10 Best Fender Acoustic Guitars For Beginners 2024

Interested in a Fender acoustic guitar?

Trying to find the right axe for a beginner?

You’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we look at the best entry-level Fender acoustic guitars and help you sort out what you should look for in such a product.

Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster With Premium Gig Bag

The Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster is a special guitar with a premium price tag, so it’s not going to be for everyone. That said, we couldn’t resist including it on this list, because it’s a neat guitar with cool features.

Clearly, with this guitar, Fender was looking to answer the question “What would an acoustic Telecaster look like?” And we now have the answer.

This axe comes with a solid sitka spruce body, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, and a deluxe gig bag. But that’s probably not the most interesting thing about it.

Obviously, this is an electric-acoustic Telecaster style guitar (if you didn’t notice the pickup and controls on the body, you probably do now). And clearly this is a guitar that’s been designed with stage and recording use in mind.

Remarkably, you can achieve both acoustic and electric style tones with this guitar, which could come in handy for the versatile player. It has a piezo pickup in the bridge position, noiseless pickup, and a body-sensing pickup, which is what allows you to access a variety of colors from the tonal palette.

Although the guitar works “acoustically,” it sounds best plugged in for sure.

Many who bought the Acoustasonic Telecaster were pleasantly surprised by its versatility and playability.

Negative comments were few and far between. Some felt the guitar was a tad pricey, and others said it was hard to find an amp that worked well with the guitar.

Item weight: 12 lbs.

Package dimensions: 41 x 17 x 5 inches

Fender Tim Armstrong 10th Anniversary Hellcat Acoustic Guitar

The Fender Tim Armstrong 10th Anniversary Hellcat might appear kind of fancy, but its price point is more than reasonable, and what you get in exchange is a solid, stylish electric-acoustic guitar for rhythm playing, and of course, for beginners.

The guitar comes with a spruce top, scalloped “X” bracing, mahogany back and sides, walnut fretboard, concert style body, Fishman Presys III pickup system with active preamp (with tuner, volume, and tone controls), glossy black finish, gold hardware, and double-skull inlays.

To me, this is an excellent sounding guitar, especially for the price. It’s bright, full-bodied, balanced, and dynamic. And I’m saying this, even though I find a lot of Fender acoustic-electrics a little disappointing in the tone department!

Customers seem to agree, and some even said this quickly became one of their favorite guitars!

We couldn’t find any negative reviews for this axe.

Item weight: 9.88 lbs.

Package dimensions: 43 x 17 x 5 inches

Fender Newporter Player – California Series Acoustic Guitar

The Fender Newporter Player is another unique looking offering from Fender, with a Stratocaster style headstock.

If you couldn’t tell from its appearance, it’s a guitar that’s been tailor made for performance, and it comes in a variety of colors and styles (pictured here in candy apple red).

This axe comes with a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Fishman pickup/preamp system, slim-taper C-shaped mahogany neck, as well as walnut fingerboard and bridge.

Its raw, acoustic tone is decent, but nothing special in our estimation. It has a “round” tone, as most spruce top guitars tend to have, and it’s got quite a bit of sparkle and midrange boom, but not much warmth.

The main thing we see is that there are better guitars available in the same price range. But if you must have a Fender, then this one is at least worth a look.

Some buyers thought this was the best acoustic they’ve ever owned and enjoyed its sound and build quality.

Others said they thought the guitar had a “cheap” sound and some even had issues with fret buzz out of the box.

Item weight: 9.1 lbs.

Package dimensions: 45.5 x 17.5 x 6.9 inches

Fender Redondo Player Acoustic Guitar

You’ve probably figured out already that the Fender Redondo Player looks quite a bit like the Newporter, and you would be right. But the main difference is the body shape, as that’s what terms like “Newporter” and “Redondo” refer to.

The Redondo comes with a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Fender-exclusive CD-1 Fishman pickup system, Mahogany neck with slim-taper C-shape profile, and walnut fingerboard.

