Squier SA-150 961090006 Acoustic Guitar: Full Review

The Fender SA-150 is an entry-level dreadnought acoustic guitar aimed at beginners and those looking for an affordable starter instrument. Part of Fender's Squier brand, the SA-150 offers a combination of decent sound quality, playability and looks while keeping costs down.

With its laminated spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, and classic dreadnought body shape, the SA-150 delivers balanced tone expected of an acoustic in this price range. While not the most rich and complex acoustic guitar sound, it provides sufficient warmth and projection for recreational playing and practice. The guitar's satin finish and single-cutaway dreadnought body offer a familiar and comfortable feel.

Overall the SA-150 gives beginners an inexpensive way to start learning on an acoustic guitar with the backing of Squier's reputation. While there are limitations in tone and construction, the SA-150 punches above its weight given its affordable price point. It makes a solid choice as a starter guitar to learn the basics on.

Body & Construction

The Squier SA-150 dreadnought acoustic guitar has a laminated spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides. The body has a natural satin finish which gives it an attractive, classic look.

In terms of dimensions, the SA-150 has a body depth of 4.33 inches, making it a medium-depth guitar. The lower bout width is 15.75 inches, while the upper bout width comes in at 11.81 inches. The waist has a width of 9.84 inches. With these dimensions, the SA-150 has a standard dreadnought body size that's comfortable for most players.

The laminated woods and satin finish give the SA-150 pleasant resonance while keeping costs down. Overall the construction quality is quite good for a guitar in this price range.

When comparing the Squier SA-150 to other entry-level acoustic guitars, it's worth looking at the Cordoba 06012. This is another affordable dreadnought model with laminated spruce and mahogany construction. The Cordoba 06012 has a slightly wider lower bout at 16 inches, so it may produce more volume and bass response than the SA-150. The Cordoba also has a two-way truss rod for added neck stability and relief adjustment. However, the SA-150 has a more standard 25.3" scale length compared to the shorter 24.9" scale of the 06012. Overall, both are quality entry-level acoustic guitars, but the Cordoba offers slightly more robust construction. The SA-150 compensates with a more traditional scale length and dreadnought voicing.

When inspecting the construction quality of the SA-150, pay close attention to the neck joint and bridge glues. On rare occasions lower-priced models can have weak glue joints in these areas. The finish should also be inspected for any major dents, chips, or cracks that may impact resonance or structural integrity. However, small finish imperfections are common at this price point. It's also a good idea to examine the inside of the lower bout for any braces that may have come unglued. Issues like these are uncommon, but worth checking. Overall though, the SA-150 delivers impressive quality and playability for the price.

While laminated woods may raise some eyebrows for acoustic purists, keep in mind that laminates have their advantages too. They minimize warping and cracking issues, while providing reliable tonal consistency. When coupled with solid craftsmanship, laminated instruments can certainly deliver compelling sound as seen with many entry-level models. The SA-150 is a prime example, offering new players great bang-for-the-buck.

Neck

The Squier SA-150 has a comfortable C-shape mahogany neck with a satin finish. The neck is made from okume with a 25.3" scale length. Overall, the neck has a nice smooth feel that is easy to play, even for those with smaller hands. It provides good access to upper frets while remaining comfortable during long practice sessions thanks to the slim profile and smooth finish. The shorter 25.3” scale length reduces string tension, making bends and chords a little easier on the fingers. The neck is also rigid enough to maintain consistent action from the nut to higher frets. Some players may prefer a thicker or wider neck profile, but the slim C-shape works well for various playing styles on this beginner-friendly acoustic.

The mahogany neck contributes to the warm, balanced tone of the SA-150. Mahogany is a popular choice for acoustic guitar necks thanks to its strength and rich sound. The smooth satin finish allows for comfortable, fast playing up and down the neck. Overall, the neck design prioritizes playability and comfort without compromising tone. This makes it well-suited for new players who are still building finger strength and dexterity.

While mahogany is a great match for the SA-150's spruce top, some players may want to try the Gretsch G5024E 2714035500 for a different neck wood option. The G5024E has a nato neck which contributes to its balanced tone with crisp highs and tight lows. Nato is tonally similar to mahogany, providing warmth and resonance. The satin finish is also smooth and comfortable for easy playability. Although the scale length is slightly longer at 25.5", the slim C-shaped neck profile keeps things comfortable and accessible for smaller hands. Overall, the nato neck is a great choice for players looking for an alternative to mahogany in a beginner-friendly acoustic guitar.

When choosing an acoustic guitar, the neck is an important factor to evaluate in relation to your playing style and needs. The neck shape, wood type, scale length, and finish all impact the feel and playability. Testing out different neck profiles and comparing the sound of various tonewoods can help narrow down preferences. While the SA-150's mahogany neck offers a versatile and comfortable playing experience for beginners, trying out alternatives like the G5024E provides more data points to determine your ideal neck specifications.

Fretboard & Frets

The Squier SA-150 features a rosewood fretboard which provides a warm, mellow tone. Rosewood is a popular fretboard material prized for its rich overtones and sustain.

