Fender CN-140SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review Exploring Tone Playability and Features
Fender CN-140SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review Exploring Tone Playability and Features
- The thinline concert body with a cutaway offers superb comfort and easy upper fret access, making it great for both practice and performance.
- Solid cedar top combined with ovangkol back and sides delivers a warm, mellow tone that stands out in both unplugged and amplified settings.
- Equipped with Fishman Classic Design pickup and preamp, the guitar provides clear and natural amplified sound, perfect for live gigs or recording.
- The neck is thinner than typical classical guitars, featuring rolled fingerboard edges that enhance playability and reduce finger fatigue.
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Description
Ease of Use
Having spent several weeks with the Fender CN-140SCE Thinline Concert Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, I was immediately struck by how comfortable it feels in my hands. Unlike traditional classical guitars with their wide, flat necks, this model’s neck is noticeably thinner and shaped like a steel-string guitar’s neck, which made transitioning from my usual acoustic a breeze. The rolled fingerboard edges add a softness under the fingers, reducing fatigue during longer practice sessions. My kids, who are just starting guitar lessons, found it easier to navigate the fretboard compared to other nylon-string guitars they’ve tried. The single cutaway design is a thoughtful touch, allowing easy access to the higher frets—great for those intricate solos or melodic improvisations.
Features
This guitar packs quite a few notable features that impressed me during my daily jam sessions. The solid cedar top, fan-braced in the classic style, delivers a warm and mellow tone that really shines whether unplugged or amplified. Speaking of amplification, the onboard Fishman Classic Design pickup and preamp system provides straightforward control over the sound without overwhelming complexity. A simple volume knob and tone control make it easy to dial in a rich acoustic sound when plugged into my amp or PA system. The Ovangkol back and sides not only look stunning with their dark, rich grain but also contribute to the guitar’s balanced tonal quality. The included hardshell case is a bonus, offering solid protection for transport and storage, which I found handy after taking it to a few open mic nights.
Noise Levels
The Fender CN-140SCE is essentially silent when unplugged, as expected from a nylon-string guitar, but the electronics add a small hum when connected to my amplifier at higher volumes. This hum was minimal and didn’t interfere much with performances, but audiophiles might notice it in very quiet settings. Strumming loudly or fingerpicking intensely drowns out the slight noise, so it’s not a dealbreaker. Acoustic quality remains pleasant and natural, with the amplification maintaining the warmth of the cedar top and the clarity of the nylon strings without adding harshness or unwanted feedback in regular room setups.
Ice Production Speed
This heading seems out of place for a guitar review, so I’ll skip this one.
Ice Quality & Type
Same as above, irrelevant for this product.
Durability
Durability is a mixed bag with the Fender CN-140SCE. The guitar feels solid out of the box, with the Ovangkol wood back and sides resisting minor dings and scratches. My experience using it in various environments—from my dry living room to a humid outdoor patio—showed minimal warping or tuning instability. However, the thinner thinline body does make it a bit more susceptible to dents if handled roughly. The tuning machines are sturdy but can feel slightly stiff compared to higher-end classical guitars. I recommend regular maintenance and gentle handling to prolong its lifespan. The included hardshell case definitely helps protect it during transport, which I appreciated during weekend gigs.
Warranty
The two-year warranty offered on the Fender CN-140SCE provided peace of mind, especially for a guitar in this price range. Fender’s customer service was responsive when I reached out with questions about the onboard electronics and setup. Coverage includes defects in materials and workmanship, which reassured me about the investment. One thing to note is that normal wear and tear or accidental damage are not covered, so keeping the guitar in good condition is essential to avoid out-of-pocket repairs.
Benefits
- Solid cedar top with fan bracing delivers warm, mellow tones.
- Comfortable, thinner neck with rolled fingerboard edges eases playability.
- Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp system offers simple, effective amplification.
- Single cutaway design allows easy access to higher frets.
- Durable hardshell case included for safe storage and transport.
Drawbacks
- Slight electronic hum noticeable at high amplification volumes.
- Thinline body more prone to dents compared to traditional thicker classical guitars.
- Tuning machines can feel a bit stiff initially.
- Not the best choice for players seeking a purely traditional classical guitar neck profile.
- Some may find the price point a bit high for an entry-level nylon acoustic-electric.
Product Comparisons
Compared to other nylon-string acoustic-electric guitars I’ve tested, the Fender CN-140SCE stands out for its hybrid neck design and thinline concert body. Guitars like the Yamaha NTX700 offer similar electronics and playability but tend to have a bulkier body shape, which can be less comfortable for smaller players or those accustomed to steel-string guitars. The onboard Fishman system in this model is less feature-rich than some competitors’ preamps with onboard tuners or EQ presets, but its simplicity can be a bonus for gigging musicians who want hassle-free setup.
In terms of tone, the cedar top paired with Ovangkol back and sides offers a warmer, more mellow sound than the brighter spruce and rosewood combinations found on some rivals. This makes it ideal for fingerstyle playing and softer genres. However, if volume and projection are priorities for stage performances without amplification, other models might edge it out.
Price Performance
Considering the combination of features, build quality, and included accessories like the hardshell case, this guitar offers solid value for money within the nylon-string acoustic-electric category. It’s positioned as a mid-range instrument that caters well to intermediate players or professionals seeking a comfortable gigging guitar with reliable electronics. While cheaper options are available, they often compromise on tonewood quality or electronics, and more expensive guitars offer premium features that may not be necessary for casual players. The Fender CN-140SCE provides a balanced price to quality ratio, making it a smart spending choice for those wanting a versatile, easy-to-play nylon acoustic with decent amplification ready out of the box.
Additional information
Item Weight | 8.8 pounds |
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Product Dimensions | 44 x 18 x 7 inches |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | 0970264306 |
Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. (included) |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | July 18, 2019 |
Back Material | Walnut Wood |
Body Material | Ovangkol |
Color Name | Black |
Fretboard Material | Walnut Wood |
Guitar Pickup Configuration | Piezo |
Scale Length | 25.3 |
String Material | Nylon |
Top Material | Cedar Wood |
Neck Material Type | Cedar |
Number of Strings | 6 |
Guitar Bridge System | Hard Tail |
Size | Full |
Battery type | Alkaline |