The Fender CD-60SCE is an affordable dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar made by Fender, one of the most iconic companies in the guitar world. Fender has been creating high-quality guitars since the 1950s and is known for models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster.

The CD-60SCE combines Fender's classic styling and attention to detail with modern enhancements like a built-in tuner and Fishman electronics, allowing players to plug into an amplifier or PA system. This guitar aims to deliver impressive acoustic tone and versatility at a budget-friendly price point, appealing to new players and those looking for an affordable stage-ready instrument.

The CD-60SCE has an eye-catching look with its laminate mahogany top, back, and sides, contrasting pickguard, and gloss finish. And despite its lower cost, it incorporates many features found on more expensive dreadnought models. This review will take a close look at the guitar's build, electronics, sound, and playability to see how it measures up.

Body Style and Design

The Fender CD-60SCE features a classic dreadnought body shape, which is one of the most popular and versatile options for acoustic guitars. The large, wide body produces a deep, booming tone that projects well. The dreadnought's generous lower bout allows for a full and powerful bass response. The sloped shoulders and curved waist provide comfort and playability. Overall, the traditional dreadnought design is an excellent choice for strumming chords, flatpicking, and playing a range of musical styles. While not as balanced across the tonal spectrum as concert and orchestra models, the CD-60SCE's dreadnought shape emphasizes bass and volume - important factors for live and recording situations. Players who prefer a robust, forceful acoustic with plenty of low-end will appreciate the classic vibe and functionality of the CD-60SCE's traditional body style.

The dreadnought body style has been popular for acoustic guitars since the early 20th century. With its large surface area and deep body, dreadnoughts are known for their volume, bass response, and projection. This makes them excellent choices for rhythm playing and soloing. While the dreadnought design may lack some tonal nuance compared to smaller-bodied acoustics, the full-bodied boom it produces has become the iconic acoustic guitar sound. From bluegrass flatpicking to rock strumming, the dreadnought delivers a hearty acoustic tone. The CD-60SCE adheres to this proven formula, making it a versatile, reliable acoustic for playing live, recording, or just jamming with friends.

While the CD-60SCE utilizes a traditional dreadnought build, some players may want to consider more affordable options. The Monoprice 625882 is a budget-friendly dreadnought model with an all-laminate construction. Although it lacks the complex harmonics of solid wood, the Monoprice 625882 still produces a balanced dreadnought sound. And with its low price point, the Monoprice lets players enjoy the iconic dreadnought shape without breaking the bank. The laminate build also makes this acoustic more durable for outdoor playing or travel. So players looking for an inexpensive beater guitar may want to try the Monoprice.

Overall, the dreadnought body style of the CD-60SCE provides bold acoustic tone perfect for all playing situations. While more affordable dreadnoughts like the Monoprice 625882 exist, the CD-60SCE offers upgraded build quality and electronics for gigging musicians. For players wanting a versatile, well-rounded acoustic, the CD-60SCE's traditional dreadnought design is a perfect match. With booming lows and crisp highs, this body style can handle any genre while projecting sound beautifully.

Tonewood

The Fender CD-60SCE features solid tonewoods carefully selected for their acoustic properties and resonance. The guitar has a solid spruce top, which is a very popular choice for acoustic tops due to its balanced and clear tone. Spruce projects very well and offers an excellent dynamic range.

The back and sides are made from mahogany, which provides a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum, giving it a nice full and rounded sound. Mahogany's balanced resonance emphasizes the midrange, allowing both rhythm and lead playing to come through nicely. The combination of solid spruce and mahogany offers a great blend of warmth, articulation and responsiveness.

When choosing an acoustic guitar, the wood used for the top, back and sides makes a big difference in the overall tone and resonance of the instrument. Tonewoods like spruce and mahogany have unique acoustic properties that emphasize certain frequencies and resonances. The Fender CD-60SCE utilizes classic tonewood combinations that provide a balanced and versatile acoustic tone. The spruce top offers crisp highs and articulate mid range, while the mahogany back and sides provide warmth and full low end.

Beyond just the tonewoods, there are several other factors that contribute to the great sound of the CD-60SCE. The body shape and bracing pattern also influence the guitar's resonance and tonal balance. Fender went with their well proven dreadnought body style, which provides booming lows and lush resonance. For bracing they chose scalloped X bracing, which offers a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum. The neck is also made from mahogany for increased warmth and sustain.

When you add it all up, the Fender CD-60SCE presents an excellent value for players looking for great acoustic tone at an affordable price. The combination of solid spruce and mahogany tonewoods provides a versatile voice that handles various musical styles with ease. From the balanced jangly tones of folk and pop, to the boom and warmth needed for blues and rock, this Fender acoustic has you covered. Be sure to check it out here!

