Build Quality:4.7 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.7 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.6 out of 5 stars
Value:4.7 out of 5 stars
Average:4.7 out of 5 stars

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Fender MA‌ 1 3-4 Size

Pros:

  • Portable/Easy to transport
  • Nice sound
  • Stable tuning

Cons:

  • Not the highest quality wood material
  • Not the best option if you are uncomfortable with smaller guitars

Since (and I am guessing) that sunny and beautiful day in 1946 when Fender starting manufacturing string instruments and amplifiers the music world has never been the same. Although they are more well known for their electric guitars and bass guitars, they have also got themselves into acoustic guitars and MA‌-1 3/4-Size is a result of that.

Build

First of all, the 3/4-size scale is great for beginners, kids and also handy to travel with. Satin body and neck finish makes this model very comfortable for playing. MA‌-1 3/4-Size features Agathis top with “X” bracing that helps create the full tone. Agathis is not the most beloved material for the guitar, it usually compares to cheap-sounding, less durable mahogany but that is not always the case. I have heard a lot of people who have had agathis guitars and did not have a single complaint about it, especially if you are getting something for under $200. Back and sides are made of sapele making the wood quite durable and rot-resistant. Sapele is basically a grained heartwood in golden/dark reddish-brown that has nice natural luster. The bridge is made of rosewood and compensated saddle. The bridge is made of rosewood which is quite a nice, good quality material.  

For a refined look and comfortable fretting-hand feel, a satin finish makes for a smoothly satisfying playing experience.

Hardware

Fender MA‌-1 3/4-Size features chrome hardware with standard 18 frets die-cast machine heads. Now, there are so many different materials out there but I think chrome is the best one when it comes to getting something affordable that is nice quality. Chrome is durable as well as corrosion-resistant so you do not have to worry about your guitar not lasting you for long. The strings on this one are Fender Dura-Tone Coated 80/20 Bronze (.012-.052 Gauge) strings which are specifically made to prevent tone-killing corrosion. And last, but not least we get the upgraded machine heads which are great because they provide greater stability when it comes to intonation.

Fender MA‌ 1 Sound

As already mentioned this model features upgraded tuners which add to stable intonation. Pretty much everyone knows (even the beginners who have no experience with guitars) that the material plays a major part in the sound of the guitar. Sapele (on the back and sides of the guitar) gives that extra warmth and full tone and Agathis is very close in tonality with mahogany.

Conclusion

Great for kids, traveling and anyone who is interested in smaller-sized guitars, MA‌-1 3/4-Size brings great sound for great price (under $200). Whenever there is a product at a smaller price or smaller built, people always assume that the quality will suffer immensely but that definitely is not the case. I know a lot of people are more traditional and do not like Agathis but the sound and comfort of the guitar are not created only by one factor. It is a concoction of many elements and I think Fender MA‌-1 ¾ has found a good ratio.

Click here to find out more about Fender MA‌-1 3/4-Size.
Click here to view more from Best Cheap Acoustic Guitar Under 200.

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