Fender CD-60S Review

Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Review Post Cover

The Fender CD-60S is a great guitar for those who want an acoustic that sounds great and looks good.

It has a non-cutaway body with a top made of solid spruce, back and sides made of mahogany, gloss body finish, a Fender ‘Easy-to-Play’ neck with a dual-action truss rod, and chrome hardware plating.

You can purchase this guitar in many different stores, some of them include:

We may earn commissions from these links at no additional cost to you.

In this post, we’ll examine the features, sound, and playability of the Fender CD-60S acoustic guitar.

Making good choices is crucial since certain guitar features can completely alter the feel and value of the instrument.

Summary


Here’s a very quick summary of the Fender CD-60S’s performance.

It’s important to keep in mind that the score and rating is just our opinion, it might not match with yours.

Hardware 4.5 / 5
Body 4.6 / 5
Neck 4.7 / 5
Fretboard 4.2 / 5
Sound 4.2 / 5
Playability 4.5 / 5
Value 4.7 / 5
Brand 5 / 5

Hardware


The guitar’s hardware refers to all of the metal and plastic components that make up the instrument.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Tuning machines
  • Pickguard
  • Bridge
  • Strings
  • Strap buttons
  • Pickups
  • Tailpiece
  • Control knobs

Fender’s acoustic guitars are known for having a very solid and durable construction.

The company has generally used high-quality materials in its products, which is evident in many of the different successful models that they’ve built over the years.

When purchasing a guitar primarily on its hardware, ensure that it is of high quality and that it appears to be strong enough to withstand regular use.

Lower-quality guitars, for example, frequently have plastic saddles on the bridge, which can degrade the instrument’s tone and intonation while also making it more difficult to tune.

Metal pieces should not rust or tarnish, and they should appear sturdy and durable in order to avoid being damaged.

Good hardware is essential to a good-sounding and playable guitar, and there are a couple of things that a manufacturer can do to make it right for us guitarists.

Let’s take a closer look!

Fender CD-60S full guitar image
Fender CD-60S

– Tuning Machines


The tuning machines on this Fender CD-60S are die-cast, made of chrome, and feature a closed-back geared design.

  • Type: Die-Cast
  • Design: Closed-Back Geared

One of the most significant aspects of any guitar’s hardware is the tuning machines (or “tuners”).

They’re responsible for keeping the strings tight so they can vibrate properly and generate the right pitch.

Even the greatest guitar will sound terrible if it is tuned using low-quality tuning machines, so choose them carefully.

This is because tuning machines are what keep the guitar’s strings tight.

When they’re not functioning properly, the strings can become loose and hence, out of tune.

They can also make changing the strings more difficult, as well as playing the guitar more challenging in general.

Must Remember:

Good tuning machines are composed of durable, long-lasting materials and operate with accuracy and precision.

You should look for materials that are less susceptible to rust, such as nickel-plated steel or stainless steel.

Because these materials don’t tarnish, your instrument will last much longer.

Fender CD-60S headstock
Headstock

– Pickguard


The Fender CD-60S has a black pickguard with a 1-ply plain design.

  • Color: Black
  • Design: 1-Ply Plain

Less layers mean that with time, wear and scratches on the pickguard will typically become more obvious.

Most pickguards are made of plastic, and nowadays maybe even carbon fiber, and there are a few different designs that you’ll come across.

Their aim is to keep the pick from scratching the guitar’s finish while you’re playing.

When choosing a pickguard, it is important to consider both its durability and its ability to protect the guitar body from scratches.

Fender CD-60S pickguard color and design
Pickguard color and design

It should also be positioned in such a manner that it will protect the guitar’s body from pick scratches.

As for aesthetics and looks, the pickguard should also complement the overall look of the guitar.

It shouldn’t be too noticeable, but it shouldn’t be so small or low-quality that it seems to be out of place either.

– Strap Buttons


Both strap buttons on the Fender CD-60S are constructed of chrome, appear to be fairly strong, and are located at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.

Strap buttons is what we call the little metal buttons installed on the guitar’s body that are used to connect a strap to the instrument.

Usually, guitars will have two strap buttons, one on each side of the body.