Neck

The neck of the CD-60SCE is made from maple and features a flatter, modern "C" profile that makes it easy to play different chord forms and get around up and down the neck quickly. The maple construction lends a bright, lively feel that encourages fast fingering. The action of the neck is low and comfortable for expressive lead playing, but maintains stability for rhythmic strumming and chord changes. The gloss polyurethane coating on the neck feels smooth against the palm for easy movement across the board, while the satin polyurethane finish on the back of the neck resists sticking when pivoting to reach higher frets. Overall, the neck of the CD-60SCE exemplifies Fender's expertise in crafting comfortable, playable maple necks ideal for a diversity of acoustic styles.

Fingerboard and Bridge

The CD-60SCE features a rosewood fingerboard and a laminated hardwood bridge. The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing feel and helps enhance the tone and sustain. Rosewood is a popular choice on acoustic guitars for its beauty, hardness, and ability to stand up to wear. The material helps produce clear notes with a bright attack. The laminated hardwood bridge transfers the strings' vibrations efficiently into the top of the guitar for full resonance. The bridge's quality build ensures it can withstand the tension of the strings while providing accurate intonation. Together the rosewood fingerboard and laminated bridge allow the CD-60SCE to sing with excellent tone and sustain.

Electronics

The Fender CD-60SCE features an impressive built-in electronics system to faithfully amplify its natural acoustic tone. It utilizes a Fishman pickup/preamp system that consists of an under-saddle transducer and soundhole-mounted preamp with volume and tone controls.

The under-saddle transducer accurately picks up the guitar's resonance with minimal feedback or extraneous noise. It captures the nuances and dynamics of the guitar's sound as you play. The preamp provides clear tonal shaping options with its easy-to-use volume and tone knobs. This allows you to easily dial in your amplified tone, from sparkling and bright to warm and robust.

Overall, the Fishman electronics provide excellent plugged-in performance with rich, detailed tone that stays true to the guitar's inherent acoustic voice. It's a great system for amplifying your sound in live performances or recordings. The preamp is conveniently mounted in the soundhole for quick access while playing.

Hardware

The Fender CD-60SCE comes equipped with die-cast chrome tuners and chrome bridge pins. The tuners do a great job of holding the guitar in tune, even during aggressive strumming. They have a modern design and add to the overall aesthetic. The chrome pins help improve resonance and are an upgrade over plastic pins found on lower-end models. Together, the tuners and pins give the CD-60SCE quality hardware for this price range. While the hardware is basic, it functions well and gives no reason to complain considering the affordable cost of this model. Players who want higher-end appointments may wish to upgrade, but the stock hardware is perfectly capable for most needs.

Sound Quality

The Fender CD-60SCE offers exceptional sound for an acoustic guitar in this price range. It produces a well-balanced tone with emphasis on the mids and highs. The mahogany-top helps project the sound, while still providing warmth.

The dreadnought body shape gives the guitar a full and rich acoustic resonance that fills a room. It has plenty of volume to be heard over vocals or other instruments when jamming.

The guitar feels very responsive. Note articulation is crisp and clear with good note separation, allowing you to hear each string and chord voicing. The guitar stays articulate when strumming harder or finger-picking, with notes that have a sustain and don't get muddy.

The tonal balance allows for versatility across music genres and playing styles. It handles different chord voicings, picking patterns, and strumming rhythms nicely. Whether you favor a brighter, darker, or balanced tone, the guitar's sound profile can work for you. Overall an impressive, quality acoustic sound at this price point.

Playability

The Fender CD-60SCE dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar features excellent playability right out of the box. The action is set nice and low, making it very easy to press the strings down without a lot of finger strain. The low action combined with the slim C-shaped neck profile creates a very smooth and comfortable playing feel. The neck is made from mahogany which helps give it a nice round shape that fits comfortably in the hand. Whether you have small or large hands, the neck should feel natural.

The smooth satin finish on the back of the neck also enhances playability by allowing your hand to easily glide up and down. You won't get caught up on a sticky finish. The fingerboard edges are smoothly rolled for added comfort. Overall the Fender CD-60SCE rates very highly for its easy playability and comfortable feel. Both beginners and experienced players should appreciate how smoothly this guitar plays.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great value for the price - This dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar from Fender offers impressive quality and features for an affordable price point under $200. Given the materials, electronics, and overall playability, it's a great deal for beginner and intermediate players.

• Quality electronics - The built-in Fishman preamp and pickup system provides clear, balanced amplification with easy controls for volume and tone. Many budget acoustics lack electronics, so having them on the CD-60SCE is a big plus.

Cons

• Lack of cutaway model - One downside of the CD-60SCE is that Fender doesn't offer a cutaway version. The cutaway body style allows easier access to the upper frets, which is preferred by some players. For those wanting a cutaway, you'd have to look at a different model.