Brand/Model: Fender CD-60S
Number of Strings: 6
Hand Orientation: Right
Body Material: Mahogany/Spruce top
Neck Material: Mahogany
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Price Range: Under $300
Our Rating: 9.4/10
Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Review
Fender has long been the first option for a beginner guitarist. But, with such a low price, can it really be what it seems? These days, manufacturers are going all out to provide us with top-notch quality at the lowest cost possible. Let’s strum by the CD-60S and see if it’s a case of “too good to be true” or if it’s on point!
This dreadnought guitar is one of Fender’s most popular models. It’s has all the right elements to provide great sound, user playability, and low cost all in the same package.
This model is the Natural guitar with a solid spruce top and laminate mahogany back and sides. It shouldn’t be a surprise there’s laminate on this guitar as it keeps the upfront costs down.
You have a rosewood fretboard and bridge that’s often the par for beginner and entry-level guitars on the market.
Additional hardware includes chrome die-cast tuning gears, white bridge pins with black dots, and a 1-ply black pickguard. 3mm pearloid dot inlays dress the 20-fret, 12″ radius fretboard.
The neck itself has Fender’s Easy to Play shape with rolled fretboard edges to help the learning student get a better grip on playing guitar. A beginner will find that the low action is pleasant yet not low enough to cause fret buzz.
The tuners are smooth to use and adjust, and the sound projection with warm, crisp, and balanced intonation will stun novices out of their seats!
The CD-60S guitar is designed to help a beginner transition to steel string faster and easier than ever and to do it in style. Fender proves that once again they can do it with the lowest price points without compromising on quality!
Pros
- Price
- Solid spruce top
- Full-size/dreadnought
- Rolled fret edges
- Scalloped X bracing
Cons
- Quality control issues
- May require setup
Fender CD-60S Reviews
There are tons of reasons why buyers love the CD-60S guitar. First off, the sound is exactly as expected and can drown out the noise of a crowded room. It’s strong, loud, and acoustically pleasing while being easy to tune.
Secondly, buyers also loved that it did pretty good out of the box, although, many of them did have a setup done that ultimately didn’t require much but a few tweaks.
Of course, the price was just right, even a great deal, for many buyers. When budget is a concern, they couldn’t go wrong with a solid top Fender acoustic guitar. They acquired the constructional integrity, sound quality, and price point for the guitar that’s on point!
However, as a mass-produced guitar, there are going to be a few quality control issues that may have you frustrated.
Immediately look for uneven frets and other issues if you plan to get an exchange or refund.
- Quality solid spruce top
- Dreadnought body style
- Mahogany back and sides
Alternative Acoustic Guitars to Consider
It is just like Fender to offer up a guitar at every price point. They’re experts in their field and they know what guitarists of all skill levels need.
If it was stretching your budget to consider the CD-60S, you don’t have to look much further to find the Fender FA-115.
This guitar also has a solid wood spruce top. Yes, you read that right. For under $200, you can still get a solid top acoustic guitar! But, make sure you swing by the review to ensure you’re aware of what the compromises are.
However, there’s just no getting around the fact that there’s also another authoritative brand in this price range.
You can check out the Takamine GD20 acoustic guitar with a thick cedar slab for the soundboard with Tak’s innovative pinless bridge with a split saddle. Staying within this budget for a Tak almost sounds impossible, but it’s not!
Fender CD-60S FAQ
Can the Fender CD-60S be Plugged into an Amp?
There seems to be a lot of confusion referring to this guitar’s makeup. It has no electronic counterparts for plugging into an amp. This is not an acoustic electric guitar, it’s strictly an acoustic guitar only.
Does the CD 60s Acoustic Guitar come with Fender Strings?
The CD-60S comes pre-strung with Fender Dura-Tone Coated 80/20 Bronze (.012-.052 Gauge) strings.
Does Fender’s CD 60s guitar come with any Accessories?
Officially, the Fender guitar comes alone without any accessories included in the buy. However, if you buy from here, this vendor sells this guitar as a bundle buy.
You can expect a hardshell guitar case – this is definitely a bonus buy since most accessory bundles come with nylon gig bags.
You will also receive extra strings, digital clip-on tuner, guitar picks, and a strap.
Is this CD 60 S Guitar only for Beginners?
This guitar is an excellent guitar for a beginner, especially considering it has a solid top in a price range that beginners would often shop in. However, it’s also an excellent, long-term guitar that an intermediate and pro player would appreciate having around for casual playing and enjoyment when the expensive ones can stay at home.
With proper care and maintenance, this can be a long-lasting guitar for any player at any skill level.
Is there another Finish Option of the CD-60S Guitar?
This is the Natural model, and there is also a black one and an all-mahogany CD-60S with a solid mahogany top.
Where is the Fender CD-60S made?
This guitar is made in Indonesia.
Is Fender’s CD60S a Full-size Acoustic Guitar?
Yes, this is a full-size dreadnought acoustic guitar for adults and older children to play. Unlike some other guitars, it doesn’t have a cutaway for extra comfort while playing.
Does the Fender CD-60S Acoustic have any Sound Board Bracing?
Yes. The solid spruce top is supported underneath for sound projection and resonance with a scalloped X bracing.
Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need
You can buy this guitar alone, but if you’re a beginner, you’ll appreciate this option to buy the guitar as a bundle to acquire the accessories together that would otherwise easily push the budget into the red.
You’d need to accumulate quite the list of essentials if you pass up the offer on the bundle, and then you’d have to check against our full and compiled list of must-haves here.
But, if you’re smart, you’ll just get the complete kit! However, here’s a few things you might want that isn’t included in the package.
- Capo (optional)
- Metronome (optional)
- Stringwinder (optional)
- Humidifier
Standout Features of the CD-60S:
- Solid spruce top
- Scalloped X bracing
- User-friendly frets and neck
Our Verdict on the Fender CD-60S
To strum it up, the Fender CD-60S acoustic guitar doesn’t get the full attention it deserves. Yes, it’s highly appropriate for the beginner, but it’s not just a beginner’s guitar. This is a guitar that’s made to get you from point A to point B, point B being the stage.
Yes, it’s good enough to perform with, and if it’s good enough to get up on stage with, it’s good enough for a pro!
Further Reading:
- 5 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings For Beginners To Pro’s (Steel, Heavy & Classical Strings Included)
- Best Choice Guitar Review – Beginners 38″ Steel String Acoustic Guitar with Case, Strap, Tuner & Pick
- Donner Guitar Review – DAG-1C Acoustic Full-Size 41″ Cutaway Dreadnought Guitar & Beginners Bundle
- Alvarez AD60 Review – Artist Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (Full-Size)
- Epiphone DR-100 Review – Full Size Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar In Vintage Sunburst
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.