What type of strings does the Fender CN-140SCE use?

The Fender CN-140SCE is a nylon-string guitar. It is designed specifically for the lower tension of nylon strings and should not be fitted with steel strings, as the increased tension could damage the neck and bridge.

What is the benefit of a solid cedar top?

A solid cedar top offers a warmer, more intimate sound compared to spruce. It is highly responsive to a lighter playing style, making it ideal for fingerstyle techniques and classical-influenced folk music.

Does this guitar include a case?

Yes, this specific model package includes a hardshell case. This provides essential protection for the instrument during transport and storage.

What electronics are included in the CN-140SCE?

The guitar features a Fishman CD preamp system. This includes an under-saddle pickup and an onboard control panel with volume, EQ adjustments, and an integrated digital tuner.

What is the fretboard material?

The fingerboard is made of walnut. A notable feature is the rolled fingerboard edges, which provide a more comfortable, 'broken-in' feel for the player's fretting hand.

How does the body shape affect the playability?

The concert body shape is smaller than a dreadnought, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The cutaway design allows players to easily reach the higher frets on the walnut fingerboard.

What wood is used for the back and sides?

The back and sides are constructed from laminated ovangkol. This wood provides a rich, full-bodied sound that complements the warmth of the cedar top.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the CN-140SCE is often recommended for players transitioning from steel strings or beginners due to the softer feel of nylon strings and the comfortable neck profile with rolled edges.

What finish is applied to this model?

This specific version of the CN-140SCE features a Black finish, giving it a modern and sleek appearance compared to traditional natural wood classical guitars.

How does a 'thinline' body impact the sound?

A thinline body reduces the physical bulk of the instrument and can help control feedback when amplified. While it may have slightly less acoustic volume than a deep-bodied guitar, it maintains excellent clarity and balance.

What genres is the CN-140SCE best for?

This guitar is highly effective for fingerstyle, folk, Bossa Nova, and light classical music. The Fishman electronics also make it a versatile choice for pop and jazz performers who need a nylon-string sound on stage.

What is the typical price for this guitar?

The Fender CN-140SCE typically retails around GBP 349. This price usually includes the instrument and a dedicated hardshell case.

Gear article

Fender CN-140SCE Nylon Thinline

The Fender CN-140SCE is a nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar designed with a concert body shape and thinline profile. It features a solid cedar top combined with laminated ovangkol back and sides, incorporating a Fishman CD preamp for amplified performance.

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Background and Design

The Fender CN-140SCE belongs to Fender's 'Classic Design' series, bridging the gap between traditional nylon-string guitars and contemporary steel-string playability. Unlike a standard deep-bodied classical guitar, this model utilizes a thinner concert body depth and a cutaway design, which facilitates easier handling and access to the upper register of the fretboard.

Tonewoods and Construction

The instrument is constructed using a solid cedar top, a wood choice prized for its responsiveness to a light touch and immediate tonal warmth. This is paired with laminated ovangkol for the back and sides, a timber that provides a balanced frequency response similar to rosewood but with unique aesthetic characteristics. The neck features a walnut fingerboard, which has been designed with rolled edges to enhance player comfort.

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Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and recording, the CN-140SCE is equipped with a Fishman CD preamp system. This onboard system includes controls for volume, bass, and treble, allowing the player to shape their amplified tone directly from the instrument. The inclusion of a built-in tuner ensures the guitar can be quickly adjusted without external equipment.

Performance and Sound

The combination of a solid cedar top and the concert body shape results in a sound characterized by glistening clarity and sparkling harmonics. It is particularly well-suited for fingerpicking and folk styles, where a balanced response across all strings is necessary. While it maintains the mellow character of nylon strings, its thinline design reduces the potential for feedback when plugged into an amplifier.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of strings does the Fender CN-140SCE use?: The Fender CN-140SCE is a nylon-string guitar. It is designed specifically for the lower tension of nylon strings and should not be fitted with steel strings, as the increased tension could damage the neck and bridge.
What is the benefit of a solid cedar top?: A solid cedar top offers a warmer, more intimate sound compared to spruce. It is highly responsive to a lighter playing style, making it ideal for fingerstyle techniques and classical-influenced folk music.
Does this guitar include a case?: Yes, this specific model package includes a hardshell case. This provides essential protection for the instrument during transport and storage.
What electronics are included in the CN-140SCE?: The guitar features a Fishman CD preamp system. This includes an under-saddle pickup and an onboard control panel with volume, EQ adjustments, and an integrated digital tuner.
What is the fretboard material?: The fingerboard is made of walnut. A notable feature is the rolled fingerboard edges, which provide a more comfortable, 'broken-in' feel for the player's fretting hand.
How does the body shape affect the playability?: The concert body shape is smaller than a dreadnought, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The cutaway design allows players to easily reach the higher frets on the walnut fingerboard.
What wood is used for the back and sides?: The back and sides are constructed from laminated ovangkol. This wood provides a rich, full-bodied sound that complements the warmth of the cedar top.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, the CN-140SCE is often recommended for players transitioning from steel strings or beginners due to the softer feel of nylon strings and the comfortable neck profile with rolled edges.
What finish is applied to this model?: This specific version of the CN-140SCE features a Black finish, giving it a modern and sleek appearance compared to traditional natural wood classical guitars.
How does a 'thinline' body impact the sound?: A thinline body reduces the physical bulk of the instrument and can help control feedback when amplified. While it may have slightly less acoustic volume than a deep-bodied guitar, it maintains excellent clarity and balance.
What genres is the CN-140SCE best for?: This guitar is highly effective for fingerstyle, folk, Bossa Nova, and light classical music. The Fishman electronics also make it a versatile choice for pop and jazz performers who need a nylon-string sound on stage.
What is the typical price for this guitar?: The Fender CN-140SCE typically retails around GBP 349. This price usually includes the instrument and a dedicated hardshell case.