Fender CD-60S strap buttons position and design
Strap buttons position and design

Metal strap buttons should be durable and sturdy so that they do not come loose over time.

Even though for most people, whether the strap buttons are good or not won’t be a deal-breaker for them, it’s still something to keep in mind.

Body


The bridge, neck, and strings are all joined to the guitar’s body, which is the most important section of the instrument.

This is where you’ll notice a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound can resonate from within the instrument.

The majority of guitars have a wooden body, although others have carbon fiber, metal, or plastic bodies (less usual).

– Wood


If you’re looking for a specific tone, have in mind the type of wood utilized for the body since this will impact how the guitar sounds.

When it comes to the Fender CD-60S, it has a solid spruce top with a mahogany back and mahogany sides.

Having a solid top is important because it means that the wood hasn’t been laminated, which could affect the sound quality since laminated wood is often thinner.

When wood is laminated, this means that strips of wood are glued together to create a piece.

– Finish


The guitar’s body finish is the last layer of protection for the wood.

When it comes to this guitar in specific, it has a gloss finish.

It’s what gives the guitar its luster and shine, and also protects the wood from scratches, dents, and other scratches.

You’ll come across a variety of finishes, including the following:

  • Polyurethane
  • Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Polyester

Nitrocellulose Lacquer is considered to be the best type of finish, but it’s also the most expensive.

It’s a durable finish that can be buffed to a high shine, and it’s also relatively easy to repair if it’s damaged.

Polyurethane is a cheaper alternative that’s almost as good, and Polyester is the cheapest option but it doesn’t provide as much protection.

Among these categories, there are subcategories as well, such as:

  • Gloss finishes: High shine and they’re very reflective.
  • Matte finishes: Have a lower shine and they’re not very reflective.
  • Satin finishes: Somewhere in-between gloss and matte, they have a moderate shine and they’re somewhat reflective.

– Colors Available


The color of a guitar’s body is never an important factor on its overall sound.

It can, however, affect the instrument’s appearance and feel.

Some individuals like a certain color guitar because it complements their aesthetic or because it’s easier to see in low light conditions.

Fender CD-60S colors available
Colors available

Some of the most popular colors for guitar bodies are:

  • Natural: This is the color of wood that hasn’t been stained or painted.
  • Black: Black is a popular color for metal-style guitars.
  • Sunburst: Sunburst is a combination of light and dark colors, usually red, yellow, and brown.

Choosing a guitar based on its color is purely a matter of personal preference.

But if you do take your time and choose something that you’re happy with, you’ll be much more likely to play it often and develop your skills quicker.

– Bridge, Saddle, and Pins


The Fender CD-60S has walnut bridge with white with black dots pins and also a saddle made of crème plastic.

Each one of these components plays an important role in how the guitar sounds and feels.

For example, the bridge’s primary purpose is to carry the vibrations of the strings to the guitar’s body.

The saddle, which is often composed of plastic or bone, is where the strings rest.

And the pins are what hold the strings in place.

Fender CD-60S bridge, saddle, and pins
Bridge, saddle, and pins

There are several types of bridges, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

On acoustic guitars, you’ll mainly see three types of bridges:

  • Pin bridges (standard)
  • Pinless bridges
  • Classical bridge

Pin bridges, being the most common type of bridge, are also the simplest to rebuild and replace.

However, they can be more difficult to intonate, which involves getting the strings in a precise position and tuning them.

Pinless bridges are less frequent, but they are simple to intone as well.

They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which may be difficult to keep track of.

Finally, classical guitar bridges are only found for the most part on classical guitars.

They are very similar in design to most other bridges, but the main distinction is that they have no pins and instead consist of a saddle and a wooden block with a hole for each string.

This hole is used to secure the string, giving the guitar a much cleaner appearance.

Now, the sort of saddle you have is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and simplest to buy, but they do not last as long as bone saddles.

The cost of bone saddles is more, but they are also more durable.

As for the bridge pins, there are three main types:

  • Plastic bridge pins
  • Steel bridge pins
  • Brass bridge pins

Plastic bridge pins are the cheapest and easiest to find, but they are known to be the least durable.

Steel bridge pins are more expensive, but they’re also more durable in many ways.

Brass bridge pins are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable our of the three.

