Fender FA-235E Review

Fender FA-235E Acoustic Guitar Review Post Cover

The Fender FA-235E has been a popular choice for acoustic guitarists for many years, and for good reason.

It has a non-cutaway body with a top made of laminated flame maple, back and sides made of laminated mahogany, gloss body finish, a “C” Shape neck with a adjustable truss rod, and chrome hardware plating.

You can purchase this guitar in many different stores, some of them include:

We may earn commissions from these links at no additional cost to you.

In this post, we’ll examine the features, sound, and playability of the Fender FA-235E acoustic guitar.

Certain guitar features can alter the overall feel and value of the instrument, thus it is critical to choose them carefully.

Summary


Here’s a general summary of the Fender FA-235E so that you can take a glance at how it performs.

The score and rating we give is just our opinion, so it might be different from yours or others.

Hardware 4.5 / 5
Body 4.2 / 5
Neck 4.6 / 5
Fretboard 4.3 / 5
Sound 4.9 / 5
Playability 4.9 / 5
Value 4.9 / 5
Brand 5 / 5

Hardware


The different metal and plastic components that make up a guitar are known as the guitar’s hardware.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Tuning machines
  • Pickguard
  • Bridge
  • Strings
  • Strap buttons
  • Pickups
  • Tailpiece
  • Control knobs

Fender’s acoustic guitars are well-known for their sturdy and long-lasting construction.

The company has generally used high-quality materials in its products, which is evident in many of the different successful models that they’ve built over the years.

If you choose an acoustic guitar based on its hardware, make sure it is of high quality and appears to be strong enough to withstand regular use.

For example, plastic saddles on the bridge indicate a lower-quality guitar, which can result in poor tone and intonation, as well as making tuning more difficult.

The metal parts shouldn’t be able to rust or tarnish, and they should look strong and durable so that they don’t get dented.

A decent-sounding and playable guitar requires excellent hardware, and there are a few things that a manufacturer can do to make it perfect for us guitarists.

Let’s have a look at it more closely!

Fender FA-235E full guitar image
Fender FA-235E

– Tuning Machines


The tuning machines on this Fender FA-235E are open-back geared, made of chrome, and feature a open-back geared design.

  • Type: Open-Back Geared
  • Design: Open-Back Geared

Tuning machines (generally referred to as “tuners”) are an essential aspect of every guitar’s hardware.

They’re in charge of keeping the strings tight and firm so they can vibrate properly and produce the right pitch.

Low-quality tuning machines can ruin the sound of even the best guitar, so choose wisely.

This is due to the fact that tuning machines are what keep the guitar’s strings tight.

If your tuning machines are not working as they should, the strings will become loose and go out of tune.

They can also make changing strings more difficult, as well as make the guitar harder to play in general.

Must Remember:

Good tuning machines are composed of strong, long-lasting materials and operate with precision and smoothness.

You must look for materials that are less likely to rust, like nickel-plated steel or stainless steel.

Because these materials don’t tarnish, your instrument will last much longer.

Fender FA-235E headstock
Headstock

– Pickguard


The Fender FA-235E doesn’t have a pickguard, which means that if you’re not careful enough when you play, you could damage its finish very easily.

  • Color: Not applicable
  • Design: Not applicable

It’s actually very interesting to see that Fender decided to not put a pickguard on this model.

Maybe it was simply a design decision, or there might be other reasons why, but this is one of the only “bad” things we saw about this guitar.

Their aim is to keep the pick from scratching the guitar’s finish while you’re playing.

When it comes to protection, a good pickguard needs to be made of a durable material that can withstand regular use.

Fender FA-235E pickguard color and design
Pickguard color and design

It also needs to be big enough and in the right spot to actually protect the guitar body from being scratched by the player’s pick.

As for looks, a pickguard should also complement the overall aesthetic of the guitar.

It should be noticeable, but not obtrusive, and it shouldn’t look low-quality or out of place.

– Strap Buttons


Both strap buttons on the Fender FA-235E are constructed of chrome, appear to be strong enough, and are found at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.

Strap buttons are those little metal buttons installed on the guitar’s body that are used to secure a strap to the instrument.

One on either side of the body, most guitars will generally feature two strap buttons.

