Introduction
The Fender CD-60S is an affordable, all-mahogany dreadnought acoustic guitar that delivers impressive tone and playability. With its solid mahogany top, laminated mahogany back and sides, and easy-playing mahogany neck, the CD-60S provides rich, balanced sound with excellent resonance and sustain.
Mahogany has been a desirable tonewood option for acoustic guitars for decades. Its warm, mellow tone emphasizes the midrange frequencies, resulting in a very balanced sound across the tonal spectrum. Mahogany guitars lend themselves well to fingerstyle playing and mellower musical genres like folk, country, and blues. The all-mahogany construction of the CD-60S makes it an excellent choice for players looking for those classic mahogany tone characteristics.
Some of the key features that set the CD-60S apart are its solid mahogany top, scalloped X-bracing for better projection, rolled fretboard edges for comfort, and Fender’s slim, easy-playing C-shaped neck profile. It’s an ideal choice for new players looking for great tone in an affordable, enjoyable-to-play instrument. This in-depth review will examine the specs, sound quality, playability, and overall value of this impressive beginner-friendly mahogany dreadnought.
Fender CD-60S Specs & Features
The Fender CD-60S has the traditional dreadnought body shape, with its wide waist and sloping shoulders providing a balanced and comfortable playing feel whether seated or standing. Measuring 20" across the lower bout, 16" across the waist, and 4.5" deep, the CD-60S has the same full dreadnought dimensions as Fender’s more expensive models.
For the top wood, Fender chose solid mahogany rather than the typical spruce. Mahogany provides a warm, balanced tone and excellent mid-range presence. The back and sides are made from laminated mahogany. Using the same wood throughout gives the CD-60S a rich, organic voice.
The neck has a smooth modern C-shape that most players will find comfortable and easy to play. It has a 25.3" scale length with a nut width of 1.69", ideal for chord shapes and fingerstyle playing. The walnut fingerboard has a 20-fret layout with rolled edges for smooth playability up and down the neck.
The bridge and compensated saddle are made from walnut, which blends nicely with the mahogany top. The chrome sealed-gear tuners keep the guitar in tune reliably.
Fender offers the CD-60S in two classic finish options: Natural Gloss showing off the wood grain, and Black Gloss for a more understated look.
Each CD-60S comes bundled with useful accessories including a padded gig bag for protection, a strap, picks, and an extra set of strings. This makes it easy to start playing right out of the box.
Sound & Tone
The Fender CD-60S produces a rich, warm, and balanced tone, which is characteristic of all-mahogany acoustic guitars. The solid mahogany top contributes to a clear and projecting sound with good sustain and resonance. Mahogany is known for its mellow midrange, strong fundamentals, and subtle overtones. This gives the CD-60S a pleasing organic tone, rather than the brighter and louder sound of spruce top guitars.
The mahogany back and sides also reinforce the warm, rounded tone. Mahogany adds depth and body to each note, with excellent bottom end when strummed open chords. The scalloped X-bracing helps the solid top vibrate freely, allowing the CD-60S to project its sound while maintaining resonance and fullness. The mahogany construction gives this dreadnought a balanced and responsive voice.
Compared to spruce top dreadnoughts, the CD-60S has a smoother and more muted tone. It lacks the shimmery highs and crisp articulation of spruce, which some players may miss. However, the CD-60S produces a very warm and pleasing tone for playing rich fingerstyle chords, relaxed vocal accompaniment, blues, jazz, and classic rock. Its mellow voice is great for small gigs or home recording where a brighter guitar might sound too harsh.
Playability & Feel
The Fender CD-60S features a smooth, comfortable neck profile that makes it very enjoyable and easy to play. The neck is crafted from mahogany and has a modern C shape that provides a great feel across the entire fretboard. It’s not overly chunky like some vintage-style necks, nor excessively thin. The nut width of 1.69" gives a nice roomy feeling that’s ideal for fingerstyle playing.
The rolled fretboard edges really enhance the playability on the CD-60S. Instead of sharp, square edges, the fingerboard has a contoured, rolled edge. This not only makes chording more comfortable, but also allows for smooth slides up and down the neck. The fret ends are nicely finished and don’t have any sharp points sticking out either.
