Introduction
The Fender CD-140SCE is one of Fender’s most popular acoustic-electric guitars, known for its high build quality and versatile sound. This affordable dreadnought cutaway model punches above its weight class, appealing to everyone from beginner guitarists to seasoned professionals.
With its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the CD-140SCE delivers a balanced and resonant acoustic tone. The slim neck and smooth fretboard make it comfortable and easy to play. The onboard Fishman Presys preamp system provides natural amplified tones perfect for the stage.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the design, sound quality, playability, electronics, and overall value of the Fender CD-140SCE. You’ll learn why it’s earned its reputation as an incredible bang-for-your-buck acoustic-electric suitable for nearly any style of music.
Body & Design
The Fender CD-140SCE features a traditional dreadnought body shape with a cutaway, providing a balanced and comfortable playing experience. This iconic acoustic guitar body style offers great projection and volume while still being easy to handle.
The top is made of solid Sitka spruce, which helps produce a bright, resonant tone. Spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitar tops thanks to its strength and responsiveness. The back and sides are mahogany, which adds warmth and depth to the overall sound. Mahogany backs and sides are known for their balanced tone across the frequency range.
This guitar comes in three classic finish options: natural, sunburst, and black. The natural finish showcases the solid wood grain patterns. The black finish has an understated, sleek look. And the sunburst finish provides attractive shading from light to dark. Overall the aesthetics are traditional and appealing.
Neck & Playability
The Fender CD-140SCE features a slim and comfortable "C"-shaped mahogany neck. The nut width measures 1.69 inches, providing substantial room for fretting while still feeling very playable. The 25.3 inch scale length makes it easy to fret chords and notes up and down the neck.
The rosewood fingerboard has 20 frets in total, with fretboard inlays at the 5th, 7th and 9th frets. The neck has a smooth satin finish that lets your hand glide effortlessly during faster solos and riffs. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, you’ll find the CD-140SCE very comfortable and easy to play.
Fretting requires minimal pressure thanks to the slim neck profile and narrow string spacing at the nut. Chords ring out clearly from the first fret to the body joint. The cutaway body style also provides unfettered access to even the highest notes on the 20th fret. Overall, the neck and playability gets top marks for making this acoustic-electric very enjoyable to play.
Sound & Tone
The Fender CD-140SCE produces a rich, balanced acoustic tone with excellent projection and resonance. The solid spruce top provides clarity and articulation in the highs and mids, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the low end.
When strummed or picked, the guitar has a focused midrange that brings out the core of both vocals and accompaniment. Treble notes have a crisp attack without being overly bright or harsh. The mahogany body prevents the bass from getting too boomy or muddy. There’s a nice roundness across the tonal spectrum.
This versatile acoustic tone works well for a variety of musical genres and playing styles. From bright country strumming to intricate fingerstyle, the CD-140SCE handles it with aplomb. It has the dynamic range needed for aggressive flatpicking, yet also the sensitivity for soft and subtle playing.
The guitar has the projection to provide rhythmic support in a full band mix. But it truly shines for solo performers who want the guitar to be the main melodic voice. Overall, the CD-140SCE hits a sweet spot between power and nuance.
Electronics & Amplification
The Fender CD-140SCE comes equipped with Fishman’s Presys preamp system, featuring an undersaddle pickup for accurately capturing the guitar’s natural acoustic tone. The preamp provides excellent amplification and sound-shaping capabilities through its integrated controls.
There is a volume knob for adjusting overall loudness, along with bass and treble controls for dialing in your preferred EQ. The 3-band EQ allows you to boost lows, cut mids, or add brilliance to the highs as desired. There is also a phase switch for eliminating feedback, which comes in handy when playing live. An onboard tuner is included, accessible with the press of a button. The tuner has a bright LED display for easy visibility on dark stages.
When plugged in, the CD-140SCE produces a very natural amplified tone, without the quackiness or thinness that can plague some acoustic-electric pickups. The undersaddle pickup combined with the preamp captures the guitar’s warm, resonant acoustic sound. There is enough headroom available to handle live performances without maxing out the preamp. Feedback is well controlled thanks to the preamp’s phase switch and shapeable EQ. Overall, Fender’s electronics package offers an excellent amplified experience for such an affordable guitar.
Additional Features
The Fender CD-140SCE comes equipped with quality hardware including a bone nut and saddle for precise intonation. It has sealed chrome die-cast tuning machines that keep it in tune through changes in humidity and temperature.
One of the best extras is the included deluxe hardshell case, which provides protection during transport and storage. Cases can cost $100+ separately, so getting one included is excellent value.
