Fender 0972213260 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

Fender has been a pillar of the guitar world for over 70 years. Leo Fender founded the company in 1946 and started producing iconic electric guitars like the Telecaster and Stratocaster in the 1950s. Known for their high quality craftsmanship and versatile sound, Fender guitars have been played by countless famous musicians over the decades.

The Fender CD-60SCE is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar that delivers the classic Fender tone and playability. Part of their popular Classic Design series, this dreadnought guitar combines traditional looks with modern electronics and appointments. With a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the CD-60SCE projects a balanced and resonant acoustic tone. The onboard Fishman preamp and pickup system allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for amplified performances. This review will take a close look at the materials, sound, and playability of the Fender CD-60SCE acoustic-electric.

Body Style and Design

The Fender Acoustic Sonic 0972213260 features a stylish and comfortable auditorium body shape. This mid-sized guitar body provides a nice balance between projection and comfort, making it a versatile choice for playing both on-stage and at home.

The top is made from solid Sitka spruce which gives a bright, articulate tone and allows the guitar to "breathe" effectively. The back and sides are laminated mahogany, which provides warmth and sweetness to balance out the spruce top.

The guitar comes in an attractive transparent finish that really shows off the natural wood grain patterns. The rosette and top binding add some visual flair as well. Overall the look is very classy and refined, with just enough ornamentation to make it visually interesting without being overstated.

The satin finish gives it a smooth, natural feel and also cuts down on glare under stage lights. The comfort contours on the body make it easy to play this guitar for extended periods. It has a modern but classic vibe that would fit well in many musical styles.

For those looking for a more affordable option, the Monoprice 610887 is an acoustic-electric guitar with a similar design and sound profile but at a lower price point. It has a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a balanced and nuanced tone. The slim neck and comfortable body shape make it easy to play for long periods. While it may lack some of the premium appointments and finer craftsmanship of the Fender model, it delivers impressive value and quality for the price.

The Monoprice acoustic-electric comes equipped with a built-in preamp and tuner, so you can plug it right into an amplifier or PA system. The pickup captures the guitar's natural acoustic tone quite well. For amateur players or those on a budget, this guitar delivers solid performance and versatility to handle playing acoustic solo, jamming with friends, or performing live shows.

While the Fender may be the superior instrument in terms of tonewoods, build quality, and aesthetics, the Monoprice provides an affordable alternative with similar playability and acoustic-electric functionality. Either model could make a great addition to a guitarist's collection, with the choice coming down to budget and preferences.

Neck and Fretboard

The Fender Sonoran S Acoustic-Electric guitar features a maple neck with a comfortable "C"-shaped profile that's easy to grip and play. The neck has a 25.3" scale length, which is the standard scale for most steel-string acoustic guitars. This gives the strings enough tension so they can resonate freely without buzzing, while still being comfortable to fret notes and form chords up and down the neck.

The fretboard on the Sonoran S is made of rosewood, which is denser and harder than most tonewoods. This gives it good sustain and helps the guitar stay in tune. It has a 12" radius which curves more dramatically at the edges compared to vintage-style flat fretboards. This allows for easier fretting and bending, especially when using heavier gauge strings. The fretboard is outfitted with 20 frets in total.

The neck and fretboard are key components that influence an acoustic guitar's playability and tone. Many players prefer a slim, comfortable neck profile for faster playing, while others like a thicker, chunkier neck for rhythm playing. The width of the nut also impacts playability. Narrower nuts make fretting chords and notes easier for players with smaller hands. The fretboard radius affects string bending and vibrato. Vintage-style fretboards have a flatter radius which can make bends harder but provides a little more vintage tone. Modern radii are more curved for easy playing. The fretboard wood also colors an acoustic's tone - rosewood is a popular choice that pairs well with spruce and cedar tops. Overall the neck and fretboard should feel comfortable and allow you to play with ease. Be sure to try out different acoustic guitars to find a neck shape, width, and radius that match your playing style.

Speaking of acoustic guitars, the Cordoba Mini II M 03951 is an excellent travel-sized option worth considering. Despite its smaller size, it produces a surprisingly full and resonant tone. The solid mahogany top and back along with the mahogany neck give it a balanced, warm voice. It has a comfortable and slim neck that makes it very easy to play, ideal for smaller hands. And the onboard piezo pickup and preamp provide quality plugged-in tones. So if you're looking for a great acoustic guitar that's ultra-portable, don't overlook the impressive Cordoba Mini II M 03951.

Electronics and Pickups

The Fender Acoustic-Electric Guitar features an advanced Fishman Presys pickup system with an active preamp that is designed to accurately reproduce the guitar's unplugged sound.

The Presys Blend combines an undersaddle pickup as well as a soundhole mounted microphone to capture the full frequency range of the guitar acoustically. This results in a balanced and natural amplified tone across all registers from tight bass to articulate trebles.

The preamp has volume and tone controls that allow you to shape your amplified sound. The volume knob controls the overall output level. The tone knob lets you dial in more bass or treble as desired. There is also a mid-scoop switch that contours the EQ to boost bass and treble while cutting some midrange, resulting in a nice presence when amplified.

Overall the Fishman Presys electronics provide excellent plugged-in performance while retaining the true acoustic sound of the guitar. The flexible tone shaping and mid-scoop switch let you craft your ideal amplified tone for any musical situation.

