What does the 'SCE' stand for in the model name?

The 'S' stands for Solid Top, the 'C' stands for Cutaway, and the 'E' stands for Electronics. This indicates the guitar has a solid spruce top, a body notch for upper-fret access, and a built-in pickup system.

What type of wood is used for the top of the CD-140SCE?

The guitar features a solid spruce top. Solid wood is preferred over laminate for the top because it vibrates more freely and its tonal quality tends to improve as the wood ages.

What are the back and sides made of?

The back and sides are made from laminated ovangkol. Ovangkol is an African tonewood that shares similar tonal characteristics with rosewood, offering a wide frequency response and a full mid-range.

Does this guitar include a pickup for live performance?

Yes, it is equipped with Fishman electronics. This allows the guitar to be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier, PA system, or audio interface for recording and live shows.

What is the body shape of the Fender CD-140SCE?

It features a dreadnought body shape. This is one of the most popular acoustic guitar shapes, known for providing high volume, deep bass, and a powerful overall projection.

Is the CD-140SCE suitable for beginners?

While it is priced in the mid-range, its easy-to-play neck and versatile sound make it an excellent choice for beginners who want an instrument that will last through their intermediate years.

What genres of music is this guitar best for?

Due to its versatile spruce and ovangkol construction, it is well-suited for pop, rock, folk, country, and blues. It handles both heavy strumming and delicate fingerpicking well.

How does the cutaway affect the guitar?

The cutaway is a curved indentation in the body near the neck. It allows the player's hand to reach the higher frets more easily, which is beneficial for lead playing and solos.

What does the 'WN' in the product title mean?

The 'WN' stands for Walnut, referring to the material used for the fingerboard. Walnut provides a smooth playing feel and a dark aesthetic similar to traditional rosewood.

How does this model compare to the Fender Newporter Player?

The CD-140SCE is a traditional dreadnought with a focus on classic acoustic tones, whereas the Newporter Player has a smaller, unique body shape and a more modern, 'electric-inspired' aesthetic.

Does the guitar have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the integrated Fishman preamp system typically includes a digital chromatic tuner with an LED display, allowing for quick tuning without external devices.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Electro Acoustic WN Natural typically retails for approximately £349.

Gear article

Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Electro Acoustic WN Natural

The Fender CD-140SCE is a dreadnought-style electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid spruce top and a cutaway body design. It is designed to offer a balance between traditional acoustic resonance and modern stage-ready functionality through integrated Fishman electronics.

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Overview

The Fender CD-140SCE belongs to Fender's Classic Design series, aiming to provide high-quality tonewoods and playability at an accessible price point. The 'WN' designation refers to its walnut fingerboard, a modern alternative to rosewood that maintains a smooth playing surface. As an electro-acoustic model, it is built to perform both unplugged and through an amplification system, catering to musicians who require versatility across different performance environments.

Construction and Key Features

The instrument is constructed with a solid spruce top, a choice favoured in acoustic lutherie for its ability to improve in tone as it ages. This is paired with laminated ovangkol back and sides, which contributes to a robust build. The dreadnought body shape is a hallmark of the model, featuring a Venetian-style cutaway that allows players easier access to the upper frets. For live use, the guitar is equipped with a Fishman preamp and pickup system, typically including an on-board tuner and controls for volume and tone.

Sound Character

The combination of a solid spruce top and ovangkol produces a sound profile characterised by a full mid-range and 'sparkly' bright trebles. The dreadnought dimensions ensure a rich, loud acoustic projection with a distinctive low-end presence. This tonal balance makes it suitable for a wide variety of genres, including:

Pop and Rock
Folk and Roots music
Country and Blues
Rhythmic strumming and flatpicking

User Suitability

This guitar is positioned as an ideal choice for intermediate players looking for their first solid-top instrument, or professional musicians seeking a reliable 'workhorse' for the stage. Its versatile sound accommodates both vocal accompaniment and lead melody lines. The addition of a cutaway makes it particularly useful for those transitioning from electric guitar who are accustomed to accessing higher registers.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the electro-acoustic market, the CD-140SCE competes with various designs. While travel-sized models like the Yamaha APXT2 or Martin LX1E offer portability, they lack the full-bodied resonance of the Fender's dreadnought shape. Compared to jumbo models like the Gretsch Rancher Falcon or Guild F-2512E, the CD-140SCE offers a more traditional aesthetic and a slightly more manageable body size. Other alternatives include the Fender Newporter Player, which features a more contemporary 'California Series' look, and the Sigma DTC-28HE, which follows a similar dreadnought cutaway blueprint.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the 'SCE' stand for in the model name?: The 'S' stands for Solid Top, the 'C' stands for Cutaway, and the 'E' stands for Electronics. This indicates the guitar has a solid spruce top, a body notch for upper-fret access, and a built-in pickup system.
What type of wood is used for the top of the CD-140SCE?: The guitar features a solid spruce top. Solid wood is preferred over laminate for the top because it vibrates more freely and its tonal quality tends to improve as the wood ages.
What are the back and sides made of?: The back and sides are made from laminated ovangkol. Ovangkol is an African tonewood that shares similar tonal characteristics with rosewood, offering a wide frequency response and a full mid-range.
Does this guitar include a pickup for live performance?: Yes, it is equipped with Fishman electronics. This allows the guitar to be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier, PA system, or audio interface for recording and live shows.
What is the body shape of the Fender CD-140SCE?: It features a dreadnought body shape. This is one of the most popular acoustic guitar shapes, known for providing high volume, deep bass, and a powerful overall projection.
Is the CD-140SCE suitable for beginners?: While it is priced in the mid-range, its easy-to-play neck and versatile sound make it an excellent choice for beginners who want an instrument that will last through their intermediate years.
What genres of music is this guitar best for?: Due to its versatile spruce and ovangkol construction, it is well-suited for pop, rock, folk, country, and blues. It handles both heavy strumming and delicate fingerpicking well.
How does the cutaway affect the guitar?: The cutaway is a curved indentation in the body near the neck. It allows the player's hand to reach the higher frets more easily, which is beneficial for lead playing and solos.
What does the 'WN' in the product title mean?: The 'WN' stands for Walnut, referring to the material used for the fingerboard. Walnut provides a smooth playing feel and a dark aesthetic similar to traditional rosewood.
How does this model compare to the Fender Newporter Player?: The CD-140SCE is a traditional dreadnought with a focus on classic acoustic tones, whereas the Newporter Player has a smaller, unique body shape and a more modern, 'electric-inspired' aesthetic.
Does the guitar have a built-in tuner?: Yes, the integrated Fishman preamp system typically includes a digital chromatic tuner with an LED display, allowing for quick tuning without external devices.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Electro Acoustic WN Natural typically retails for approximately £349.