in the $200+ price range.
Since the FA-100 is hard to find these days, checking out the Fender Alternative series or these other options might save you time.
The Final Verdict
So, is the Fender FA 100 a good guitar? For beginners, yes—it’s affordable, playable, and comes with the basics to start learning.
However, it’s not perfect. The sound is decent but not rich, and the build quality has some flaws. A setup can improve things, but experienced players might want something better.
Overall, the Fender FA 100 acoustic guitar details show it’s a solid beginner option, but better choices exist if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
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About the Author
Thomas M., the founder of Guitar Top Review, boasts 15+ years of guitar experience and was a church band member in L.A. Transitioning from piano to acoustic guitar, his first love remains his Taylor GS Mini. Alongside like-minded hobbyist friends, he launched the site, driven by a deep love for music that transcends professional boundaries.