The Fender FA-235E is an affordable, entry-level acoustic-electric guitar that combines classic Fender styling with great playability and amplified functionality. As part of Fender's acoustic Focus series, the FA-235E features a concert-style body shape with a laminated mahogany top, laminated mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, and 20-fret rosewood fingerboard. The guitar comes equipped with a Fishman preamp system that includes a built-in tuner, tone control, and pickup for plugging into an amplifier or PA system. Weighing just over 5 pounds, the FA-235E is a lightweight, easy-playing acoustic-electric that suits beginners and traveling musicians. Its smaller concert body provides comfort and balanced tone while still projecting volume when unplugged. With its iconic Fender headstock and pickguard, the FA-235E packs classic acoustic style and amplified versatility into an affordable package.

Body Style and Construction

The Fender FA-235E features a crisp and compact concert body shape that's comfortable to hold in your lap or strap over your shoulder for longer playing sessions. The top is made from laminated mahogany, which provides a balanced tone and allows the guitar to be offered at an affordable price point. Similarly, the back and sides are constructed from mahogany, which gives a warm, rounded sound. The concert body's smaller size helps project the mahogany tone and prevents it from getting too boomy or muddy. Overall, the Fender FA-235E has a great traditional design optimized for playing acoustic guitar classics across various genres.

The mahogany construction of the Fender FA-235E provides a balanced, well-rounded tone that works well for many musical styles. However, mahogany is not the only wood choice for acoustic guitars. Another popular option is all solid wood construction using tonewoods like solid spruce or cedar for the top and rosewood or mahogany for the back and sides. This type of construction generally produces more complex overtones and allows for a wider tonal palette. One example of an all solid wood acoustic in a similar price range is the Mantic M01DCESB. The Mantic M01DCESB features a solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing paired with mahogany back and sides. This combination emphasizes the crisp, articulate highs from the spruce with the midrange warmth of mahogany. The all solid woods allow the Mantic to have more tonal complexity than the laminate Fender. However, there are always tradeoffs, and the Mantic may be more delicate over time than the rugged laminate construction of the Fender.

Neck and Fingerboard

The Fender FA-235E features a Nato neck with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard. Nato is known for being a dense, durable hardwood that provides stability and sustain. The smooth satin finish on the back of the neck allows for fast, comfortable playing.

The rosewood fingerboard offers a rich, warm sound and smooth feel under the fingers. It has a 12" radius which allows for comfortable chording and low action. The 20 medium jumbo frets are ideal for various playing styles from intricate fingerpicking to blues soloing. Overall, the neck has a modern "C" shape that fits nicely in the hand.

Bridge and Hardware

The Fender FA-235E features a laminated hardwood bridge and quality chrome hardware that provide great stability and sustain. The bridge transfers the strings' vibrations to the top of the guitar for full resonance, while allowing adjustments to the saddle and string height.

The chrome tuning machines keep the guitar in tune well. The tuners are sealed to prevent corrosion and have smooth turning action. The nut and saddle are crafted from synthetic bone, which helps transfer string vibrations efficiently.

Overall, the hardware components are durable and designed to handle long-term strumming and picking while staying in tune. The chrome finish gives the acoustic a stylish look as well. The hardware works seamlessly with the body construction to deliver reliable performance.

The neck and fingerboard of the Fender FA-235E provide a comfortable playing feel while the bridge and hardware offer tuning stability and good sustain. This combination of playability and reliable performance makes the FA-235E a great choice for new players and more experienced guitarists alike. While the Fender hits all the right notes for an acoustic in this price range, the Yamaha C40II is another model worth considering if you're shopping for an affordable, quality acoustic. The Yamaha features a spruce top and meranti back and sides. It also has a nato neck and rosewood fingerboard similar to the Fender. The hardware includes a rosewood bridge and die-cast chrome tuners. Overall, the C40II delivers a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum with good projection thanks to its traditional body shape. The playability is enhanced by its slim neck profile and low action. So while the Fender FA-235E is an excellent choice, the Yamaha C40II matches it very closely in terms of build quality, sound, and playability. Checking out both of these sub-$200 acoustics could help you determine which one best fits your needs and budget.

With its laminate spruce top and basswood back and sides, the Fender FA-235E conjures up rich and balanced acoustic tones perfect for all styles of music. The easy-playing neck with rosewood fingerboard encourages intricate chording and lead playing. And the chrome hardware provides tuning stability and sustain. For new players or experienced musicians alike, the FA-235E hits all the right notes for a highly affordable acoustic. The Yamaha C40II should also be considered, with its spruce and meranti tonewoods producing comparable warm, balanced tones. The slim neck and low action also make it very comfortable to play. Either acoustic would make an excellent choice for a starter or secondary guitar that doesn't break the bank.