Overall, the CD-140SCE punches above its weight class in terms of components and accessories. The solid wood construction, Fishman electronics, and extras like the case make this an incredible value acoustic-electric in the $400-500 price range. Most comparable guitars at this price point from other brands do not include a hardshell case or have lower quality hardware.
Fender CD-140SCE vs Other Guitars
The Fender CD-140SCE holds up well when compared to other acoustic-electric guitars in its price range from both Fender and other major brands.
Compared to other Fender acoustics:
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The CD-140SCE has a richer low end and better projection than the entry-level Fender CD-60S. The all-solid wood construction gives it a more mature, balanced tone.
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It has similar electronics and hardware to the Fender T-Bucket 300CE but with an all-solid wood body for better resonance and sustain.
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The cutaway body and Fishman pickup make it more stage-friendly than a traditional Fender CC-60SCE concert body.
Compared to other brands:
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It has a slimmer, more comfortable neck profile than the Yamaha FG800 but may lack some of the Yamaha’s midrange punch.
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The Ibanez AEG10II has a similar preamp but the CD-140SCE’s solid spruce top will break in better over time.
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It has better high end clarity compared to the bassier Taylor Big Baby but may not play as fast above the 12th fret.
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The Epiphone DR-100 has a fuller sound but the electronics and playability give the CD-140SCE more versatility.
Overall, the CD-140SCE competes very favorably with others in its class and price range, making it an excellent choice for an affordable acoustic-electric with pro features.
Ideal Player
The Fender CD-140SCE is an ideal acoustic-electric guitar for a wide range of players. Its combination of quality construction, versatile sound, and easy playability make it a great choice for:
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Beginner guitarists – The slim neck, low action, and cutaway body design allow easy fretting and access to higher frets. This helps newer players build skills without fighting the instrument. The electronics also let beginners plug in and rock out.
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Intermediate players – With its solid wood build, the CD-140SCE has the tone to inspire intermediate guitarists to keep improving. The electronics provide new options for effects and amplification. It’s a quality instrument that won’t hold back developing players.
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Gigging musicians – The Fishman Presys electronics make the CD-140SCE ready for the stage. It can handle live performances and loud amplification without feedback issues. Working guitarists will appreciate the rugged reliability.
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Songwriters – The balanced tone works well for accompanying vocals and layering tracks. The onboard tuner makes it easy to tune up anywhere inspiration strikes.
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Fingerstyle players – The dynamic range and resonance enhance the complexity of fingerstyle playing. The slim neck allows intricate fretting work.
The CD-140SCE hits a sweet spot between affordability and quality. For players ready to upgrade from a budget acoustic or experienced guitarists seeking great value, the CD-140SCE is an ideal choice.
Ideal Music Styles
The versatile design and balanced tone of the Fender CD-140SCE make it a great choice for a variety of musical styles and techniques. Here are some of the best music genres and playing styles to utilize the guitar’s strengths:
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Folk – With its bright, focused tone, the CD-140SCE is ideal for folk styles. It can provide the clarity needed for fingerpicking melodies and arpeggios. The slim neck also makes intricate playing comfortable.
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Country – The dynamic range and resonance of the guitar allow country riffs and solos to really sing. The cutaway body shape also enables easy access to high frets for lead playing.
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Rock – While not a shredder guitar, the CD-140SCE handles rock rhythms and riffs very well. The balance of warmth and brightness helps rock chords stand out in a mix.
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Singer-Songwriter – The balanced tone makes the CD-140SCE great for accompanying vocals. The electronics allow for a natural amplified tone at small gigs.
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Fingerstyle – The articulation and separation between strings is perfect for fingerstyle playing. Alternate tunings are also easy with the adjustable truss rod.
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Flatpicking – The dynamic headroom and projection allow flatpicking techniques to really shine. Fast lead lines are very clear and defined.
The Fender CD-140SCE is at home in many popular music styles thanks to its versatile acoustic voice and slim neck feel. It brings out the best in various techniques from fingerpicking to aggressive strumming.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great value for a solid wood acoustic-electric in this price range
- Versatile tone works for many musical styles like folk, rock, country
- Easy playability with comfortable neck and slim fretboard
- Quality Fishman electronics provide natural amplified sound
- Comes with useful accessories like a hardshell case
Cons:
- Plain looks may not appeal to some players
- Not as ornate as similar Martin or Taylor models
- Preamp lacks some features found on higher-end models
- Electronics could be prone to feedback at very high volumes
- May lack projection of premium solid wood acoustics