Neck


When it comes to the Fender CD-60S, its neck is made of mahogany with a gloss urethane finish, and it has a Fender ‘Easy-to-Play’ shape with an dual-action truss rod.

The neck is the thin, long piece of the guitar that runs from the body to the headstock and is usually constructed of wood.

The wood used for the neck has an impact on the guitar’s playability and tone since various woods have different qualities and influence the way vibrations created by the strings move.

The most popular style of neck is the bolt-on neck, which is screwed or fastened onto the body of the guitar.

Another popular style is the set-neck, which is actually glued to the body of the guitar.

Guitar necks have a few important parts, which include: the fretboard, the frets, the nut, and the truss rod.

Fretboard


The fretboard is the part of the guitar’s neck where your fingers make contact and press against the strings.

It is often made out of wood, although it may also be made of other materials like as carbon fiber, plastic, or even metal.

The Fender CD-60S has a fretboard made of walnut with a radius of 12″ (305 mm) and 3mm pearloid dot inlays:

Fender CD-60S fretboard
Fretboard

Despite the fact that this has long been a source of debate, it is generally accepted that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a minor impact on the sound of the guitar.

For example, maple is a popular choice for electric guitars because it gives the instrument a bright, sharp cutting tone.

Rosewood is another popular choice, and it’s often used on acoustic guitars because it gives the instrument a warm and full sound.

Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars designed to have a very clean, clear tone.

There are many different types of fretboards available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The type of fretboard you pick is ultimately up to you and what you’re looking for in a guitar; the tone will not change dramatically, but the feel might.

Fender CD-60S body
Body

Brand Info


Fender is a leading manufacturer of electric guitars, and they’ve been in business since 1946.

They’re one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world, and their instruments are used by some of the most famous musicians of all time.

Also, the company offers a wide range of different models, from simple beginner guitars to complex professional instruments.

Their guitars are known for their great tone and quality craftsmanship, and they’re a popular choice for both beginner and experienced players.

At the same time, Fender guitars are very affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious musicians.

Fender brand logo
Fender logo

Videos


For those of you who want to get a more in-depth look at this guitar, we’ve included some videos below.

The first video is a demo showing off how it sounds and looks.

While the second video is a review that goes over some of its features and specs.

Demo

Fender CD60S acoustic guitar :: Demo, Soundcheck

Review

Yamaha FG-800 vs Fender CD-60S | Is one the better choice?

Specifications


A guitar’s specifications can tell you a lot about the instrument, and they can be helpful when you’re trying to decide between different models.

Below, we’ve included the specifications for the Fender CD-60S:

– General

BrandFender
ModelCD-60S
TypeAcoustic
Number of Strings6
Hardware PlatingChrome
Tuning MachinesDie-Cast
Tuning Machines DesignClosed-Back Geared
Electro-acousticNo
Built-in TunerNo
ColorsBlack, Natural

– Body

Body StyleDreadnought
CutawayNo
Solid TopYes
Top MaterialSolid Spruce
Back MaterialMahogany
Sides MaterialMahogany
Finish TypeGloss
PickguardYes
Pickguard ColorBlack
Pickguard Design1-Ply Plain
Strap ButtonsYes
Strap Buttons PositionBottom and side of heel
Strap Buttons DesignClassic

– Neck

Neck MaterialMahogany
Neck ShapeFender ‘Easy-to-Play’
Neck FinishGloss Urethane
Scale Length25.3″ (643 mm)
Truss RodDual-Action

– Fretboard

Fretboard MaterialWalnut
Fingerboard Inlay3mm Pearloid Dot
Fret Size Vintage
Number of Frets20

– Bridge, nut, saddle, pins

Bridge PinsWhite with Black Dots
Bridge Walnut
Saddle Material Crème Plastic
Nut MaterialCrème Plastic
Nut Width1.69″ (43 mm)

Please note that some brands might change the features and type of materials that they have and use on their guitars.

If you see a discrepancy in any of these specifications, please let us know and we’ll correct it.

I also encourage you to check out our other guitar reviews if you’re looking for something specific that you might have not found here with this guitar.

We have reviews on electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, effects pedals, and more.

No matter what your budget is, or what type of guitar you’re looking for, we should be able to help you find the perfect one for you.