Electronics

The Fender FA-235E comes with Fishman electronics featuring an onboard preamp and built-in tuner, which helps make this a versatile acoustic-electric for stage and studio use. The Fishman presys preamp and pickup system provides clear amplification and natural acoustic tone whether plugged directly into a PA or running through an acoustic amp.

The preamp features volume and tone controls that allow you to shape your amplified sound. There's also a built-in tuner that makes it easy to tune the guitar before performances or recording sessions. Simply hit the tuner button and the LED display will show you the note and if you are sharp or flat. This is a handy feature for an acoustic-electric guitar at this price point.

Overall, the electronics setup on the FA-235E delivers quality plugged-in performance while retaining the guitar's natural acoustic sound and resonance when unplugged. The Fishman system gives players flexibility and amplification options without compromising tone.

Sound and Tone

The Fender FA-235E Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar produces a nicely balanced warm tone with clear projection. This is thanks to its concert-style body shape and solid spruce top, which provide a full and rich acoustic resonance.

When unplugged, the guitar has a bright yet warm sound that is ideal for fingerpicking and strumming chords. The notes are articulate and defined across the tonal spectrum, from sparkling highs to rounded lows. Strummed rhythm parts come through with a pleasing roundness while single-note runs remain distinct.

Plugging in the FA-235E reveals its versatility as an acoustic-electric. The Fishman electronics accurately capture the guitar's natural tone. The sound through an amplifier retains the brightness and warmth of the unplugged tone. Individual notes still sound clear and articulate. The projection carries well at higher volumes with no feedback or muddiness.

Overall, the Fender FA-235E is an excellent choice for those seeking a great-sounding stage-ready acoustic guitar with balanced warm tones and clear projection. It sounds fantastic unplugged and also shines when amplified, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles and playing scenarios.

Playability

The Fender FA-235E features excellent playability that makes it easy and comfortable to play. The low action and slim neck profile with an easy-to-play "C"-shaped neck allows smooth fretting and fast runs up and down the neck. The smaller neck width means less hand tension and make it effortless to form chords and wrap your thumb around the neck for any playing style. The slim and comfortable body size along with the light weight at under 4 lbs allow this guitar to be held and played for long periods without fatigue. With its fast neck and low action right out of the box, the Fender FA-235E is a very playable guitar that helps reduce hand tension and allow musicians to play to their full potential right away. The smooth and effortless playability makes the FA-235E a great choice for new players, intermediate players, professionals and even electric players looking for an easy to play acoustic.

Quality and Durability

The FA-235E is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar, so you can't expect it to have the absolute highest level of fit and finish. However, for its price range, it's a decently constructed instrument.

The all-laminate body won't age and resonate as nicely over time as a solid wood body, but laminate does make the guitar lightweight and resistant to cracking. The matte finish is attractive and seems durable.

Hardware pieces like the tuners and bridge are chrome-plated, rather than higher end options like sealed gear tuners and bone nut and saddle. But the hardware performs reliably, stays in tune, and intonates accurately.

While not a lifetime guitar, the FA-235E is suitable for beginners and intermediate players, and with proper care should provide years of enjoyment before an upgrade may be warranted. Fender's name and reputation stand behind the lifetime quality too.

Overall, the FA-235E balances affordability with sufficient durability for a starter acoustic-electric. It may lack the refinements of pricier models, but delivers reliable playability and tone.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Fender FA-235E has a warm, balanced tone that sounds great both when playing acoustically and plugged in. The mahogany laminate back and sides help produce a rich low end while the spruce top provides crisp highs and detailed mids.

• The built-in Fishman electronics include a tuner and preamp system that makes plugging into an amplifier or PA system easy. The pickup accurately captures the guitar's natural acoustic tone.

• This guitar features a slim neck profile and low action that make it very comfortable and easy to play, even for long practice sessions or gigs. The smooth satin neck finish also allows for fast, fluid playing.

Cons

• The laminate wood construction, while durable and affordable, doesn't resonate quite as deeply or project volume as loudly as a solid wood acoustic. It lacks some of the organic woodiness of pricier models.

Conclusion

The Fender FA-235E is a great choice for beginner and intermediate players looking for a quality acoustic-electric guitar in this price range. It delivers the classic Fender tone and playability that the brand is known for, in an affordable package.

The slim neck and comfortable body size make it very playable and enjoyable to practice on. While not a high-end instrument, the solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide good resonance and balanced tone across the frequencies. The Fishman electronics give you the versatility to plug in for performances or recording.

Overall, the FA-235E punches above its weight class, offering Fender's renowned craftsmanship and sound in an accessible, entry-level acoustic-electric. For guitarists wanting a reliable, consistent acoustic tone without breaking the bank, the FA-235E is difficult to beat. It's an ideal first guitar, or for Fender fans seeking an acoustic model with the brand's familiar feel and voice.