Hardware

The Fender 0972213260 acoustic-electric guitar features quality hardware that enables smooth, reliable performance.

Bridge

The guitar has a synthetic bone saddle and compensated bridge made from durable laminated hardwood. This provides a stable and resonant platform for the strings that transfers vibration well. The material is engineered to have characteristics similar to natural bone but with more consistency.

Tuning Machines

Smooth performance comes from the die-cast chrome tuning machines with pearloid buttons. These keep the guitar in tune reliably during playing sessions. The gear ratio provides precise fine tuning control. The quality parts allow for easy re-stringing and tuning stability.

Overall, the hardware supports the playability and sound production. The bridge and tuning machines are well-made components that enable solid functionality.

Sound and Tone

The Fender Paramount PM-3 has a well-balanced acoustic tone that maintains articulation and warmth across the frequency range. When strummed, the notes are crisp and defined with enough brightness on the treble strings. There is good presence and body in the midrange, bringing out melodies and chords with clarity. The bass notes have enough punch and low-end to provide rhythm and foundation without getting too boomy.

When plugged in, the PM-3's sound is impressively close to its unplugged tone. The onboard Fishman preamp and pickup system accurately captures the guitar's natural acoustic dynamics and resonance. The amplified sound is clear and balanced, with the Paramount's crisp treble, focused mids, and tight lows translating smoothly through the electronics. Effects like reverb and chorus are also replicated cleanly. The PM-3 is stage-ready for amplified gigs or recording applications where plugged-in acoustic tone is needed.

Playability

The Fender PM-3 delivers excellent playability and comfort thanks to its slim taper neck and low action setup. The neck has a smooth satin finish that allows for fast, comfortable movement up and down the maple fretboard.

The slim C-shaped neck profile has a very natural feel, neither too chunky or too thin. It fits nicely in the hand for both chording and lead playing. The action height is set low from the factory, allowing for easy fretting without buzzing.

Testers found the PM-3 played very smoothly all over the neck, from open chords down low to soloing up high on the fretboard. Notes ring out clearly and intonation remains accurate. The combination of the slim neck, radiused fretboard and quality setup makes this acoustic-electric very comfortable and enjoyable to play for extended periods.

Whether strumming rhythm parts or playing intricate lead lines, the Fender PM-3's great playability lets you focus on making music without being hindered by the instrument itself. Players of all styles are sure to appreciate the smooth, natural feel of the neck and low, buzz-free action.

Pros

• The Fender CD-60SCE is an excellent entry-level acoustic-electric guitar that punches above its price point in terms of quality and sound. It has a number of standout features:

• Warm, Balanced Tone: The mahogany top produces a balanced, warm tone that works well for all styles of playing. The tone is rich and resonant, not thin and tinny like some budget acoustics.

• Easy Playability: The neck has a user-friendly "C"-shaped profile that is comfortable to play. The action is set low and the shorter 24.0" scale length reduces tension, making it an accessible instrument for beginners.

• Quality Electronics: The Fishman preamp and pickup system provides natural amplified tones if you need to plug in. The controls are intuitive and it's easy to dial in a good acoustic-electric sound.

• Eye-Catching Looks: The all-mahogany body and choice of natural, black, or sunburst finishes give the CD-60SCE visual appeal that punches above other beginner models. The vintage-style 3-ring rosette is a nice design touch.

• Price: At around $200, the Fender CD-60SCE offers tremendous value. The quality of craftsmanship and hardware make this feel like a more premium guitar for the price.

Cons

The Fender Acoustic Electric Guitar does have a few drawbacks to consider:

• The pickup and preamp system may not have the same full, rich acoustic tone as higher-end electronics and pickups. The Fishman preamp gets the job done, but is a bit basic.

• The laminate wood construction, while durable, may not resonate as nicely or have the same acoustic projection as their solid wood models. The sound quality isn't quite as complex.

• The neck width is fairly narrow at the nut - for some players this can feel too cramped and limit intricate fingerstyle playing. Those with larger hands may want a wider nut width.

• While functionally designed, it lacks some decorative appointments and attractive visual flair of pricier models. The no-frills aesthetics may not appeal to all.

• The factory strings may produce a brighter tone than some prefer acoustically - many players will want to experiment with different string gauges and materials to refine the voice.

• There are limits on acoustic volume projection without amplification. Plugging in gives it stage-ready power, but some may want greater unamplified volume.

Summary

The Fender Acoustic-Electric 0972213260 offers a lot of value for players looking for a versatile, quality acoustic-electric guitar. Its comfortable body shape and neck design combined with Fishman electronics make it very playable both acoustically and plugged in.

The mahogany topped laminate body produces a balanced tone that works well for various musical genres, from rock to country to jazz. The slim neck profile and smooth satin finish facilitate great playability up and down the rosewood fretboard.

Overall, Fender did an excellent job creating a guitar that punches above its price point. The electronics and hardware are stage-worthy, allowing you to plug this guitar in at a gig or for recording. It's also a great choice for practice and leisure playing acoustically.

If you want an acoustic-electric that covers a lot of ground for under $500, the Fender Acoustic-Electric 0972213260 is easy to recommend. It has outstanding quality and versatility for the money.