Naturally, the body shape can have an impact on the tone, and I do find the Redondo to have a little more of the necessary midrange compared to the Newporter. It still doesn’t have a whole lot of warmth though.

Most reviewers enjoyed the axe. So long as you don’t have high expectations for the tone, it’s a slim, playable guitar at a decent price point.

Item weight: 6.6 lbs.

Package dimensions: 44.49 x 18.03 x 6.3 inches

Fender Malibu Player Acoustic Guitar

By now, you’re probably starting to get the idea. The Fender Malibu Player is a lot like the Newporter or Redondo, with the main difference being that it doesn’t have a cutaway (looks like you should still be able to access up to the 15th fret without much trouble).

In terms of specs, you know what to expect – solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, CD-1 Fishman pickup, Mahogany neck with slim-taper C-shape profile, as well as a walnut fingerboard and bridge.

Our opinion for this style of guitar (Newporter, Redondo, and the Malibu) are basically the same across the board. They’ve got a decent tone. We wouldn’t call them “balanced” or “warm,” because that’s something they are clearly lacking.

That said, for leads a guitar like this can be great.

Item weight: 6.6 lbs.

Package dimensions: 42.6 x 16.3 x 5.7 inches

Fender CC-60SCE Concert Acoustic Guitar

So, here’s something that’s a little different from what we’ve looked at so far.

The Fender CC-60SCE has got a single-cutaway concert body, which can be great for lead and rhythm players alike. It’s good for extra versatility.

This axe comes with a Fishman pickup, solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing, mahogany back and sides, and rolled fingerboard edges.

And all this comes in at a price that’s going to prove more reasonable than the guitars we’ve looked at so far.

It’s not a bad guitar overall, though its tone doesn’t differ a whole lot from the Newporter, Redondo, or Malibu. I would say it has a slightly more balanced tone. But the onboard electronics do allow for more tonal possibilities. It’s just kind of “thin,” which is the general criticism we’ve had for most Fender acoustics.

Most reviewers thought it was a decent guitar with a good tone. They also said it was well built.

Negative reviews were few and far between.

Item weight: 8 lbs.

Package dimensions: 43.7 x 18 x 6.3 inches

Fender FA-235E Concert Acoustic Guitar

The Fender FA-235E features an all-laminate concert style body with a flame maple top, mahogany back and sides, Fishman electronics, walnut fingerboard, and Viking bridge.

An instrument like this can be great for beginners simply because the all-laminate design makes it a little more durable. It’s going to survive daily wear and tear (and the elements) a little better than a guitar with solid wood.

Further, this axe is the most affordable we’ve looked at so far, without being “bargain basement.” That makes it an especially attractive option for starters.

The guitar sounds as a laminate guitar typically would. It offers a decent projection, okay balance, good separation, but no frequency stands out as amazing.

Customers liked the fact that the guitar was lightweight, and noted that it offered a loud, clear tone.

Others said it wasn’t a guitar for “audiophiles,” which is true given that it features a laminate construction.

Item weight: 6.61. lbs.

Package dimensions: 46 x 17.9 x 6.5 inches

Fender Classic Design CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The Fender CD-60S dreadnought acoustic is sure to appeal to those who like simple acoustic guitars with no frills.

This guitar comes with a sitka spruce top on mahogany with scalloped X bracing, 25.3” scale length mahogany neck, walnut fingerboard, rolled fingerboard edges, chrome die-cast tuners, walnut bridge, and CD series pearloid rosette.

At this price point, you shouldn’t expect anything special – this is just a solid entry-level acoustic. And it has that characteristic “all-laminate” sound though it does seem to have some added high end too.

It’s perfectly usable and could easily become your workhorse as you look to practice and improve.

Enthusiastic buyers were satisfied with their purchase and thought it was a good guitar for beginners.

Some weren’t crazy about its overall quality though.

Item weight: 8.25 lbs.