The fretboard has a 12" radius which gives it a very rounded feel, making it comfortable for chordal playing and less prone to buzzing on bends compared to flatter radiuses.

The guitar has 20 frets, allowing access to two full octaves up the neck. The medium jumbo frets are easy on the fingers for bending strings and comfortable for beginner and intermediate players.

Hardware

The Squier SA-150 features chrome die-cast tuning machines and a rosewood bridge with synthetic bone saddle. The tuning machines are adequate but can feel a little loose at times. Upgrading to higher quality tuners could help improve tuning stability.

The rosewood bridge suits the warm tone of the mahogany top. The synthetic bone saddle provides a smooth surface for the strings to glide over the nut. Overall the hardware components are functional and do their job well, though more advanced players may wish to upgrade them over time.

Electronics

The Squier SA-150 features high-quality electronics that provide great plugged-in sound. It has a Fishman Sonitone pickup system that consists of an undersaddle piezo pickup and preamp.

The undersaddle pickup accurately captures the guitar's natural acoustic tone and allows it to be amplified without feedback issues. The Fishman preamp provides crystal-clear amplification and EQ control.

For controls, the SA-150 has volume and tone knobs, allowing you to shape your amplified tone. The volume knob controls your overall output level, while the tone knob lets you dial in more bass or treble as desired. There is also an onboard tuner, making it easy to keep the SA-150 in tune without external tuners.

Overall, the electronics package on the Squier SA-150 is excellent for an acoustic guitar in this price range. The Fishman pickup and preamp deliver rich, full acoustic tone when plugged in. The controls give you flexibility while the onboard tuner adds convenience.

Sound & Tone

The SA-150 produces a balanced and well-rounded tone that is typical of a dreadnought acoustic guitar. The combination of laminated spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides results in a bright and lively sound with good projection.

The spruce top provides crisp highs and articulate note separation. There is a vibrant 'sparkle' to the treble notes that cuts through when strummed. The midrange tones are balanced and clear.

The mahogany back and sides add some warmth and low-end punch to the EQ. The lows and mids have decent body without sounding too boomy or muddy. There's enough low-mid presence to provide rhythm accompaniment and backing.

The finish helps bring out resonance for an open and airy sound. Notes sustain well and chime with a pleasing acoustic ring. Overall an impressive tonal range for a budget full-size dreadnought.

Playability

The Squier SA-150 has excellent playability right out of the box. The action is low and comfortable, making it easy to press down the strings without excessive finger effort.

The neck has a satin finish that allows for smooth lead playing. There is no stickiness or drag as your fingers move up and down the neck. The neck shape is described by Fender as "C"-shaped, which fits nicely in the hand.

The guitar feels well-balanced and lightweight when playing seated or standing. The upper bout rests comfortably against your body in playing position.

Overall the SA-150 has a very playable feel. Both lead playing and strumming chords are enjoyable on this guitar. The comfortable action and satin neck make it easy to play for long practice sessions without fatigue. This is a beginner-friendly guitar that also accommodates more advanced techniques.

Pros & Cons

The Squier SA-150 dreadnought acoustic guitar has many notable strengths as well as some drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Excellent value for the price - provides good sound quality and playability at a budget-friendly cost
• Attractive dreadnought body shape with nice aesthetics including tortoise-style pickguard
• Solid spruce top contributes to good projection and balanced tone
• Mahogany back and sides offer a warm, rounded sound profile
• Smooth satin finish on neck for comfortable playability
• Chrome die-cast tuners hold tuning well
• Includes gig bag for protection and portability

Cons

• Laminated (plywood) back and sides don't resonate as well as solid wood
• Action may be higher than ideal for some players
• Electronics and preamp are lower quality and lack controls
• Brand and model has less prestige than American Fender acoustics
• Limited tone shaping compared to premium guitars
• May require professional setup out of the box to play best

Overall, the Squier SA-150 provides solid bang-for-the-buck as an affordable entry-level dreadnought, though lacks some refinement and features of pricier models. For new players or those on a tight budget, it hits a nice sweet spot of price and quality. More advanced guitarists may desire upgraded electronics, hardware and woods.

Conclusions

Overall, the Squier SA-150 dreadnought acoustic guitar provides a great entry point for beginners looking to learn on an affordable, decent-sounding acoustic. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of more expensive models, the combination of its laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fretboard, and quality hardware produces a balanced, resonant sound that belies its low price point.

The playability is also quite good for the price, with a slim neck profile that makes it comfortable for smaller hands. Intonation and action are decent out of the box, though some minor setup adjustments may help optimize playability.

The all-laminate construction means this guitar may not age as gracefully as a solid wood instrument, but its durable build quality should provide years of enjoyment for a new player. And the slim neck and comfortable body size make it well-suited for younger students just starting out.

Overall, the SA-150 is recommended for new guitarists or parents looking for a quality, budget-friendly acoustic for a child to learn on. While more advanced players may want to save up for a solid top instrument, the SA-150 provides great bang for your buck and would make a fine backup option. For those just starting their guitar journey, it hits all the right notes.