What is the body shape of the Fender CD-60 V3?

The CD-60 V3 features a dreadnought body shape. This is a large, deep-bodied design known for its high volume and strong bass response.

Is the Fender CD-60 V3 suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is specifically marketed as a high-quality affordable guitar for those who want to pick up an instrument and jam. Its playability features are designed to help new players learn comfortably.

What material is used for the fingerboard?

The fingerboard is made from walnut. Fender notes that because walnut is a natural wood, the colour may vary from the images seen in promotional materials.

Does this guitar come with accessories?

The CD-60 V3 is often sold as part of an 'Accessory Pack Builder.' This typically includes essential items for new guitarists, though the specific contents depend on the retailer's bundle.

How does the sound character differ from a classical guitar?

Unlike the Yamaha CG142S classical guitar, the CD-60 V3 uses steel strings. This results in a much brighter, louder, and more 'ringing' tone suitable for pop, folk, and rock.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Fender CD-60 V3 is generally priced around £191. This makes it a competitive option in the entry-to-intermediate acoustic market.

Can I use this guitar for songwriting?

Yes, Fender describes the instrument as having a 'powerful pristine tone' that is intended to inspire the writing of 'flavoursome' songs. Its reliable tuning and volume make it a good tool for composition.

Is the CD-60 V3 an acoustic-electric guitar?

The standard CD-60 V3 described here is a pure acoustic guitar. It does not include built-in electronics or a preamp for plugging into an amplifier, unlike the Tanglewood Northstar Pro models.

How does it compare to a Hartwood Artiste?

Both are dreadnought guitars, but the Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought comes in different finishes like red. The Fender is often preferred by those who want the specific brand heritage associated with the Fender name.

What kind of strings does it use?

It uses steel strings. These provide the tension and clarity required for the dreadnought body to resonate fully, offering a different feel than the nylon strings found on student acoustic models.

Is the guitar available in different colours?

While the standard dreadnought V3 is known for its classic look, other guitars in this price range like the Gear4Music Student Acoustic come in colours like blue, whereas the CD-60 focuses on a more traditional aesthetic.

Why is the dreadnought shape significant?

The dreadnought shape is significant because it provides a 'powerful' tone with plenty of projection. This makes the CD-60 V3 loud enough to be heard clearly in a room without the need for amplification.

Gear article

Fender CD-60 V3 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The Fender CD-60 V3 is a steel-string dreadnought acoustic guitar designed to offer high-quality sound and playability at an accessible price point. Part of Fender's Classic Design series, it features a walnut fingerboard and is frequently sold as part of an accessory pack to support developing musicians.

See live prices

Overview

The Fender CD-60 V3 represents the third iteration of one of the world's most popular entry-level acoustic guitars. As a dreadnought-style instrument, it is built to provide a robust physical presence and a large internal resonance chamber. The V3 update maintains the series' reputation for combining Fender's manufacturing standards with affordability, positioning it as a primary choice for those seeking a reliable 'jamming' instrument.

Key physical characteristics include a walnut fingerboard, which provides a sustainable alternative to traditional rosewood. Users should note that because walnut is a natural material, the colouration of the fingerboard may vary between individual units. The guitar is typically offered in a bundle format, often referred to as an 'Accessory Pack Builder,' which simplifies the purchasing process for new players.

Construction and Tonewoods

The CD-60 V3 utilizes a traditional dreadnought body shape, which is the industry standard for acoustic projection. The choice of tonewoods is curated to balance durability with tonal quality.

Body: The large dreadnought shape allows for significant air displacement, resulting in a naturally loud acoustic volume.
Fingerboard: The move to walnut for the fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface while complying with modern environmental standards for tonewood sourcing.
Hardware: The instrument is equipped with standard die-cast tuners to ensure stable pitch during extended playing sessions.

Sound and Playability

Fender describes the tone of the CD-60 V3 as 'powerful' and 'pristine.' The dreadnought shape naturally emphasizes the lower frequencies, providing a full-bodied sound that is suitable for strumming and accompaniment. Despite its entry-level price, the guitar is designed with a focus on 'playability,' meaning the neck profile and action are set to accommodate those who are just beginning to develop finger strength and dexterity.

Market Comparison

Within the sub-£200 price bracket, the Fender CD-60 V3 competes with several other notable instruments.

Dreadnought Alternatives: The Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought offers a similar body shape but with different aesthetic flourishes like a red finish.
Smaller Bodies: Players seeking a more compact feel might consider the Hartwood Sonata Grand Auditorium.
Nylon Options: For those specifically looking for softer strings, the Yamaha CG142S provides a classical alternative, though it lacks the percussive brightness of the Fender's steel strings.
Budget Packs: Gear4Music offers a Single Cutaway Acoustic Pack which may appeal to those needing a more modern body shape at a lower price point.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Fender CD-60 V3?: The CD-60 V3 features a dreadnought body shape. This is a large, deep-bodied design known for its high volume and strong bass response.
Is the Fender CD-60 V3 suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is specifically marketed as a high-quality affordable guitar for those who want to pick up an instrument and jam. Its playability features are designed to help new players learn comfortably.
What material is used for the fingerboard?: The fingerboard is made from walnut. Fender notes that because walnut is a natural wood, the colour may vary from the images seen in promotional materials.
Does this guitar come with accessories?: The CD-60 V3 is often sold as part of an 'Accessory Pack Builder.' This typically includes essential items for new guitarists, though the specific contents depend on the retailer's bundle.
How does the sound character differ from a classical guitar?: Unlike the Yamaha CG142S classical guitar, the CD-60 V3 uses steel strings. This results in a much brighter, louder, and more 'ringing' tone suitable for pop, folk, and rock.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Fender CD-60 V3 is generally priced around £191. This makes it a competitive option in the entry-to-intermediate acoustic market.
Can I use this guitar for songwriting?: Yes, Fender describes the instrument as having a 'powerful pristine tone' that is intended to inspire the writing of 'flavoursome' songs. Its reliable tuning and volume make it a good tool for composition.
Is the CD-60 V3 an acoustic-electric guitar?: The standard CD-60 V3 described here is a pure acoustic guitar. It does not include built-in electronics or a preamp for plugging into an amplifier, unlike the Tanglewood Northstar Pro models.
How does it compare to a Hartwood Artiste?: Both are dreadnought guitars, but the Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought comes in different finishes like red. The Fender is often preferred by those who want the specific brand heritage associated with the Fender name.
What kind of strings does it use?: It uses steel strings. These provide the tension and clarity required for the dreadnought body to resonate fully, offering a different feel than the nylon strings found on student acoustic models.
Is the guitar available in different colours?: While the standard dreadnought V3 is known for its classic look, other guitars in this price range like the Gear4Music Student Acoustic come in colours like blue, whereas the CD-60 focuses on a more traditional aesthetic.
Why is the dreadnought shape significant?: The dreadnought shape is significant because it provides a 'powerful' tone with plenty of projection. This makes the CD-60 V3 loud enough to be heard clearly in a room without the need for amplification.