Introduction to the Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic
The Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic guitar carries on Fender’s long tradition of quality parlor guitars. Parlor guitars emerged in the 19th century as an easy to carry instrument for travelling musicians. Their compact size and rounded shoulders made them perfect for playing in small parlors and living rooms, hence the name.
Fender’s CP-60S model is an affordable parlor acoustic aimed at beginners and intermediate players looking for a comfortable, portable guitar. It features a compact, rounded-shoulder body shape with a 24.75" scale length. The smaller size makes it ideal for younger players, smaller-framed musicians, and anyone seeking a lightweight acoustic for travel or practice.
Despite its diminutive proportions, the CP-60S Parlor delivers impressive volume and rich tones thanks to its solid spruce top. The all-mahogany back and sides provide warmth and resonance as well. The satin finish gives it an attractive vintage appeal. Overall, the CP-60S offers an accessible way for new players to enjoy Fender’s historic parlor guitar design.
Fender CP-60S Parlor Specs & Features
The Fender CP-60S Parlor features the traditional compact parlor body shape with exact dimensions of 18" wide, 4" deep, and 3.75" in body thickness. This gives it a nice comfortable feel whether playing seated or with a strap.
For tonewoods, it has a solid Engelmann spruce top which provides crisp articulation and balanced warmth. The back and sides are mahogany, which adds some midrange punch and overall richness to the tone.
The neck has Fender’s "Easy-to-Play" profile, which features a slim and comfortable C-shape that’s easy to grip and very playable. It has a walnut fingerboard and 20 medium jumbo frets.
It uses open-gear chrome tuners which provide smooth and accurate tuning stability. The chrome buttons give it some nice vintage-inspired aesthetic flair.
Other details include white binding on the top and fingerboard, black pickguard, and a multi-ring rosette around the soundhole. It’s a very attractive parlor acoustic with its own unique charm.
CP-60S Parlor Sound & Tonal Characteristics
The Fender CP-60S parlor acoustic guitar delivers a balanced, warm, and pleasing tone perfect for a wide variety of musical styles. The all-solid wood construction provides rich and nuanced sound across the tonal spectrum.
The solid spruce top is responsively voiced with sparkling highs, pronounced midrange, and tight low end. Strumming produces a clear, crisp tone with bell-like highs. Fingerpicking brings out the guitar’s sweetness and harmonic complexity. The mahogany back and sides add warmth and body to the parlor’s voice.
Listen to the CP-60S in action:
[youtube sound sample link]
[youtube sound sample link]
The parlor body’s reduced size naturally means decreased volume and projection compared to a full-size dreadnought. However, Fender has voiced the CP-60S to still fill a room with balanced, intimate sound perfect for small gigs or songwriting sessions. The focused parlor voice cuts through a mix without overpowering.
From shimmering arpeggios to bluesy rhythm riffs, the CP-60S Parlor flatters a wide range of playing styles. Its versatility suits fingerstyle, folk, country, indie rock, and more. The crisp articulation also makes it a great choice for vocal accompaniment.
Playability & Feel
The Fender CP-60S Parlor acoustic guitar has a scale length of 24.75", which provides comfortable string tension that is easy on the fingers. The strings are spaced closely together compared to a larger dreadnought, making chords and intricate fingerpicking patterns a breeze to play.
The neck has a slim "Easy-to-Play" profile that makes it easy to wrap your thumb around for first-position chords. It has a satin finish on the back of the neck for smooth playability. The nut width is a comfortable 1 11/16", providing ample room for fingerpicking without feeling too wide.
The setup from the factory has low action that makes this guitar very playable right out of the box. The action is especially low at the nut to reduce tension on the strings. This allows easy forming of chords in the first few frets. The individual saddle height adjustment allows you to tweak the action to your preference.
The walnut fretboard has a smooth surface and rolled fretboard edges for comfort. The narrow nut spacing also brings the bass strings closer together for smaller hands. The frets are medium jumbo size and are leveled and crowned properly from the factory. This allows for easy and buzz-free fretting across the entire fretboard, even when fretting closer to the edges.