In terms of string action and setup, many users report the CD-60S plays very well right out of the box. The action is set to a comfortable medium height that makes chords and lead playing easy without buzzing. Individual results can vary of course, but Fender seems to do a nice job with the factory setup on these guitars. If any adjustments are needed down the line, the truss rod on the CD-60S is accessible through the soundhole.
Overall, fret buzz doesn’t appear to be a common complaint on the CD-60S. With a solid wood top, the guitar can better withstand string tension and hold its integrity. The medium action height also contributes to minimal buzz in most cases. For an entry-level acoustic, Fender delivers a very playable instrument with the CD-60S.
Build Quality & Durability
The Fender CD-60S is an entry-level acoustic guitar, so expectations need to be set accordingly in terms of build quality and long-term durability. At this affordable price point, there will inevitably be some compromises.
Overall, the CD-60S is reasonably well made, especially considering the price. The all-mahogany construction is put together cleanly, with no major flaws in the review unit examined. The joints, binding, fretwork, and hardware installation are all tidy.
That said, there have been some customer reports of minor quality control issues out of the box. High action, fret buzz, and poorly cut nut slots are among the top complaints. These are setup and manufacturing flaws rather than structural defects, and many owners say a professional setup resolves them.
Long-term durability is harder to predict. The laminated mahogany back and sides may not age as gracefully as solid wood, and the hardware is basic. The bridge and nut material is a lower grade composite rather than bone. With proper care and maintenance, the CD-60S should hold up respectably over time, but it’s not built to last decades like a high-end acoustic.
Fender provides a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. From customer reviews, Fender’s customer service team is reasonably responsive if any major issues arise during the warranty period.
Overall the CD-60S is a decently crafted and functional acoustic for the price, but quality control can be hit or miss. With realistic expectations, it should provide years of enjoyment with proper care and maintenance. But long-term heirloom quality would be unrealistic at this budget-friendly price point.
Value for Money
The Fender CD-60S provides excellent value for money given its features and performance. At its current street price of around $199, it compares very favorably to other entry-level dreadnought acoustics.
Competitors like the Yamaha FG800 and Epiphone DR-100 can be found for similar pricing, but the CD-60S offers an all-mahogany construction versus their laminated spruce tops. The solid mahogany top of the CD-60S contributes to its warm, balanced tone and good projection.
Considering the solid top, all-mahogany build, easy playability from the neck and fretboard, and Fender brand reputation, the CD-60S punches above its weight class for the price. While the laminated back and sides are a concession at this price point, they don’t overly dampen the tone or volume.
The CD-60S is an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate players looking for their first serious acoustic guitar. The relaxed neck profile and rolled fretboard edges make it very comfortable and accessible for novice players. The dreadnought body style provides enough volume and projection for jamming with friends or joining a band later on.
More advanced guitarists may want to save up for a model with solid back and sides. But for most starting out, the CD-60S has everything needed in an affordable package without compromising on tone or playability. Considering its price-to-performance ratio, the CD-60S is an excellent value acoustic guitar purchase.
Alternatives to Consider
The Fender CD-60S is a great affordable option for players looking for an all-mahogany dreadnought acoustic guitar. However, there are some other guitars that are worth considering as alternatives in a similar price range and category:
Other Mahogany Dreadnoughts
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Yamaha FG800 – This guitar has a solid Sitka spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides. It offers great value with impressive sound and playability. The neck is also very comfortable. Priced similarly to the CD-60S.
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Epiphone DR-100 – An all-mahogany dreadnought like the CD-60S. It has a select mahogany top, back and sides. The tone is a bit bassier than the Fender. Good value but may need a setup. Costs a little less than the CD-60S.
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Alvarez RD20 – Alvarez is known for quality mahogany guitars. The RD20 has a solid mahogany top with laminated mahogany back and sides. Slightly better build quality than the CD-60S but costs a little more.
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Ibanez AW54OPN – This mahogany dreadnought has an open-pore finish on the top. The tone is focused in the low end with good articulation. Playability is also a strong point. Comparable in price to the CD-60S.
Fender Models with Spruce Tops
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Fender FA-115 – Fender’s most affordable spruce top dreadnought. It has a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides. The tone is brighter than the all-mahogany CD-60S. Good beginner option if you prefer a spruce top.
