What tonewoods are used in the CD-140SCE-12?

The guitar features a solid spruce top, which provides a bright and dynamic response. The back and sides are constructed from laminated ovangkol, which contributes to a full mid-range and balanced treble.

What type of body shape does this guitar have?

It has a dreadnought body shape, which is known for its large size and loud, bold projection. It also features a Venetian cutaway to allow easier access to the upper frets.

Does the Fender CD-140SCE-12 include electronics?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic model equipped with a Fishman Presys preamp system. This includes an integrated tuner and controls for volume and tone when plugged in.

Is the top of the guitar solid or laminated?

The CD-140SCE-12 features a solid spruce top. Solid tops are generally preferred over laminated tops as they vibrate more freely and produce a richer tone that improves over time.

What is the 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile?

This is a Fender-specific neck design featuring rolled fingerboard edges. It is designed to make the neck feel more comfortable in the hand, reducing the strain often associated with playing 12-string guitars.

How much does the Fender CD-140SCE-12 typically cost?

The typical retail price for this model is approximately £359. This places it in the affordable to mid-range category for serious beginners and intermediate players.

What strings are recommended for this 12-string guitar?

While it comes from the factory with standard 12-string sets, many players use high-quality alternatives like Elixir 11150 Polyweb strings (10-47 gauge) for longevity and smooth feel.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

It is suited for players who want a traditional 12-string sound with modern comforts. The cutaway and easy-access neck make it ideal for those transitioning from 6-string acoustics.

How does it differ from the Fender Villager 12-String?

The CD-140SCE-12 has a traditional dreadnought aesthetic and a Fishman preamp. The Villager 12-String features a distinct 'hockey stick' headstock and a different body shape, often appealing to those seeking a retro look.

Are the back and sides solid wood?

No, the back and sides are made from laminated ovangkol. While the top is solid spruce for optimal resonance, the laminated back and sides offer increased durability against temperature and humidity changes.

What is the benefit of a 12-string guitar over a 6-string?

A 12-string guitar provides a much fuller, more 'orchestrated' sound due to the octave and unison string pairings. It creates a natural chorus effect that is highly melodic and chimey.

Can this guitar be played without an amplifier?

Yes, the dreadnought body provides a loud and distinctive acoustic volume. The electronics are intended for use in live performance or recording but are not required for general practice.

Gear article

Fender CD-140SCE-12 Dreadnought 12-String

The Fender CD-140SCE-12 is a dreadnought-style 12-string electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid spruce top and laminated ovangkol back and sides. It is designed for players seeking a bold, melodic sound with modern playability enhancements such as a Venetian cutaway and Fishman electronics.

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Overview and Construction

The Fender CD-140SCE-12 is part of Fender's Classic Design series, which focuses on combining traditional acoustic aesthetics with modern manufacturing standards. The instrument features a solid spruce top, a choice of tonewood known for its brightness and dynamic range, which is paired with laminated ovangkol back and sides. Ovangkol provides a full mid-range that complements the chime of the 12-string configuration.

The body is built to the traditional dreadnought scale, offering significant natural volume and projection. To aid higher-fret access, the guitar includes a Venetian cutaway, a smooth, rounded indentation that allows the player's hand to reach beyond the 12th fret comfortably.

Playability and Hardware

Fender has equipped this model with their 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile, which features rolled fingerboard edges to improve comfort during long playing sessions. This is particularly beneficial for 12-string players, as the additional string tension usually requires more finger pressure than a standard 6-string guitar.

For live performance and recording, the CD-140SCE-12 includes a Fishman Presys preamp system. This unit features a built-in electronic tuner, volume control, and EQ settings to maintain the instrument's natural acoustic character when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

Sound Character

The primary characteristic of the CD-140SCE-12 is its 'chimey' and melodic tone. By doubling the strings in octaves (for the lower four courses) and unisons (for the top two), the guitar produces a natural chorus effect. The solid spruce top ensures that as the wood ages, the resonance typically improves, providing a rich, bold, and distinctive sound that is loud enough for unplugged practice or small acoustic sets.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned in the mid-range price bracket at approximately £359, the CD-140SCE-12 competes with several other 12-string models. Within the Fender catalogue, the Villager 12-String offers a more vintage aesthetic with a 'hockey stick' headstock. Other market alternatives include the Yamaha FG820II, known for its traditional build, and the Eko Ranger XII VR, which targets a vintage honey burst aesthetic. For those seeking different body styles or electric-leaning designs, the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon or the Danelectro Vintage 12-String provide alternative visual and sonic profiles.

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Frequently asked questions

What tonewoods are used in the CD-140SCE-12?: The guitar features a solid spruce top, which provides a bright and dynamic response. The back and sides are constructed from laminated ovangkol, which contributes to a full mid-range and balanced treble.
What type of body shape does this guitar have?: It has a dreadnought body shape, which is known for its large size and loud, bold projection. It also features a Venetian cutaway to allow easier access to the upper frets.
Does the Fender CD-140SCE-12 include electronics?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic model equipped with a Fishman Presys preamp system. This includes an integrated tuner and controls for volume and tone when plugged in.
Is the top of the guitar solid or laminated?: The CD-140SCE-12 features a solid spruce top. Solid tops are generally preferred over laminated tops as they vibrate more freely and produce a richer tone that improves over time.
What is the 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile?: This is a Fender-specific neck design featuring rolled fingerboard edges. It is designed to make the neck feel more comfortable in the hand, reducing the strain often associated with playing 12-string guitars.
How much does the Fender CD-140SCE-12 typically cost?: The typical retail price for this model is approximately £359. This places it in the affordable to mid-range category for serious beginners and intermediate players.
What strings are recommended for this 12-string guitar?: While it comes from the factory with standard 12-string sets, many players use high-quality alternatives like Elixir 11150 Polyweb strings (10-47 gauge) for longevity and smooth feel.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: It is suited for players who want a traditional 12-string sound with modern comforts. The cutaway and easy-access neck make it ideal for those transitioning from 6-string acoustics.
How does it differ from the Fender Villager 12-String?: The CD-140SCE-12 has a traditional dreadnought aesthetic and a Fishman preamp. The Villager 12-String features a distinct 'hockey stick' headstock and a different body shape, often appealing to those seeking a retro look.
Are the back and sides solid wood?: No, the back and sides are made from laminated ovangkol. While the top is solid spruce for optimal resonance, the laminated back and sides offer increased durability against temperature and humidity changes.
What is the benefit of a 12-string guitar over a 6-string?: A 12-string guitar provides a much fuller, more 'orchestrated' sound due to the octave and unison string pairings. It creates a natural chorus effect that is highly melodic and chimey.
Can this guitar be played without an amplifier?: Yes, the dreadnought body provides a loud and distinctive acoustic volume. The electronics are intended for use in live performance or recording but are not required for general practice.