The compact parlor body size and slim waist make this guitar very comfortable for long practice or gigging sessions. The small body size allows easy access to the upper frets while seated or standing. The smooth body contours and forearm/waist chamfer provide a body shape that fits comfortably against your torso.
CP-60S Parlor vs Other Parlor Guitars
The Fender CP-60S Parlor stands up well when compared to other popular parlor acoustic guitars on the market. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the top competitors:
Martin LX1 Little Martin – The Little Martin is perhaps the most iconic parlor guitar, known for its deep bass despite the small size. The CP-60S has a similar scale length of 24", but the Little Martin body depth is slightly less at 3.75" while the CP-60S is 4.13". This gives the CP-60S a bit more overall volume and projection. Tonally, the CP-60S has a balanced warm sound with nice overtones in the mids and highs from the solid spruce top, while the Little Martin leans towards a bassier boom. The satin finish mahogany neck on the CP-60S also plays a bit faster and smoother than the Little Martin.
Taylor Baby Taylor BT1 – This all-solid wood Taylor parlor has a slightly bigger body depth at 4.5", giving it a bit more volume than the CP-60S. It also has a shorter 23.5" scale length for less string tension. The BT1 creates a bright balanced tone thanks to its solid spruce and mahogany woods, while the CP-60S is a bit warmer sounding. The BT1’s neck is slightly wider, but the CP-60S may be more comfortable for smaller hands.
Yamaha JR1 FG – Yamaha’s entry-level parlor has laminated woods, so it doesn’t quite match the acoustic resonance of the all-solid CP-60S. It does have a very playable slim neck and a reduced 23.5" scale length. The CP-60S has a more complex sound with nice overtones, while the JR1 FG delivers a more direct strum-friendly tone.
Some unique advantages of the Fender CP-60S include the comfortable easy-to-play neck profile, quality all-solid wood construction at an affordable price point, and versatile warm vintage-inspired sound. The cons are that it lacks the bass response of a Martin Little Martin, and doesn’t project as much volume as a Taylor BT1. Overall though, the CP-60S compares well as a great all-around parlor model.
Fender CP-60S Parlor Finishes & Pricing
The Fender CP-60S Parlor acoustic guitar comes in two classic finish options – natural and sunburst.
The natural finish showcases the solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides beautifully. It has a clear gloss finish that allows the wood grain to shine through. This is a great option for those who like the look of raw wood.
The sunburst finish features a lighter brown center that gradually transitions to a darker brown around the edges. This is a very traditional acoustic guitar finish that will never go out of style. The sunburst helps highlight the spruce top and adds visual interest.
Brand new CP-60S models generally retail between $400-$500 USD at most major music stores. This positions it as a very affordable all-solid wood parlor acoustic. Those looking for even better deals can often find gently used models priced under $300.
The key places to find used and open box CP-60S parlor models include Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist. Individual guitar shops may also have some trade-in stock available. With some persistence, you can likely score a great deal on a lightly used Fender CP-60S.
When it comes to getting the best price on a new CP-60S, it pays to shop around and look for any active sales or discounts. Musician’s Friend and Guitar Center often run sales on Fender acoustics, so keep an eye out for potential deals.
Accessories & Add-Ons
The Fender CP-60S Parlor does not come with a case, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want to protect your guitar during transport and storage. Here are some good case options to consider:
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Fender Parlor Guitar Gig Bag – Fender makes an affordable gig bag specifically sized for parlor acoustic guitars. It’s lightweight and padded for basic protection.
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Gator Cases Deluxe Wood Case – For a more premium option, the Gator Cases deluxe wood case has plush interior lining to protect your guitar. The exterior is durable plywood.
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Mono Vertigo Case – The Mono Vertigo is a high-end case with a vintage look. It uses carbon fiber for lightweight durability and has a soft interior.
For straps, wider options meant for electric guitars may overwhelm the smaller parlor body. Consider these narrow strap choices instead:
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Fender 2" Nylon Strap – Fender’s own 2" wide strap comes in various colors and has suede ends.
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Ernie Ball 2" Polypro Weave Strap – Ernie Ball’s polypro weave strap is also 2" wide and very lightweight.
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Levy’s PM36-2 Leather Strap – This 2" wide premium leather strap from Levy’s looks great and distributes weight well.
