Fender FA-25 Dreadnought: Eye Candy, But Watch Your Step

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar !Fender FA-25 sure looks the part, and as far as entry-level guitars go, it earns points for style. The slick finish, shiny binding, and brand-heavy headstock definitely catch attention. But once you get past the showroom glow, this guitar throws a few curveballs.

Laminated wood all around means one thing: durability over tone. The body’s spruce/basswood combo is tough enough for bumpy bus rides or dragging between classes, but don’t count on much depth or complexity in its sound. You’ll get solid midrange and volume that works for casual jams or practice, but it won’t satisfy anyone hoping for rich resonance or that “wow” factor when you strum a G chord.

Picking this up, the neck actually feels pretty friendly. Fender’s “C-shaped” neck isn’t a marketing fib—it’s easy on the hands, especially if you’re just learning or have smaller mitts. This is a plus if you’re noodling between lectures or teaching yourself chord shapes in your dorm.

Tuners? They’re the kind you’d expect at this price: functional most of the time, but don’t be surprised if you have to retune after every other session—especially if your playing style is on the, uh, enthusiastic side.

Now, about the strings: it’s hard to ignore the mess. The factory strings smack of last-minute budget cuts. They snap prematurely and hold tuning about as well as an old bike lock. If you grab this guitar, plan on swapping them out immediately—kind of an annoying rite of passage, but basically unavoidable if you want stress-free playing. And for beginners, a snapped string on day one is a real mood killer.

There’s also the sticker issue. Fender slaps on a pickguard sticker that leaves behind a sticky mess when you peel it off. Have fun chipping away at that residue with your fingernail. While you’re looking close, don’t be shocked to find a patchy finish or a scuffed spot in the lamination—not uncommon for bargain guitars, but still a bummer.

On the plus side, the FA-25 comes with a little sugar on top: a free trial of Fender Play, Fender’s lesson platform. For new players, that’s actually a win. There’s also a two-year warranty, which is more than some other starter guitars offer.

If you’re after a flashy big-bodied acoustic that’s cheap and recognizable, this checks the boxes. Don’t expect to grow with this instrument if you get serious about playing, though—the limitations in tone, hardware, and finish will bug you down the road. The FA-25 works for low-pressure jam sessions, beginners who just want to get started fast, or people who care more about looks than what’s coming out of the soundhole.

But if you can’t stand the hassle of constant retuning or string swaps—if you want a guitar you won’t have to fight for basic playability—there are other brands out there that put more beans into build quality at this price. As much as the Fender headstock might draw you in, be honest about how much guitar trouble you’re willing to put up with just to have that logo staring back at you.