Package dimensions: 45 x 17 x 7.4 inches

Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Kids Steel String Guitar Learn-To-Play Bundle

Beginner bundles can be attractive since they try to hook you up with all the essentials, and the Fender FA-15 3/4 scale guitar could be great for kids, and anyone with smaller hands or body in general. Fender says it’s ideal for kids aged 6 to 12, but anyone can take advantage of a guitar like this.

It comes with a modern Fender 3+3 headstock, walnut bride, and nato neck.

The bundle includes a gig bag, tuner, strap, picks, Fender Play online lessons, and an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD.

Most reviewers thought it was a great starter guitar.

Item weight: 7.68 lbs.

Package dimensions: 38.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches

Fender FA-15N 3/4 Scale Nylon String Beginner Acoustic Guitar

The Fender FA-15N three-quarter size nylon acoustic guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, as it’s compact, and nylon strings are a little easier on the fingers compared to steel strings.

This is, of course, basically the same guitar as the one we just looked at. But because it doesn’t come with a bundle, it’s a littler cheaper, and like I said, it also comes with nylon strings.

This guitar comes with an Agathis top, sapele back and sides, and a gig bag.

Reviewers thought it was a good choice for beginners with smaller hands.

Item weight: 1 lbs.

Package dimensions: 38.8 x 15.7 x 6.1 inches

What Should I Look For In A Beginner Fender Acoustic Guitar?

Most Fender acoustic guitars are great for beginners, and there’s a reason for that.

Generally, Fender acoustics are affordable, good quality, and come in a variety of designs, depending on what you’re looking for.

Fender isn’t known for their acoustics as much as their electrics, but that isn’t to say they’re a slouch in this area. They cater to the beginner to intermediate market quite well.

To help you find your ideal guitar, the main criteria considered here are:

• Sound/tone
• Action/playability
• Acoustic or acoustic-electric
• Body size
• Budget

Let’s get into it:

Sound/Tone

Obviously, if you’re willing to spend a little more, you can get a nicer sounding guitar.

We find most of the midrange acoustics to be relatively uniform in their tone, so if you’re buying below a certain price point (about $450 or less), then don’t expect too much.

Still, we don’t think their guitars sound bad. And there are plenty of guitars you could buy for about the same price that don’t sound much different.

Either way, if you think the sound of the guitar or its tone might be a consideration, then just know that you might be spending a little more.

Action/Playability

For a beginner, this might very well be the most important consideration.

Learning the guitar is hard enough as is. Having to play on an axe that doesn’t respond the way you think it should, can be torturous and hard on the fingers too.

We find most Fenders highly playable, but if you do run into any problems, we recommend getting your guitar set up with a qualified tech.

Acoustic Or Electric-Acoustic

If you’re willing to spend a little more (midrange), you can get a Fender acoustic with electronics.

Entry-level, starter, and budget guitars generally don’t come with a pickup.

Basically, if you think you might want to plug in the guitar (into am amp or PA system), it’s not a bad idea to get an electric-acoustic. Otherwise, an acoustic will do fine, but it can be nice to have the flexibility.

Body Size

As you’ve probably seen, the style of the body (dreadnought, concert, etc.) can have an impact on the guitar’s size. But you can get a decent idea just by looking at the pictures.

The main consideration here would be whether to get a 3/4 size or standard size guitar. And that’s going to come down to what works best for you or your child.

Young kids can benefit from a smaller axe, and sometimes even adults can too.

Budget

The guitars featured here generally cost somewhere in the range of $150 to $450, with just one costing nearly $2,000.

The main bit of advice we’d like to leave you with is to avoid overspending. Don’t go into debt to buy a guitar and use your budget as a guide.

Top Fender Acoustic Guitars For Beginners, Final Thoughts

The quality of a guitar is largely determined by its materials and manufacturing process.

Clearly, Fender has a standardized process, and that makes their guitars dependable.

This also means all their guitars can be a lot alike, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing at the beginner level.

You should now have everything you need to select your perfect Fender guitar, so we wish you happy shopping!