Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Natural

In this review the Fender FA-125CE is evaluated as an entry-level acoustic-electric that balances affordability with practical features for beginners. The bottom line: it is an attractive, easy-playing dreadnought cutaway that gives new players a comfortable neck, solid unplugged tone, and reliable amplified sound through Fishman electronics, making it a sensible first amplified guitar for students and hobbyists who want a full-size instrument without high cost.

Key Features

• Dreadnought cutaway: Provides a full, balanced acoustic voice with easier access to upper frets for soloing and chord melody playing.
• Laminate spruce top: Delivers a bright, clear tone while keeping the instrument durable and affordable for everyday use.
• Basswood back and sides: Help smooth the midrange and keep weight down so the guitar is comfortable for long practice sessions.
• Nato C-shaped neck: Offers a familiar, comfortable grip that is forgiving for beginners learning fretting and chord shapes.
• Fishman electronics: Provide a dependable amplified Fender tone that translates well to small gigs, lessons, and home recording.
• Included accessories: The bundle adds practical extras like a gig bag, strap, strings, picks, online lessons, and an instructional DVD to get a new player up and running.

Who It's For

The FA-125CE is aimed at beginners, students, and casual players who want a full-size acoustic-electric with a cutaway and basic onboard electronics for small performances or practice with amplification. The included accessories and lessons make it especially useful for first-time buyers who prefer a ready-to-play package.

Players seeking a high-end professional concert instrument or premium solid-wood tone will want to look elsewhere; the FA-125CE uses laminate woods and is designed for value rather than boutique tone or seasoned studio work.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable dreadnought cutaway that still sounds balanced and bright unplugged.
• Comfortable nato C-shaped neck and hardwood fingerboard for easy playability.
• Fishman electronics deliver reliable amplified tone for practice and small gigs.
• Bundle includes gig bag, strap, strings, picks and learning resources to simplify starting out.

Cons

• Laminated top and body limit the complexity and resonance compared with solid-wood guitars.
• Players who want vintage or high-end tonal nuance may find the sonic detail modest.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Fender FA-125CE is a strong value pick for beginners and casual players who want a full-size amplified guitar with easy playability and useful extras. Its laminate construction keeps the price down while Fishman electronics and the cutaway make it versatile for practice and small performances, so it is a practical first amplified guitar for students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it include electronics for plugging into an amp?
Yes, the FA-125CE ships with Fishman electronics built in for amplified playing and simple stage use.

Is the top solid spruce?
No, the guitar uses a laminate spruce top, which improves durability and lowers cost compared with a solid top.

What comes in the bundle?
The package includes a gig bag, strap, extra strings, picks, online Fender Play lessons and an instructional DVD to help new players start learning.