Fender FA-235E strap buttons position and design
Strap buttons position and design

Metal strap buttons should be durable and strong so they don’t come free over time.

Even though for most people, whether the strap buttons are good or not won’t be a deal-breaker for them, it’s still something to keep in mind.

Body


The neck, bridge, and strings are all joined to the guitar’s body, which is the most important section of the instrument.

A hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound can resonate from within the instrument can also be found here.

Most guitars have a wooden body, although there are some with carbon fiber, metal, and plastic bodies (less usual).

– Wood


If you’re seeking for a specific tone, the type of wood chosen for the body might impact the sound of the guitar.

When it comes to the Fender FA-235E, it has a laminated flame maple top with a laminated mahogany back and laminated mahogany sides.

Having a solid top is important because it means that the wood hasn’t been laminated, which could affect the sound quality since laminated wood is often thinner.

When wood is laminated, this means that strips of wood are glued together to create a piece.

– Finish


The guitar’s body finish is one of the final layers of protection for the wood.

When it comes to this guitar in specific, it has a gloss finish.

This is what gives the guitar its brilliance and shine, but also protects the wood from scratches, dents, and other damages.

There are a variety of finishes to choose from, including:

  • Polyurethane
  • Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Polyester

Nitrocellulose Lacquer is considered to be the best type of finish, but it’s also the most expensive.

It’s a durable finish that can be buffed to a high shine, and it’s also relatively easy to repair if it’s damaged.

Polyurethane is a cheaper alternative that’s almost as good, and Polyester is the cheapest option but it doesn’t provide as much protection.

Among these categories, there are subcategories as well, such as:

  • Gloss finishes: High shine and they’re very reflective.
  • Matte finishes: Have a lower shine and they’re not very reflective.
  • Satin finishes: Somewhere in-between gloss and matte, they have a moderate shine and they’re somewhat reflective.

– Colors Available


When it comes to the body of a guitar, the color is usually not a big factor in the overall sound.

It can, however, influence the instrument’s aesthetic appeal to you.

Some people prefer a guitar that’s a certain color because it matches their style, or because it’s easier to see in low light conditions.

Fender FA-235E colors available
Colors available

Some of the most popular colors for guitar bodies are:

  • Natural: This is the color of wood that hasn’t been stained or painted.
  • Black: Black is a popular color for metal-style guitars.
  • Sunburst: Sunburst is a combination of light and dark colors, usually red, yellow, and brown.

Choosing a guitar based on its color is purely a matter of personal preference.

But if you do take your time and choose something that you’re happy with, you’ll be much more likely to play it often and develop your skills quicker.

– Bridge, Saddle, and Pins


The Fender FA-235E has walnut bridge with white with black dots pins and also a saddle made of graph tech tusq.

Each of these elements contributes to the tone and feel of the guitar.

For example, the bridge’s primary purpose is to carry the vibrations of the strings to the guitar’s body.

The saddle is what the strings sit on, and it’s usually made of plastic or bone.

And the pins are what keep the strings in place so that you can play your instrument.

Fender FA-235E bridge, saddle, and pins
Bridge, saddle, and pins

There are several types of bridges, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

On acoustic guitars, you’ll mainly see three types of bridges:

  • Pin bridges (standard)
  • Pinless bridges
  • Classical bridge

The most common type of bridge is the pin bridge, which is also the simplest to replace.

However, they can be a bit more difficult to intonate, which means getting the strings in the correct position.

Pinless bridges are less common, but they’re easy to intonate too.

They also have the advantage of not requiring any pins, which can be a pain to keep track of.

Lastly, classical guitar bridges are only used on classical guitars.

They are fairly similar in design to most other bridges, but the key distinction is that they have no pins and instead consist of a saddle and a wooden block with a hole for each string.

Said hole is used to tie the string down, which gives the guitar a much cleaner look.

Now, the type of saddle you choose is also important; plastic saddles are the cheapest and easiest to find, but they don’t last as long as bone saddles.

Bone saddles are more expensive, but they’re also more durable.

As for the bridge pins, there are three main types:

  • Plastic bridge pins
  • Steel bridge pins
  • Brass bridge pins

Plastic bridge pins are the cheapest and easiest to find, but they are known to be the least durable.

Steel bridge pins are more expensive, but they’re also more durable in many ways.

