Introduction
Fender has a long history of crafting iconic electric guitars, like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. But in recent years, the brand has also made its mark in the acoustic guitar world. The Fender CD-60SCE dreadnought is one of their most popular acoustic-electric models, appealing to everyone from beginners to gigging musicians.
This guitar combines Fender’s dedication to quality and value with the versatile sound and comfortable feel of a classic dreadnought body. The ‘SCE’ in the name refers to the built-in Fishman electronics, which let you plug into an amplifier or PA system for amplified performances. With its solid spruce top and easy-playing neck, the CD-60SCE delivers rich acoustic resonance unplugged and great amplified tone when plugged in.
The CD-60SCE is designed to be an affordable workhorse acoustic-electric for players of all levels. But it still carries the Fender name, giving it a reputation for reliability and great sound. This review will take an in-depth look at the features, sound quality, and real-world performance of this impressive dreadnought. Let’s dive in!
Fender CD-60SCE Specs & Features
The Fender CD-60SCE features a dreadnought body style, one of the most popular acoustic shapes thanks to its versatile and balanced tone. It has a Venetian cutaway which improves access to the upper frets while retaining the full dreadnought voice.
The top is made of solid Sitka spruce, which gives it a bright and punchy tone with good articulation. The back and sides are laminated mahogany, which provides warmth and depth to the sound.
The neck is also mahogany, with a smooth satin finish that makes it very playable. It has a standard nut width of 1.69 inches and a 20-fret fingerboard made of walnut.
The CD-60SCE includes Fishman electronics, with an undersaddle pickup and preamp system. This allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for amplified performances. It also has an onboard tuner.
This model comes in two classic finish options: Natural and Black. The natural showcases the solid spruce top, while the black gives it a more understated and elegant look.
Unplugged Sound
The unplugged acoustic sound of the Fender CD-60SCE is warm, balanced, and has excellent projection thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top. The all-mahogany back and sides provide a rich, deep bass response to complement the crisp highs and articulate mids from the spruce top.
When strumming, the CD-60SCE has a full-bodied tone with pleasing resonance across the tonal spectrum. Each strum rings out with sustain while still having enough definition on individual notes. Fingerpicking also brings out the guitar’s warm yet clear unplugged voice. The notes have a resonant bloom to them that fills the space beautifully.
The dreadnought body shape gives the CD-60SCE plenty of volume and punch. It has no problem projecting while retaining warmth and balance. Whether jamming with friends or busking on the street, this guitar has enough acoustic output to be heard and cut through the mix. The tone remains balanced across different dynamics, with a responsive feel as you dig into the strings.
Overall, the unplugged sound of the CD-60SCE is very impressive for its price range. The solid spruce and mahogany tonewoods produce a full, rich voice with singing highs and tight lows. It’s an excellent workhorse acoustic for a variety of musical settings and styles.
Plugged-in Sound
The Fishman Presys Blend pickup and preamp system is one of the highlights of the CD-60SCE. It utilizes an under-saddle piezo pickup to accurately capture the guitar’s acoustic tone and feed it into the preamp. From there, you get easy access to volume control, bass/mid/treble EQ sliders, and a built-in tuner right on the guitar.
When plugging into an acoustic guitar amplifier or PA system, the CD-60SCE really shines. The Fishman preamp provides a very natural and balanced amplified tone without excessive buzzing or feedback issues. The EQ sliders allow you to dial in just the right amount of low-end punch and crisp high-end sparkle. It handles medium gain levels exceptionally well, retaining the rich harmonics and resonance of the dreadnought body.
Whether you need to cut through a mix at an open mic gig or amplify your playing for larger venues, the CD-60SCE delivers excellent plugged-in acoustic sound. The tone remains clear and full-bodied even at higher volume levels on stage. The preamp has easy-to-use controls right at your fingertips, rather than having to bend down and adjust knobs on a floor unit. Overall, Fender and Fishman have teamed up to create a great amplified acoustic experience that punches above its price class.
Playability
The Fender CD-60SCE excels when it comes to playability and feel. The action on this guitar is comfortable and easy to play right out of the box, without excessive string buzz or being too difficult to fret. The neck has a smooth satin finish that allows for fast, fluid playing across the walnut fingerboard.
Intonation on the CD-60SCE is accurate and reliable. The adjustable bridge saddles allow for precise intonation adjustments, ensuring chords ring out with clarity across the fretboard. The nut and saddle are cut from quality bone, providing crisp note definition.
The versatile dreadnought body shape and mahogany neck give the CD-60SCE a balanced tone and comfortable feel that works well for various playing styles. It’s responsive to both fingerpicking and strumming, with good note separation when playing complex chords. The cutaway allows easy access to higher frets, expanding the guitar’s range.
Whether playing percussive riffs or intricate fingerstyle arrangements, the CD-60SCE is a pleasure to play. It stays in tune through dynamic playing, aided by the precise tuners and quality hardware. The satin neck and smooth frets facilitate quick runs and chord changes. Overall, the CD-60SCE excels as a gig-ready workhorse acoustic that plays great right out of the box.
CD-60SCE vs Other Models
When considering the CD-60SCE, it’s useful to compare it to Fender’s other popular acoustic models like the CD-60S, CD-60, and CD-60CE. This helps highlight what makes the CD-60SCE unique.
The CD-60SCE shares many specs with the CD-60S including the dreadnought body shape, solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, easy-to-play neck, and Fishman electronics. However, the CD-60S lacks the cutaway that the CD-60SCE has. The cutaway provides easier access to the upper frets.
