Fender CP-60S Review – Parlor Body Style Acoustic Guitar In Sunburst & Natural Finish

Fender CP-60S in Sunburst Finish

Brand/Model: Fender CP-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: 9.2/10

Fender CP-60S Acoustic Guitar Review

Again, Fender joins the ranks of one of our favorite guitars to play.  While it might have some generic features about it, it certainly has a solid foundation to more than justify buying this guitar.  So, what does this Fender have that caught our eye?

It’s a parlor size guitar with the usual tonewoods of both spruce and mahogany.  The combined woods offer a balance between bright and vibrant and warm and rich.  The tone and sound are excellent thanks to the solid spruce top and scalloped X bracing under the soundboard.

The support and structure of the bracing allows for true acoustic intonation with sound projection that’s above par for a parlor.

Headstock on Fender CP-60S

The mahogany neck has a rosewood fretboard with 20 frets, 24 3/4″ scale, and a nut width of 43mm.  It also has pearloid acrylic dot inlays and Fender’s Easy-to-Play neck shape with rolled fret edges.

This means it’s going to be easier on the fingers to transition between frets when you’re lost in the magic of your own music making.

Hardware includes a rosewood bridge, plastic nut and saddle, and chrome die-cast tuning machines; 1-ply pickguard, black bridge pins with white dots, and Fender Dura-Tone Coated 80/20 Bronze (.012-.052 Gauge) strings.

As you can see, it’s a guitar that’s about right for its price range.  The advantage of buying this guitar over a different acoustic guitar or cheaper Fender guitar is the solid top, rolled fret edges, and the easy-to-play neck.  The parlor size is obviously an advantage for those who find the dreadnought too bulky.

All in all, the CP-60S fills the demands of various types of guitar players.  Just like there’s no duplicate of your music talent, there’s no one-size-fits-all guitar.  This Fender might be your way to show your individuality!

Pros
  • Price
  • Solid top
  • Rolled fret edges
  • Easy-to-play neck
  • Parlor
Cons
  • May require setup

Fender CP-60S Reviews

Sound hole on Fender CP-60S guitar

This Fender model is highly praised by its fans and players.  It really is the perfect git to give as a gift, take on the road, practice in private, or play for friends and family.  It might not be the star performer to get on stage with, but it will do the job when you want to invoke an emotional response or break the ice at a get-together.

Many buyers found the neck exactly as described – easy to play.  However, it may not be tapered to the exact dimensions that a seasoned player would expect to see for a slim profile. 

But, many beginner players won’t notice this, nor will it bother them.  The sound projection, tone, and of course, comfort of playing the parlor guitar are the top reasons why these players will always choose Fender!

Alternative Acoustic Guitars to Consider

You might think you’ve found the right Fender for you, but as you know, Fender always has something else up their sleeves.  If you like everything about this CP-60S, but you want something a little bigger, the full-size dreadnought CD-60S is the way to go.

It also features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, and it also has the rolled fret edges.  It’s under $300, and if you check out our full review of the CD-60S, you’ll see we’ve provided the option to purchase this guitar as a bundle kit!

If you were attracted to the CP-60S for its parlor size, we can see why.  It’s a great roadie guitar and it’s not so bothersome to pick up and play on the go.  But, if it’s truly about travel, the Martin Backpacker Travel Guitar might be more appropriate.

Yes, it’s a little funky looking, but we’ve seen worse.  After all, it’s a Martin, and Martin doesn’t do quirky, they do unique!

Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, 3-Color Sunburst
  • Solid Spruce Top with Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
  • 24.75" scale mahogany neck w/20 fret walnut fingerboard
  • Chrome Die-Cast tuners

Fender CP-60S FAQ

Is the Fender CP-60S an Acoustic Electric Guitar?

No.  This model is strictly an acoustic only guitar.  Fender often offers an acoustic electric model to their acoustic guitars.  You will want to identify the letter “E” in the model name to recognize the Electric counterpart of an acoustic electric guitar.

What is a Parlor Guitar?

A parlor guitar was named as such since it was played in parlors and small to mid-size rooms.  They’re on the smaller end of the guitar scale and are just smaller than a concert size “0” guitar.

They’re steel string guitars, and their bodies are often elongated with a somewhat rounded base to help enhance sound projection.

Fender CP-60S Parlor Guitar


Does this Parlor guitar have Nylon or Steel Strings?

This Fender parlor guitar has steel strings.

Does the Guitar have Two Strap Buttons?

Conveniently, the guitar does come with two pre-installed strap buttons.  There’s one on the base of the guitar and one near the heel.

Where is the Fender Guitar Made?

This Fender model is made in Indonesia according to Fender’s manufacturing specs.

Back of Fender CP-60S Acoustic Guitar

What are the Color Options of the CP-60S Acoustic?

This is the 3-color Sunburst model, but there is also a Natural color option.

What is the Parlor Guitar finished with?

The guitar has a gloss finish on both the back of the neck and the body.

YouTube video

Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need

This Fender guitar doesn’t come with any included accessories.  You’ll receive the guitar and that’s it.  For those who already have things like a guitar strap, picks, etc, you’ll just need a few essentials such as an appropriate size case and the right strings.

But, for beginners, you’ll most likely need everything to maximize your talent and protect your buy.

Rear view of Fender CP-60S headstock

Our extensive accessories resource has laid it out, but we’ll throw you newbies a few suggestions here to get a head start!

Standout Features of the CP-60S Guitar

  • Solid spruce top
  • Rolled fret edges & Easy-to-Play neck
  • Parlor size

Our Verdict on the Fender CP-60S Acoustic Parlor Guitar

To strum it up, the Fender CP-60S acoustic guitar fits right into the Fender family.  What’s not to like about the guitar?  It’s small enough for comfortable and extended sessions of playing.

It’s great for travel, and it sounds like a true acoustic classic.  If it’s what bridges the gap between you and true music artistry, it’s time to get on the Fender band wagon!

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