Good pick options include:
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Fender Medium Celluloid Picks – The bright colors and grippy celluloid material make these a fun choice.
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Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks – Available in various gauges, these smooth nylon picks bring out brighter tones.
For strings, phosphor bronze mediums will fit the CP-60S Parlor nicely:
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D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze – D’Addario’s phosphor bronze acoustic strings have a bright, balanced tone.
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Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze – The Earthwood strings have a warm, rich sound with reduced inharmonic overtones.
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Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb – Elixir’s coated strings have longer life and a bright, punchy tonality.
Who the Fender CP-60S Parlor is Best For
The compact size and easy playability of the Fender CP-60S Parlor make it a great choice for beginner and intermediate players looking for their first acoustic or a travel guitar. The shorter 24.75" scale length reduces string tension, making it easier for novice players to fret notes and form chords. More advanced guitarists will also appreciate the comfortable neck and low action that facilitate intricate fingerstyle playing.
The balanced tone of the CP-60S suits a wide variety of styles, from rock and pop to folk and country. However, the smaller body produces less volume and projection compared to a dreadnought or jumbo shape. As a result, the CP-60S is better suited to more intimate playing rather than loud jam sessions or live performances. The compact parlor style can easily fit into overhead bins and car trunks, making it a superb option for travel and practice on-the-go.
For casual players looking for a fun, comfortable acoustic to play at home or take to small gatherings, the CP-60S is a great choice. The high-quality construction and hardware ensure it will last for years of light to moderate use. However, gigging musicians may want to consider a guitar with greater projection if they need to play larger venues without amplification. Ultimately, the CP-60S parlor offers an unbeatable blend of vintage appeal, cozy feel, and balanced tone perfect for amateur players.
User Reviews & Demos
The Fender CP-60S Parlor acoustic guitar has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers for its quality construction, resonant tone, and comfortable playability.
"This little Fender punches way above its price point. The tone is super sweet with nice low end from the mahogany. It’s my new favorite couch guitar!"
Many reviews praise the CP-60S for its balanced tone that works well for various playing styles. The solid spruce top produces bright, articulate highs while the mahogany back and sides provide warmth and depth.
"I was looking for a smaller body acoustic with big sound and the CP-60S delivers. From delicate fingerpicking to aggressive strumming, this guitar handles it all."
Reviewers consistently remark on the comfortable feel and playability of the CP-60S. The compact parlor body size and slim "Easy-to-Play" neck profile make it a joy to play for extended periods.
"The satin finish on the back of the neck allows for smooth shifting up and down the fretboard. Bends and vibrato feel very natural on this guitar."
Most video reviews demonstrate the CP-60S’s balanced tone across the tonal spectrum. The guitar has enough projection to be heard alongside other instruments but also excels for more intimate playing.
[YouTube video demonstrating fingerstyle playing on the CP-60S]
Some users felt the unplugged volume could be slightly louder for playing over others. However, the general consensus is that the CP-60S performs very well for its price point and size.
Overall, Fender’s CP-60S parlor acoustic earns consistent 5-star reviews for its impressive tone, comfortable playability, and quality craftsmanship. It’s an excellent choice for new players and downsizing acoustic guitarists.
Conclusion
Overall, the Fender CP-60S Parlor acoustic guitar is an excellent choice for players looking for a comfortable, portable acoustic with classic styling and balanced tone. Its smaller parlor body size makes it a joy to play, whether sitting or standing, while still retaining a rich, full-bodied voice.
The all-solid wood construction of spruce and mahogany produces a nicely balanced tone profile that works well for various playing styles, from delicate fingerpicking to steady strumming. While it may not be as loud as a full-size dreadnought, the CP-60S projects and resonates surprisingly well for its compact body dimensions.
Some key pros of the CP-60S Parlor are its comfortable body size and neck profile, quality all-solid wood construction, and versatile tonal character. Potential cons to consider are its lack of cutaway and limited headroom and projection compared to larger guitars.
Overall though, the Fender CP-60S Parlor is an excellent choice as a main acoustic or travel companion for players of all skill levels. Its quality materials, classic styling, and comfortable playability make it a guitar worth checking out if you’re in the market for a great parlor-sized acoustic.