Compared to the CD-60, the CD-60SCE upgrades to a solid spruce top while the CD-60 has laminated spruce. Having a solid wood top improves resonance and tone. The CD-60SCE also adds the cutaway and onboard electronics that the CD-60 lacks.
The CD-60CE shares the same cutaway dreadnought body and Fishman electronics as the CD-60SCE. However, it differs in having an all-mahogany construction without the solid spruce top. This gives it a slightly warmer and darker acoustic voice.
The CD-60SCE strikes a great balance between quality and affordability in Fender’s acoustic lineup. The solid top combined with smooth electronics and comfortable playability make it stand out in the popular CD series.
Pros & Cons
The Fender CD-60SCE has several pros that make it an appealing acoustic-electric guitar option:
Value – For an all-solid wood guitar with onboard electronics, the CD-60SCE is very competitively priced. This Fender dreadnought can often be found for under $300, making it budget-friendly for beginners and intermediate players. The quality and features outshine many guitars in the same price bracket.
Reputable Brand – As one of the most recognized names in guitars, Fender brings decades of experience to the table. The workmanship and attention to detail on the CD-60SCE reflect the brand’s commitment to quality control. Players can feel confident in the reliability of a Fender acoustic.
Onboard Tuner – The built-in tuner is a handy feature for quick tuning and on-stage convenience. Rather than needing a separate clip-on tuner, you can plug straight into the guitar and tune up. This saves time during performances and practice sessions.
Versatile Sound – With its balanced tone and Fishman pickup system, the CD-60SCE handles various musical genres with ease. From mellow fingerpicking to aggressive strumming, this dreadnought produces quality amplified and unplugged sound for playing folk, rock, country, blues, and more. The tone is very versatile for an affordable guitar.
Some potential cons to weigh include the laminated back and sides, which don’t resonate as well as solid wood, and the limited finish options (Natural and Black only). However, the instrument’s quality and value far outweigh these minor shortcomings for most players.
Is the Fender CD-60SCE Good for Beginners?
The Fender CD-60SCE is an excellent choice for beginners looking to buy their first serious acoustic-electric guitar. Several key factors make this model a great fit for new players.
Firstly, the CD-60SCE features a slim neck profile and comfortable string action that make it very easy to play. The strings are low and close to the frets, allowing beginners to press down and fret notes with minimal effort. This helps new players avoid hand fatigue and pain as their finger strength develops.
Additionally, the onboard preamp and tuner provide useful tools for beginners learning how to stay in tune and amplify their guitar. The preamp lets you plug into an amplifier or PA system right away, while the tuner helps you accurately tune the guitar without needing any other gear. This allows beginners to focus on practicing and playing.
At around $300, the CD-60SCE is very reasonably priced for a solid-top acoustic-electric from a major brand like Fender. While not the cheapest option, it delivers professional sound and features at a cost most beginners can afford. The quality materials and construction ensure the guitar will last many years, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
With its beginner-friendly design, useful learning features, and reasonable price point, the Fender CD-60SCE is an excellent acoustic-electric guitar choice for new players looking to learn on a real instrument. While not overly fancy or loaded with electronics, it contains everything needed in a first serious guitar.
Accessories & Pricing
The Fender CD-60SCE comes with several useful accessories right in the box, including a Fender gig bag, strap, and picks. This makes it easy to start playing as soon as you open it up!
In terms of pricing, the CD-60SCE typically ranges from $299 to $349 at most major retailers. This positions it as a very affordable acoustic-electric guitar given the solid spruce top and Fishman electronics.
When looking for deals on the CD-60SCE, I’ve found the best prices at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Musician’s Friend. They frequently have sales bringing the price down to $299. It’s worth signing up for promo emails to get alerts on price drops.
Some recommended accessories to consider adding on:
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Hard case: The included gig bag offers basic protection, but an upgrade to a hardshell case is worthwhile for safe transport and storage. Options from Fender and other brands run $100-150.
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Guitar stand: A stand like the Fender FS-100 is perfect for keeping your CD-60SCE easily accessible when at home. These are an inexpensive add-on around $25-30.
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Extra strings: It’s handy to keep a few sets of backup strings on hand for quick changes. Fender’s 80/20 Bronze strings are ideal replacements.
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Guitar strap: The included strap is functional, but upgrading to a more comfortable strap can enhance playing ease. Levy’s, Ernie Ball, and Fender all make quality options.
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Capo: A capo is useful for quickly changing keys and voicings on the CD-60SCE. Basic capos from Kyser, Dunlop, or Shubb are all great choices.
The CD-60SCE gives you a lot of value straight out of the box, and adding a few optional accessories will help you make the most of this excellent dreadnought acoustic-electric. With Fender’s name and quality, it’s a superb guitar for the money.
Conclusion
The Fender CD-60SCE dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar provides exceptional value in its price range. This review has covered all the key specs, features, sound qualities, and playability that make it stand out. Overall, the CD-60SCE delivers impressive acoustic tone and amplified versatility thanks to its solid spruce top and Fishman electronics.
For intermediate players or experienced acoustic guitarists looking for an affordable workhorse, the CD-60SCE is an ideal choice. It’s well-suited to a wide range of musical genres and playing scenarios where you need to plug in. The easy playability also makes it a great option for singer-songwriters and guitarists who do a lot of first position chording.
The bottom line is that Fender has designed an acoustic-electric dreadnought that punches well above its weight class. While not for complete beginners, the CD-60SCE provides professional features and Fishman electronics at a budget-friendly price point. For gigging musicians or any guitarist needing amplified tone on a budget, it hits all the right notes.