This Fender CD-60SCE 12-String is an amazing option to consider if you are looking for an acoustic guitar that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
It features a non-cutaway body with gloss finish, a top made of solid spruce, back and sides made of mahogany, and a 25.3″ (643 mm) scale length.
You can purchase this guitar in many different stores, some of them include:
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In this review post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String acoustic guitar and examine its features, sound, and playability.
Making good decisions is key since certain guitar features can significantly change the feel and value of the instrument.
Table of Contents
Summary
Here’s a brief overview of how the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String performs across different key points.
Just so you are aware, the score and rating we give are based on our own personal opinion and could be different from yours or other guitarists.
Hardware
All of the metal and plastic parts that make up a guitar are called hardware.
These include but are not limited to:
- Tuning machines
- Pickguard
- Bridge
- Strings
- Strap buttons
- Pickups
- Tailpiece
- Control knobs
Fender acoustic guitars are noted for their strong and long-lasting construction.
The company has generally always used high-quality materials for its products, which is evident in many of the different successful models that they’ve built throughout the years.
If you are considering an acoustic guitar based on its hardware, you must ensure that it is of high quality and appears to be strong enough to withstand regular use.
Plastic saddles on the bridge, for example, are common on lower-quality guitars, which can degrade the instrument’s tone and intonation while also making it more difficult to tune.
Also, ensure sure the metal pieces aren’t prone to rusting or tarnishing, and that they appear solid, durable, and can’t be easily damaged.
A well-sounding and playable guitar requires decent hardware, and there are a few things a manufacturer can do to make it perfect for us.
Let’s take a closer look!
– Tuning Machines
On this Fender CD-60SCE 12-String, the tuning machines are die-cast, made of chrome, and have 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 in charge of keeping the strings tight and firm so they can vibrate properly and produce the right pitch.
Low-quality tuning machines can ruin the sound of even the best guitar, so choose wisely.
This is due to the fact that tuning machines are what keep the guitar’s strings tight.
When they’re not working properly, the strings can become loose and, as a result, out of tune.
They can also make string changes more complex and the guitar more difficult to play in general.
Must Remember:
High-quality tuning machines are usually constructed from tougher materials and have dependable, smooth action.
Make sure to avoid materials like nickel-plated steel or stainless steel to prevent rust.
These materials are also less prone to tarnish, ensuring that your guitar maintains its appearance for a longer period of time.
– Pickguard
The Fender CD-60SCE 12-String guitar 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 protect the guitar’s finish against scratches caused by the pick as you play.
A good pickguard needs to be made of a tough material that can handle being used often.
It also needs to be in a position where it’s likely to actually protect the body of the guitar from scratches caused by the player’s pick.
As for appearance, a pickguard should also look good with the rest of the guitar.
It shouldn’t be too noticeable, but it also shouldn’t be too small or low-quality that it seems out of place.
– Strap Buttons
Both strap buttons on the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String are constructed of chrome, appear to be fairly strong, and are located at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.
Strap buttons are those little metal buttons installed on the guitar’s body that are used to secure a strap to the instrument.
Two strap buttons, one on each side of the body, are very standard on most guitars.
Metal strap buttons should be robust and well-secured to avoid coming off or 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 when reviewing a guitar.
Body
The bridge and neck of a guitar, are some of the different parts that are connected to the body.
This is where you’ll also find a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound can reverberate from within the instrument.
Most guitars have a wooden body, although others have carbon fiber, metal, or even plastic bodies (less usual).
– Wood
If you’re seeking for a specific tone, the type of wood chosen for the body might impact the sound of the guitar.
When it comes to the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String, 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 body finish is the final layer of protection for the wood of the guitar body.
When it comes to this guitar in specific, it has a gloss finish.
It’s what gives the guitar its brilliance and shine, but also protects the wood from scratches, dents, and other damages.
There are a variety of finishes to choose from, including:
- 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, influence the instrument’s aesthetic appeal to you.
Some individuals like a specific color guitar because it complements their personal style.
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-60SCE 12-String has rosewood 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 instance, the bridge is in charge of transmitting string vibrations to the guitar’s body.
The saddle, which is typically composed of plastic or bone, serves as a resting place for all of the strings.
And the pins are what keep the strings in place so that you can play your instrument.
There are also several kinds of bridges, each with its own set of pro’s and cons.
On acoustic guitars, you’ll mainly see three types of bridges:
- Pin bridges (standard)
- Pinless bridges
- Classical bridge
Pin bridges are the most common type of bridge, and they’re also the easiest to replace.
They are, however, more difficult to intonate, which means getting the strings in the proper place.
Pinless bridges are less common, although they are easy to intonate as well.
They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which can be difficult to track and are very easy to lose.
Lastly, classical guitar bridges are only used on classical guitars.
They are similar in design to most other bridges, but the key 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 tie the string down, giving the guitar a much cleaner appearance.
Now, the type of saddle you use is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and quickest to find, but they do not last as long as bone saddles.
Bone saddles are more expensive, but they’re also way 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-60SCE 12-String, 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 type of wood that’s used for the neck can affect the guitar’s playability and sound since different woods have different properties and impact the way that the vibrations produced by the strings behave.
The most common type of neck is the bolt-on neck, which is screwed or bolted onto the body of the guitar.
Another popular construction is the set-neck, which is whenever the neck is just glued to the body.
The fretboard, frets, nut, and truss rod are all crucial components of a guitar neck.
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 of wood, although it can also be made of carbon fiber, plastic, or metal.
The Fender CD-60SCE 12-String has a fretboard made of walnut with a radius of 12″ (305 mm) and 3mm pearloid dot inlays:
Despite the fact that this has traditionally been a point of controversy, it is widely accepted that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a small impact on the sound of the guitar.
For example, maple is a popular wood for electric guitars because it produces a sharp and vibrant tone.
Rosewood is another popular choice, and it is frequently used on acoustic guitars because it produces a warm, full-bodied tone.
Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars with a very clean, clear tone.
There are several types of fretboards available, each with its own set of pros and cons.
The sort of fretboard you pick is ultimately up to you and what you want in a guitar; the tone will not be dramatically different, but the feel will be.
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.
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
Review
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-60SCE 12-String:
– General
Brand | Fender |
Model | CD-60SCE 12-String |
Type | Acoustic |
Number of Strings | 12 |
Hardware Plating | Chrome |
Tuning Machines | Die-Cast |
Tuning Machines Design | Closed-Back Geared |
Electro-acoustic | Yes |
Built-in Tuner | Yes |
Colors | Natural |
– Body
Body Style | Dreadnought 12-String |
Cutaway | No |
Solid Top | Yes |
Top Material | Solid Spruce |
Back Material | Mahogany |
Sides Material | Mahogany |
Finish Type | Gloss |
Pickguard | Yes |
Pickguard Color | Black |
Pickguard Design | 1-Ply Plain |
Strap Buttons | Yes |
Strap Buttons Position | Bottom and side of heel |
Strap Buttons Design | Classic |
– Neck
Neck Material | Mahogany |
Neck Shape | Fender ‘Easy-to-Play’ |
Neck Finish | Gloss Urethane |
Scale Length | 25.3″ (643 mm) |
Truss Rod | Dual-Action |
– Fretboard
Fretboard Material | Walnut |
Fingerboard Inlay | 3mm Pearloid Dot |
Fret Size | Vintage |
Number of Frets | 20 |
– Bridge, nut, saddle, pins
Bridge Pins | White with Black Dots |
Bridge | Rosewood |
Saddle Material | Crème Plastic |
Nut Material | Crème Plastic |
Nut Width | 1.77″ (45 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.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.