What is the primary wood used in the CD-60SCE Mahogany?

The guitar features a solid mahogany top and laminated mahogany back and sides. This all-mahogany construction provides a warmer, more focused midrange compared to spruce-topped models.

Does the CD-60SCE have a solid or laminated top?

It features a solid mahogany top. Solid tops are generally preferred over laminated tops because they vibrate more freely and their sound quality tends to improve as the wood ages.

What type of body shape does this guitar have?

It has a dreadnought body shape with a Venetian cutaway. This large body style provides significant volume and bass response, while the cutaway allows easier access to higher frets.

Can the Fender CD-60SCE be plugged into an amplifier?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with a Fishman pickup and preamp system. It is designed for use on stage or in the studio by connecting it to an amp or audio interface.

What neck profile does this model use?

It uses Fender's 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile. This design features rolled fingerboard edges to make it more comfortable for the player's hand, especially for those just starting out.

What genres is the CD-60SCE Mahogany best suited for?

Due to its punchy and warm tone, it is well-suited for rock, folk, roots music, country, and blues. The mahogany top is particularly effective for slide techniques and rhythmic playing.

Is there a tuner built into the guitar?

Yes, the onboard Fishman electronics include a built-in digital tuner. This allows the player to tune the guitar without needing an external device.

What is the fingerboard material on the CD-60SCE?

The fingerboard is made from walnut. Walnut is a durable tonewood that provides a smooth playing surface and contributes to the guitar's overall resonance.

How does this guitar compare to the Fender Newporter Player?

The CD-60SCE is a traditional dreadnought focused on a bold, classic sound. The Newporter Player features a different body shape and often more vibrant finishes, targeting a different aesthetic preference.

Is the CD-60SCE suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is specifically marketed as an accessible guitar for beginners due to its 'Easy-to-Play' neck. However, its solid top and Fishman electronics make it suitable for intermediate players as well.

What is the typical price for the Fender CD-60SCE Mahogany?

In the UK market, the typical price range for this model is approximately £259. This makes it an affordable option for an instrument featuring a solid wood top and electronics.

What is a Venetian cutaway?

A Venetian cutaway is the rounded inward curve on the guitar's body near the neck. It provides the player with easier physical access to the upper frets for soloing or complex chord work.

Gear article

Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Electro Acoustic Mahogany

The Fender CD-60SCE is an entry-to-mid-level dreadnought electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid mahogany top and a Venetian cutaway. Part of Fender's Classic Design series, it is engineered to provide a warm, punchy tone suitable for a variety of genres including rock, folk, and blues.

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Overview and Construction

The Fender CD-60SCE is a dreadnought-style electro-acoustic guitar that emphasises durability and resonance. It is constructed with a solid mahogany top, which is a significant upgrade from entry-level all-laminated models as solid wood typically improves in tonal quality as it ages. The back and sides are made from laminated mahogany, providing structural stability against environmental changes.

The instrument features a Venetian cutaway, allowing easier access to the upper frets of the walnut fingerboard. The neck is designed with Fender's 'Easy-to-Play' profile, which includes rolled fingerboard edges to improve comfort for beginners and experienced players alike.

Sound and Tonal Character

Because of its all-mahogany construction, the CD-60SCE produces a sound that is distinct from the traditional spruce-topped dreadnought. It delivers a warmer, more balanced frequency response with a particular emphasis on the midrange. The tone is described as punchy and strong, making it highly effective for roots music, country licks, and bluesy rhythms.

The dreadnought body shape ensures a bold and rich projection. This volume is useful for unplugged practice or small acoustic gatherings, while the solid top ensures that the guitar maintains a distinctive character rather than sounding overly thin or metallic.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and recording, the CD-60SCE is equipped with a Fishman preamp and pickup system. This electronics suite allows the guitar to be plugged directly into an amplifier or PA system. The preamp typically includes controls for volume and tone, along with a built-in digital tuner for convenience.

Hardware components include a walnut bridge and a set of die-cast tuning machines. The choice of walnut for the fingerboard and bridge follows modern sustainable practices while maintaining the necessary density for good note sustain.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned at a competitive price point of roughly £259, the CD-60SCE competes with several other electro-acoustic models. It is often compared to the Fender Newporter Player for those seeking a more modern aesthetic, or the Sigma DTC-28HE for those wanting a more traditional dreadnought experience.

For players seeking smaller bodies, alternatives include the Yamaha APXT2 or the Martin LX1E. However, the CD-60SCE remains a popular choice for those who want the full-bodied resonance of a dreadnought without the high cost associated with professional-grade instruments like the Taylor PS14ce or Guild F-2512E.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary wood used in the CD-60SCE Mahogany?: The guitar features a solid mahogany top and laminated mahogany back and sides. This all-mahogany construction provides a warmer, more focused midrange compared to spruce-topped models.
Does the CD-60SCE have a solid or laminated top?: It features a solid mahogany top. Solid tops are generally preferred over laminated tops because they vibrate more freely and their sound quality tends to improve as the wood ages.
What type of body shape does this guitar have?: It has a dreadnought body shape with a Venetian cutaway. This large body style provides significant volume and bass response, while the cutaway allows easier access to higher frets.
Can the Fender CD-60SCE be plugged into an amplifier?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with a Fishman pickup and preamp system. It is designed for use on stage or in the studio by connecting it to an amp or audio interface.
What neck profile does this model use?: It uses Fender's 'Easy-to-Play' neck profile. This design features rolled fingerboard edges to make it more comfortable for the player's hand, especially for those just starting out.
What genres is the CD-60SCE Mahogany best suited for?: Due to its punchy and warm tone, it is well-suited for rock, folk, roots music, country, and blues. The mahogany top is particularly effective for slide techniques and rhythmic playing.
Is there a tuner built into the guitar?: Yes, the onboard Fishman electronics include a built-in digital tuner. This allows the player to tune the guitar without needing an external device.
What is the fingerboard material on the CD-60SCE?: The fingerboard is made from walnut. Walnut is a durable tonewood that provides a smooth playing surface and contributes to the guitar's overall resonance.
How does this guitar compare to the Fender Newporter Player?: The CD-60SCE is a traditional dreadnought focused on a bold, classic sound. The Newporter Player features a different body shape and often more vibrant finishes, targeting a different aesthetic preference.
Is the CD-60SCE suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is specifically marketed as an accessible guitar for beginners due to its 'Easy-to-Play' neck. However, its solid top and Fishman electronics make it suitable for intermediate players as well.
What is the typical price for the Fender CD-60SCE Mahogany?: In the UK market, the typical price range for this model is approximately £259. This makes it an affordable option for an instrument featuring a solid wood top and electronics.
What is a Venetian cutaway?: A Venetian cutaway is the rounded inward curve on the guitar's body near the neck. It provides the player with easier physical access to the upper frets for soloing or complex chord work.