Fender FA-345CE Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic Guitar

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and care of your Fender FA-345CE Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic Guitar. Designed for both acoustic and amplified performance, this instrument features quality laminate construction, including a flame maple top with lacewood back and sides, and a modern Fender 3+3 headstock. The integrated Fishman Presys II pickup system allows for clear, natural amplified tone.

Figure 1: Front view of the Fender FA-345CE Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic Guitar in Natural finish.

2. Setup

2.1 Unpacking

Carefully remove the guitar from its packaging. Inspect the instrument for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. Retain all packaging materials for future transport or storage.

2.2 Initial Tuning

Your guitar will require tuning before playing. The Fishman Presys II system includes a built-in tuner. Press the "Tuner" button on the preamp to activate it. Pluck each string individually and adjust the tuning machines until the display indicates the correct pitch. The standard tuning for a 6-string guitar is E-A-D-G-B-e (from thickest to thinnest string).

2.3 Battery Installation for Electronics

The Fishman Presys II pickup system requires a 9V battery for operation. The battery compartment is typically located on the side of the guitar, near the preamp controls. Open the compartment, insert a fresh 9V battery, ensuring correct polarity, and close the compartment securely. A low battery indicator may illuminate when the battery needs replacement.

Figure 2: Close-up of the Fishman Presys II preamp with Bass, Volume, Treble controls, and Tuner button.

3. Operating the Guitar

3.1 Acoustic Playback

The FA-345CE is designed to produce a rich, resonant acoustic tone. Experiment with different strumming and picking techniques to explore its full sonic range. The auditorium body style provides a balanced sound suitable for various musical genres.

3.2 Amplified Playback (Fishman Presys II System)

To amplify your guitar, connect a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable from the guitar's output jack to an acoustic amplifier or PA system. Use the controls on the Fishman Presys II preamp to shape your sound:

• Volume: Adjusts the overall output level of the amplified signal.
• Bass: Controls the low-frequency response, adding warmth or reducing muddiness.
• Treble: Controls the high-frequency response, adding brightness or reducing harshness.
• Phase Button: Helps to reduce feedback in amplified settings. Press to invert the phase of the signal.
• Tuner Button: Activates the built-in chromatic tuner. The output signal is muted when the tuner is active.

Adjust these controls to achieve your desired tone and to suit the acoustics of your playing environment.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning

• Body: Wipe the guitar body with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove fingerprints and sweat. For a deeper clean, use a guitar-specific polish sparingly.
• Fretboard: Periodically clean the laurel fretboard with a damp cloth to remove grime. For conditioning, use a small amount of lemon oil or a specialized fretboard conditioner.
• Strings: Wipe down strings after playing to extend their life and maintain tone.

4.2 Storage

Store your guitar in a climate-controlled environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations. A guitar case or gig bag provides protection from dust and minor impacts. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.

4.3 String Replacement

Strings should be replaced regularly, depending on playing frequency and personal preference. Old strings can sound dull and affect intonation. When replacing strings, change them one at a time to maintain neck tension. Use light gauge acoustic guitar strings for optimal performance.

Figure 3: Front view of the guitar headstock, showing the Fender logo and tuning machines.

5. Troubleshooting

• No Sound When Plugged In:
  • Check if the 9V battery in the Fishman preamp is fresh and correctly installed.
  • Ensure the instrument cable is securely connected to both the guitar and the amplifier/PA system.
  • Verify the amplifier is turned on and its volume is up.
• Poor Sound Quality / Buzzing:
  • Check if strings are old or corroded; replace if necessary.
  • Ensure strings are properly seated in the bridge and nut.
  • If buzzing persists, it may indicate a need for a professional setup to adjust neck relief or action.
• Tuning Instability:
  • Ensure strings are stretched properly after installation.
  • Check if tuning machines are tight and functioning correctly.
  • Extreme temperature or humidity changes can affect tuning stability.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Your Fender FA-345CE Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic Guitar comes with a 2-Year Warranty, covering manufacturing defects. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical assistance, warranty service, or further information, please visit the official Fender website or contact Fender customer support directly. Contact details can typically be found on the Fender website or in the documentation included with your purchase.

Online Resources: For additional tips, tutorials, and product registration, visit www.fender.com.