Fender FA-135CE Review

– Tuning Machines

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The tuning machines on this Fender FA-135CE are die-cast, made of chrome, and feature a sealed design.

• Type: Die-Cast
• Design: Sealed

One of the most significant aspects of any guitar’s hardware is the tuning machines (or “tuners”).

They’re in charge of keeping the strings tight so they can vibrate properly and generate the desired pitch.

Even the greatest guitar will sound terrible if it is tuned using low-quality tuning machines, so choose them carefully.

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

When they’re not functioning properly, the strings can become loose and hence, out of tune.

They can also make string changes more complex and the guitar more difficult to play in general.

Must Remember:

A good tuning machine is made of long-lasting materials and operates with accuracy and precision.

Make sure to avoid materials like nickel-plated steel or stainless steel to prevent rust.

These materials are also less likely to tarnish, extending the life of your instrument.

– Pickguard

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The Fender FA-135CE guitar has a black pickguard with a 1-ply plain design.

• Color: Black
• Design: 1-Ply Plain

Less layers mean that with time, wear and scratches on the pickguard will typically become more obvious.

Pickguards are often made of plastic, in some cases, even carbon fiber, and come in a variety of styles.

Their aim is to prevent the pick from scratching the guitar’s finish as you play.

They should be built of a robust material that can sustain regular use when it comes to protection.

It should also be placed in such a way that it will effectively protect the guitar’s body from scratches inflicted by the player’s pick.

In terms of appearance, a pickguard should also blend in with the guitar’s general design and complement the overall aesthetic of the instrument.

It should neither be too small nor too low-quality, as this would make it look out of place.

– Strap Buttons

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Both strap buttons on the Fender FA-135CE are constructed of chrome, appear to be fairly strong, and are located at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.

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

Usually, guitars will have two strap buttons, one on each side of the body.

Metal strap buttons should be solid and strong to avoid coming loose 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 when reviewing a guitar.

Body

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

This is also where you’ll notice a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound from inside the instrument rebounds and resonates.

The majority of guitars have a wooden body, while others have carbon fiber, metal, or plastic bodies (less usual).

– Wood

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If you have a specific tone in mind for your guitar, you should take into account the type of wood used for the body.

The Fender FA-135CE has a laminated spruce top with a laminated basswood back and laminated basswood 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

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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 features a gloss finish.

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

You’ll come across a variety of finishes, including the following:

• 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

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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.

Some individuals like a specific color guitar because it complements their personal style.

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

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The Fender FA-135CE has walnut bridge with aged with black dots pins and also a saddle made of crème plastic.

Each of these elements has a significant impact on how the guitar sounds and feels.

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

The saddle, which is commonly constructed of plastic or bone, is where the strings rest.

And the pins are what hold the strings in place.

There are several kinds 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

Pin bridges, being the most common type of bridge, are also the simplest to rebuild and replace.

They are, however, more difficult to intonate, which means getting the strings in the proper place.

Pinless bridges are less common, although they are easy to intonate as well.

They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which can be difficult to track and are very easy to lose.

Finally, classical guitar bridges are only found for the most part on classical guitars.

They’re similar in shape that most other bridges, but the main difference is that they don’t have any pins and just consist of a saddle and wooden block that has a hole for each string.

This hole is used to tie the string down, giving the guitar a much cleaner appearance.

Now, the type of saddle you use is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and quickest to find, but they do not last as long as bone saddles.

The cost of bone saddles tend to be more, but they are also more durable than other options.

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

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The Fender FA-135CE, has a neck that is made of walnut with a gloss urethane finish, and it has a Fender ‘Easy-to-Play’ shape with an adjustable truss rod.

The neck is the long, thin component of the guitar that runs from the body to the headstock and is generally made of wood.

The wood used for the neck has an impact on the guitar’s playability and tone since various woods have different qualities and influence the way vibrations created by the strings move.

The bolt-on neck is the most prevalent type of neck, which is screwed or bolted onto the guitar’s body.

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

Guitar necks have a few important parts, which include: the fretboard, the frets, the nut, and the truss rod.

Fretboard

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The fretboard is the area on the guitar’s neck where your fingers press against the strings.

It’s most commonly made of wood, although it can also be made of carbon fiber, plastic, or even metal.

The Fender FA-135CE has a fretboard made of walnut with a radius of 11.81″ (300 mm) and white dot inlays:

Even though this has always been a big debate, it is generally agreed that the type of wood that’s used for the fretboard can slightly affect 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 for acoustic guitars because it produces a warm, full-bodied tone.

Ebony is yet another popular choice, and it’s often used on guitars that are meant to have a really clean, clear sound.

There are several types of fretboards available, each with its own set of pros and cons.

The kind of fretboard you pick is entirely up to you and what you really want in a guitar; the tone will not be dramatically different, but the feel will be.

Brand Info

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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.

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