What is the primary difference between the CD-60S and a standard CD-60?

The 'S' in CD-60S stands for 'Solid Top.' While the standard CD-60 typically uses a laminate top, the CD-60S features a solid spruce top, which provides superior resonance and a tone that improves as the wood ages.

What body style does the Fender CD-60S use?

It uses the dreadnought body shape. This is one of the most popular acoustic guitar shapes, known for its large size, deep body, and ability to produce a loud, robust sound with plenty of bass.

What are 'rolled fretboard edges'?

Rolled fretboard edges refer to a manufacturing process where the sharp corners of the fingerboard are rounded off. This creates a smoother, more 'broken-in' feel that makes the neck more comfortable to grip and play.

Is the Fender CD-60S suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is specifically designed with beginners in mind. Features like the slim neck profile and the option to bundle it with a full accessory pack make it an ideal starting point for new players.

What tonewoods are used in the construction of this guitar?

The guitar features a solid spruce top for brightness and projection, paired with mahogany back and sides which provide warmth and a balanced midrange.

Does the CD-60S come with an amplifier connection?

The standard CD-60S is a purely acoustic guitar and does not include internal electronics or a jack output. Players requiring an onboard preamp would need to look at the 'CE' (Cutaway Electric) version of the model.

What items can be included in the accessory pack builder?

The builder allows you to customise your purchase by adding items such as a sturdy guitar stand, a padded gig bag or case, a digital tuner, a jack cable (for electric models), a capo, and spare sets of strings.

How does the sound of the CD-60S compare to a Grand Auditorium guitar?

The CD-60S dreadnought shape typically offers more volume and low-end response than a Grand Auditorium like the Hartwood Sonata. Grand Auditorium guitars are often narrower at the waist, prioritising midrange balance over raw projection.

Can the CD-60S be used for fingerpicking?

Yes, while dreadnoughts are often associated with strumming, the solid spruce top of the CD-60S provides enough clarity and note definition to handle fingerpicking and flatpicking styles effectively.

Is the neck profile thick or thin?

The CD-60S features a slim 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile. It is designed to be thinner than traditional vintage acoustic necks to accommodate smaller hands and make reaching across the fretboard easier.

What type of strings are used on this model?

It is a steel-string acoustic guitar. It should never be strung with nylon strings, as the bracing and bridge are designed specifically for the higher tension of steel strings.

What is the typical price point for this guitar and pack?

The Fender CD-60S with the accessory options typically retails around the £220 mark. This price can vary slightly depending on the specific items selected in the custom bundle.

Gear article

Fender CD-60S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

The Fender CD-60S is a dreadnought-style steel-string acoustic guitar designed for entry-level and intermediate players. It features a solid spruce top and a slim, 'Easy-to-Play' neck, offering a balance of traditional projection and modern ergonomic comfort.

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Overview

The Fender CD-60S is a cornerstone of Fender's Classic Design series, specifically engineered to provide an accessible entry point into the world of solid-top acoustic guitars. Unlike basic laminate models, the CD-60S utilizes a solid spruce top, which is intended to provide better resonance and tonal maturity over time. The instrument is frequently offered as part of a customisable accessory pack, allowing users to bundle the guitar with essentials such as stands, tuners, and cases.

Design and Construction

The guitar follows the traditional dreadnought blueprint, known for its large internal volume and bold acoustic presence. The construction features a solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides. A notable ergonomic feature is the 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile, which incorporates rolled fingerboard edges. This design choice is intended to make the transition between chords smoother and reduce the physical strain on a player's fretting hand.

Sound Profile

Due to its dreadnought body shape, the CD-60S delivers significant volume and projection. The combination of spruce and mahogany provides a balanced tonal response; the spruce offers clarity and brightness for high frequencies, while the mahogany provides warmth and midrange punch. This versatility makes it suitable for various playing techniques, including heavy strumming, flatpicking, and delicate fingerstyle work.

Target Audience

This model is primarily aimed at student guitarists and hobbyists who require an instrument that supports rapid progression. The inclusion of rolled fretboard edges is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still developing hand strength. Additionally, because the accessory pack builder allows for the inclusion of a gig bag, tuner, capo, and spare strings, it serves as an all-in-one solution for those starting their musical journey from scratch.

Market Comparison

Within the entry-level market, the Fender CD-60S competes with models such as the Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought and the Yamaha CG142S, though the latter is a classical nylon-string instrument. Compared to budget options like the Gear4music Student Acoustic, the CD-60S offers a solid wood top rather than an all-laminate construction. For players seeking a different body shape, the Hartwood Sonata Grand Auditorium or the Tanglewood Northstar Pro series offer alternative silhouettes and finishes such as charcoal stain or cherry open pore.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between the CD-60S and a standard CD-60?: The 'S' in CD-60S stands for 'Solid Top.' While the standard CD-60 typically uses a laminate top, the CD-60S features a solid spruce top, which provides superior resonance and a tone that improves as the wood ages.
What body style does the Fender CD-60S use?: It uses the dreadnought body shape. This is one of the most popular acoustic guitar shapes, known for its large size, deep body, and ability to produce a loud, robust sound with plenty of bass.
What are 'rolled fretboard edges'?: Rolled fretboard edges refer to a manufacturing process where the sharp corners of the fingerboard are rounded off. This creates a smoother, more 'broken-in' feel that makes the neck more comfortable to grip and play.
Is the Fender CD-60S suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is specifically designed with beginners in mind. Features like the slim neck profile and the option to bundle it with a full accessory pack make it an ideal starting point for new players.
What tonewoods are used in the construction of this guitar?: The guitar features a solid spruce top for brightness and projection, paired with mahogany back and sides which provide warmth and a balanced midrange.
Does the CD-60S come with an amplifier connection?: The standard CD-60S is a purely acoustic guitar and does not include internal electronics or a jack output. Players requiring an onboard preamp would need to look at the 'CE' (Cutaway Electric) version of the model.
What items can be included in the accessory pack builder?: The builder allows you to customise your purchase by adding items such as a sturdy guitar stand, a padded gig bag or case, a digital tuner, a jack cable (for electric models), a capo, and spare sets of strings.
How does the sound of the CD-60S compare to a Grand Auditorium guitar?: The CD-60S dreadnought shape typically offers more volume and low-end response than a Grand Auditorium like the Hartwood Sonata. Grand Auditorium guitars are often narrower at the waist, prioritising midrange balance over raw projection.
Can the CD-60S be used for fingerpicking?: Yes, while dreadnoughts are often associated with strumming, the solid spruce top of the CD-60S provides enough clarity and note definition to handle fingerpicking and flatpicking styles effectively.
Is the neck profile thick or thin?: The CD-60S features a slim 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile. It is designed to be thinner than traditional vintage acoustic necks to accommodate smaller hands and make reaching across the fretboard easier.
What type of strings are used on this model?: It is a steel-string acoustic guitar. It should never be strung with nylon strings, as the bracing and bridge are designed specifically for the higher tension of steel strings.
What is the typical price point for this guitar and pack?: The Fender CD-60S with the accessory options typically retails around the £220 mark. This price can vary slightly depending on the specific items selected in the custom bundle.