If you are looking for a simple acoustic guitar that still offers quality construction and sound, the Fender FA-345CE is a great option.
It features a cutaway body with gloss finish, a top made of laminated flame maple, back and sides made of laminated lacewood, and a 25.3″ (643 mm) scale length.
You can purchase this guitar in many different stores, some of them include:
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In this post, we’ll take a close look at the Fender FA-345CE acoustic guitar, specifically its features, tone, value, and playability.
Certain guitar features can change the entire feel and worth of the instrument so it’s very important to choose wisely.
Table of Contents
Summary
Here’s a brief, simplified summary of what we observed about the Fender FA-345CE.
Keep in mind that the score and rating we give each point is our own subjective opinion.
Hardware
The many metal and plastic elements that make up a guitar are referred to as the instrument’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 solid and long-lasting construction.
The company has generally always used high-quality materials for its products, which is evident in many of the different successful models that they’ve built throughout the years.
When buying a guitar primarily based on its hardware, ensure that it is of high quality and that it appears to be strong enough to withstand regular use.
Lower-quality guitars often have plastic saddles on the bridge, which can negatively impact the instrument’s tone and intonation while also making it more difficult to tune.
You should also make sure that the metal pieces don’t rust or tarnish, and that they appear to be solid and durable without being easily damaged.
A well-sounding and playable guitar requires decent hardware, and there are a few things a manufacturer can do to make it perfect for us.
Let’s have a look at it more closely!
– Tuning Machines
On this Fender FA-345CE, the tuning machines are simple but effective, they’re made of chrome, and have a open-back geared design.
- Type: Open-Back Geared
- Design: Open-Back Geared
The tuning machines (or “tuners”) are one of the most important parts of the hardware on any guitar.
They’re responsible for keeping the strings tight so they can vibrate properly and generate 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.
Anytime your tuning machines are not functioning properly, the strings can become loose and out of tune.
They can also make string changes more difficult, as well as playing the guitar more challenging 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.
Because these materials don’t tarnish, your instrument will last much longer.
– Pickguard
The Fender FA-345CE 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 interesting to see that Fender chose not to provide a pickguard with this model.
Whether it was merely a design choice or not, this one of the “negative” thing we noticed about this instrument.
A pickguard’s aim is to prevent the pick from scratching the guitar’s finish as you play.
They should be built of a strong material that can survive repeated use.
It should also be positioned in such a manner that it will protect the guitar’s body from pick scratches.
In terms of appearance, a pickguard should also match the guitar’s overall design.
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-345CE are constructed of chrome, appear to be strong enough, and are found at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.
Strap buttons is what we call the little metal buttons installed on the guitar’s body that are used to connect a strap to the instrument.
Most guitars will have two strap buttons, one on each side of the body.
Metal strap buttons should be durable and sturdy so that they do not come loose over time.
Even though the quality of the strap buttons isn’t a deal-breaker for the majority of folks, it’s still something to consider.
Body
The bridge and neck of a guitar, are some of the different parts that are connected to the body.
This is where you’ll notice a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound can resonate from within the instrument.
The majority of guitars have a wooden body, while others have carbon fiber, metal, or plastic bodies (less usual).
– Wood
If you have a specific tone in mind for your guitar, you should take into account the type of wood used for the body.
When it comes to the Fender FA-345CE, it has a laminated flame maple top with a laminated lacewood back and laminated lacewood 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 final layer of protection for the wood of the guitar body is the body finish.
When it comes to this guitar in specific, it has a gloss finish.
It’s what gives the guitar its luster and shine, and also protects the wood from scratches, dents, and other scratches.
You’ll encounter 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
When it comes to the body of a guitar, the color is usually not a big factor in the overall sound.
It can, however, affect the instrument’s appearance and feel.
Some individuals like a certain color guitar because it complements their aesthetic or because it’s easier to see in low light conditions.
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-345CE has walnut bridge with white with black dots pins and also a saddle made of graph tech tusq.
Each of these elements has a significant impact on how the guitar sounds and feels.
For example, the bridge is responsible for transferring string vibrations to the guitar’s body.
The saddle, which is typically composed of plastic or bone, serves as a resting place for all of the strings.
And the pins are what hold the strings in place.
There are also several kinds of bridges, each with its own set of pro’s and cons.
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 more difficult to intonate, which involves getting the strings in a precise position and tuning them.
Pinless bridges are less frequent, but they are simple to intone as well.
They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which may be difficult to keep track of.
Finally, classical guitar bridges are only found for the most part on classical guitars.
They are similar in design to other bridges, but the main difference is that they don’t have pins and instead include a saddle and a wooden block with a hole for each string.
This hole is used to secure the string, giving the guitar a much cleaner appearance.
Now, the sort of saddle you have is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and simplest to buy, 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
The Fender FA-345CE, 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 neck is the thin, long piece of the guitar that runs from the body to the headstock and is usually constructed of wood.
Because different woods have distinct qualities that influence how the vibrations created by the strings behave, the type of wood chosen for the neck can alter the guitar’s playability and sound.
The bolt-on neck is the most prevalent type of neck, which is screwed or bolted onto the guitar’s body.
Another popular construction is the set-neck, which is whenever the neck is just glued to the body.
The fretboard, frets, nut, and truss rod are all critical elements of a guitar neck.
Fretboard
The fretboard is the part of the guitar’s neck where your fingers make contact and press against 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-345CE, it has a fretboard made of walnut with a radius of 11.81″ (300 mm) and pearloid keystone inlays:
Despite the fact that this has traditionally been a point of controversy, it is widely accepted that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a small impact 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 material for acoustic guitars because it provides a warm and full-bodied tone.
Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars that are designed to have an extremely clean and clear tone.
There are several types of fretboards available, each with its own set of pros and cons.
The type 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 might.
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.
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
Review
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-345CE:
– General
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | FA-345CE |
| Type | Acoustic |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Hardware Plating | Chrome |
| Tuning Machines | Open-Back Geared |
| Tuning Machines Design | Open-Back Geared |
| Electro-acoustic | Yes |
| Built-in Tuner | No |
| Colors | Natural, 3-Color Tea Burst |
– Body
| Body Style | Auditorium Cutaway |
| Cutaway | Yes |
| Solid Top | No |
| Top Material | Laminated Flame Maple |
| Back Material | Laminated Lacewood |
| Sides Material | Laminated Lacewood |
| Finish Type | Gloss |
| Pickguard | No |
| Pickguard Color | Not applicable |
| Pickguard Design | Not applicable |
| Strap Buttons | Yes |
| Strap Buttons Position | Bottom and side of heel |
| Strap Buttons Design | Classic |
– Neck
| Neck Material | Nato |
| Neck Shape | “C” Shape |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Urethane |
| Scale Length | 25.3″ (643 mm) |
| Truss Rod | Adjustable |
– Fretboard
| Fretboard Material | Walnut |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Keystone |
| Fret Size | 2mm |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
– Bridge, nut, saddle, pins
| Bridge Pins | White with Black Dots |
| Bridge | Walnut |
| Saddle Material | Graph Tech TUSQ |
| Nut Material | Graph Tech TUSQ |
| Nut Width | 1.69″ (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.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.