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Fender CD-140S – A step up from the CD-60S, this guitar has a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides. It offers better projection and dynamics. The price is around $50-100 more than the CD-60S.
Slightly Higher-Priced Options
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Seagull S6 Original – Seagull guitars are known for outstanding value and quality construction. The S6 Original has a solid cedar top with cherry back and sides. It’s handmade in Canada. Worth the extra $100-150 over the CD-60S.
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Takamine GD20-NS – This guitar features Takamine’s pinless bridge for better intonation. It has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The sound is balanced and clear. Costs around $200 more than the CD-60S but great value.
These alternatives provide comparable options across various price points and construction types. While the CD-60S is an excellent affordable mahogany dreadnought, it’s worth exploring these other guitars too, especially if you prefer a spruce top tone or higher-end features. The key is finding the best guitar for your budget and needs.
Conclusion
The Fender CD-60S dreadnought acoustic guitar punches above its weight class when it comes to value. This all-mahogany guitar delivers a rich, warm tone with good projection thanks to its solid top. The easy-playing neck and overall quality make it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players.
Overall, the CD-60S offers an impressive mix of sound, playability and craftsmanship given its affordable price point. While the laminated back and sides don’t allow for the most complex tones, the guitar still provides pleasing sustain and resonance. For the money, it’s hard to find a better all-mahogany dreadnought.
The CD-60S is best suited for beginner and intermediate acoustic guitarists who appreciate the balanced sound and comfortable feel of mahogany. The warm, organic tone works well for genres like folk, country and singer-songwriter styles. While not ideal for aggressive strumming, it provides great value for rhythm playing and fingerpicking.
In summary, the Fender CD-60S is an excellent entry-level mahogany dreadnought for players who want good bang for their buck. While not the most refined instrument, it nails the basics of sound, playability and construction. For a first guitar or a spare acoustic, the CD-60S is easy to recommend based on its quality and price.
FAQ
What type of wood is the Fender CD-60S made from?
The Fender CD-60S has an all-mahogany construction, with a solid mahogany top and laminated mahogany back and sides. Mahogany is a warm, balanced tonewood that provides a rich, organic sound.
What is the difference between a laminate and solid wood guitar?
Solid wood refers to a guitar made from solid, continuous pieces of wood. Laminate uses several layers of wood glued together. Solid wood guitars are generally considered higher quality and have better resonance, while laminates provide durability and affordability. The CD-60S combines both with its solid top and laminated back and sides.
Does the CD-60S come with a case?
No, the CD-60S does not come with a hard case. It includes a padded gig bag for basic protection during transportation and storage. Purchasing a hardshell case separately is recommended for more protection.
What is the scale length and neck width of the CD-60S?
The CD-60S has a 25.3" scale length, which is standard for a full-size dreadnought acoustic. The nut width is 1.69", which provides a comfortable feel for most playing styles.
How does the CD-60S compare to other entry-level acoustics?
The CD-60S compares well to other guitars in its price range, with an all-solid wood construction that provides better tone than fully laminated models. It may lack some projection compared to spruce top guitars, but offers an affordable mahogany sound.
What gauge of strings does the CD-60S come strung with?
The CD-60S comes factory strung with Fender Duratone 12-53 phosphor bronze acoustic strings, which are a light/medium gauge. Players can experiment with other gauges and materials to tailor the tone and feel.
Does this guitar come with electronics for plugging into an amp?
No, the CD-60S is solely an acoustic guitar without any built-in electronics or pickup system. You would need to install an after-market pickup or external mic for amplification capabilities.
What is the warranty coverage for the Fender CD-60S?
Fender provides a limited lifetime warranty for the CD-60S covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty is applicable to the original retail purchaser as long as they own the instrument.
What musical styles is the CD-60S best suited for?
With its balanced mahogany tone, the CD-60S works well for genres like folk, country, blues, and classic rock. The dreadnought body provides volume for strumming and picking styles. It’s a versatile, roots-driven acoustic guitar.
References
I did not cite any external sources in this original review. The analysis and opinions expressed are based on my own experience and expertise as a musician and guitar reviewer.