Brass bridge pins are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable our of the three.

Neck


The Fender FA-235E, has a neck that is made of nato with a gloss urethane finish, and it has a “C” Shape shape with an adjustable truss rod.

The guitar’s neck is the long, thin piece that runs from the body to the headstock.

Since different woods have distinct qualities that influence how the vibrations created by the strings behave, the type of wood chosen for the neck can affect the guitar’s playability and sound.

The most popular style of neck is the bolt-on neck, which is screwed or bolted onto the body of the guitar.

Another popular style is the set-neck, which is actually glued to the body of the guitar.

The fretboard, frets, nut, and truss rod are some of the most critical components of a guitar neck.

Fretboard


The fretboard is the surface on the neck of the guitar where your fingers press down on the strings.

It’s usually made of wood, but it can also be made of other materials like plastic or even metal.

As for the Fender FA-235E, it has a fretboard made of walnut with a radius of 11.81″ (300 mm) and pearloid keystone inlays:

Fender FA-235E fretboard
Fretboard

Despite the fact that this has historically been a source of debate, it is generally acknowledged that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a slight effect on the sound of the guitar.

For instance, maple is a popular material for electric guitars because it tends to produce a very sharp tone.

Rosewood is another popular choice, and it is frequently used on acoustic guitars because it produces a warm, full-bodied tone.

Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars designed to have a very clean, clear tone.

There are many different types of fretboards available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The sort of fretboard you pick is ultimately up to you and what you’re looking for in a guitar; the tone will not change dramatically, but the feel will.

Fender FA-235E body
Body

Brand Info


Fender is a leading manufacturer of electric guitars, and they’ve been in business since 1946.

They’re one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world, and their instruments are used by some of the most famous musicians of all time.

Also, the company offers a wide range of different models, from simple beginner guitars to complex professional instruments.

Their guitars are known for their great tone and quality craftsmanship, and they’re a popular choice for both beginner and experienced players.

At the same time, Fender guitars are very affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious musicians.

Fender brand logo
Fender logo

Videos


For those of you who want to get a more in-depth look at this guitar, we’ve included some videos below.

The first video is a demo showing off how it sounds and looks.

While the second video is a review that goes over some of its features and specs.

Demo

Fender FA-235E Striped Ebony - Sound Demo

Review

Fender FA235e review with Andy - Rimmers Music Bury Store

Specifications


A guitar’s specifications can tell you a lot about the instrument, and they can be helpful when you’re trying to decide between different models.

Below, we’ve included the specifications for the Fender FA-235E:

– General

BrandFender
ModelFA-235E
TypeAcoustic
Number of Strings6
Hardware PlatingChrome
Tuning MachinesOpen-Back Geared
Tuning Machines DesignOpen-Back Geared
Electro-acousticYes
Built-in TunerYes
ColorsNatural, 3-Color Sunburst, Moonlight Burst

– Body

Body StyleConcert
CutawayNo
Solid TopNo
Top MaterialLaminated Flame Maple
Back MaterialLaminated Mahogany
Sides MaterialLaminated Mahogany
Finish TypeGloss
PickguardNo
Pickguard ColorNot applicable
Pickguard DesignNot applicable
Strap ButtonsYes
Strap Buttons PositionBottom and side of heel
Strap Buttons DesignClassic

– Neck

Neck MaterialNato
Neck Shape“C” Shape
Neck FinishGloss Urethane
Scale Length25.3″ (643 mm)
Truss RodAdjustable

– Fretboard

Fretboard MaterialWalnut
Fingerboard InlayPearloid Keystone
Fret Size 2mm
Number of Frets20

– Bridge, nut, saddle, pins

Bridge PinsWhite with Black Dots
Bridge Walnut
Saddle Material Graph Tech TUSQ
Nut MaterialGraph Tech TUSQ
Nut Width1.69″ (43 mm)

Please note that some brands might change the features and type of materials that they have and use on their guitars.

If you see a discrepancy in any of these specifications, please let us know and we’ll correct it.

I also encourage you to check out our other guitar reviews if you’re looking for something specific that you might have not found here with this guitar.

We have reviews on electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, effects pedals, and more.

No matter what your budget is, or what type of guitar you’re looking for, we should be able to help you find the perfect one for you.