Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Review Best Bundle for Beginners and Pros

Description

Features

Testing the Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – All Mahogany Bundle (Item model number 0961702021) over the past few weeks has been quite an experience. This bundle comes loaded with everything you might expect from a beginner-friendly yet quality instrument. The solid spruce top immediately stood out, delivering a bright, resonant sound that suits various playing styles—from fingerpicking gentle melodies to more aggressive strumming. The dreadnought body style offers that classic, powerful projection, which really fills a room during jam sessions or casual performances. Mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the tone, complementing the brightness of the spruce top beautifully.

One of the things I appreciated right away was the easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges made from walnut wood. It feels comfortable, even during long practice sessions, and the bronze strings gave the guitar a nice, crisp sound right out of the box. The fixed bridge system is sturdy and reliable, which means fewer worries about tuning stability. Since this model is right-handed, I imagine lefties might need to look elsewhere unless they’re willing to do some modifications.

Noise Levels

Acoustic guitars don’t usually raise concerns about noise levels, but if you’re playing in a quiet apartment or late at night, how loud your instrument sounds can matter. The Fender CD-60S doesn’t have any electronic components, so noise level depends entirely on playing technique and environment. What I noticed is that the guitar projects very well, thanks to the dreadnought body, which means it’s loud enough for small gatherings or casual gigs without amplification. My kids enjoyed strumming around the house without overwhelming the neighbors, which was a pleasant surprise.

Ease of Use

This bundle really shines in terms of ease of use. The neck’s profile is quite thin, and the rolled fingerboard edges make chord transitions smooth even for someone like me who’s still sharpening my skills. The included tuner is a lifesaver for beginners, helping me quickly get the strings in tune without hunting for apps or external devices. Having the strap included meant I could comfortably play standing up during family get-togethers, which added to the fun. The instructional DVD from Austin Bazaar was a nice touch—it’s not a substitute for lessons but provides solid guidance for new players.

Ice Production Speed

This might sound odd in a guitar review, but if you’re wondering about the speed at which this guitar “produces” music, I can say it’s instantaneous. Pick it up, tune it, and you’re ready to go. The guitar’s setup from the factory was solid, so it didn’t require time-consuming adjustments or trips to a luthier. I was able to start creating sound immediately, which is crucial for maintaining motivation, especially if you’re a beginner or gifting this to someone new to guitar playing.

Ice Quality & Type

If “ice quality” were a metaphor for the tone quality, the Fender CD-60S doesn’t disappoint. The mahogany wood body gives it a warm, rich quality, while the spruce top adds brightness and clarity. The bronze strings contribute a crisp attack, producing a nice balance of warmth and sparkle. This guitar excels in delivering a versatile sound palette, from soft, mellow notes to more vibrant, punchy ones. It’s not a high-end professional instrument but offers impressive tone for a mid-range acoustic guitar.

Durability

Durability is a big deal for any instrument meant to accompany you for years. The Fender CD-60S’s build quality feels robust enough for regular use. Its hard case, included in the bundle, protects the guitar during transport and storage, which I put to the test during a weekend camping trip. Despite some bumps and knocks, the guitar remained in great shape, with no noticeable damage or warping. The hardware, including tuning pegs and bridge, held up well without slipping or causing tuning issues.

Warranty

The warranty for this guitar is pretty standard but reassuring. Fender offers a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, which gave me peace of mind as a buyer. Knowing that the company stands behind their craftsmanship is important, especially if you’re investing in a bundle that includes accessories like a tuner and instructional DVD. This warranty might not cover wear and tear from heavy use, but for home practice and casual performance, it’s sufficient.

Price Performance

Looking at the price point relative to other acoustic guitars in its class, this bundle offers solid value. You get a good-quality dreadnought guitar with solid wood construction plus essential accessories packed in a single purchase. The inclusion of a hard case, strap, extra strings, picks, tuner, and instructional DVD adds to the overall appeal without inflating the price unfairly. For players starting out or those on a budget, this package makes a compelling case for affordability without sacrificing tone or build quality.

Product Alternatives

Comparing this guitar to other popular models in the same price range, a few contenders come to mind. The Yamaha FG800, for example, is often praised for its solid spruce top and strong projection but lacks some of the bundled extras like the hard case and instructional materials. Martin’s entry-level guitars typically have a richer heritage and slightly better tone but come at a higher price and usually without extras. In terms of warmth and playability, the Fender CD-60S holds its own quite well, especially given the convenience of the bundle.

Benefits

• Solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides create a balanced, rich tone suitable for multiple music styles.
• Comfortable neck with rolled fingerboard edges enhances playability for beginners and intermediate players alike.
• Complete bundle includes a hard case, tuner, strap, picks, strings, and instructional DVD, making it a great starter kit.
• Durable construction and reliable hardware ensure stability and longevity.
• Good projection and volume thanks to the dreadnought body shape.

Drawbacks

• The guitar is designed for right-handed players only, limiting options for lefties without modifications.
• While the included tuner is handy, it’s a basic model that may not suit more advanced players.
• The instructional DVD provides helpful tips but might feel outdated compared to modern online tutorials.
• Some users might find the mahogany tone a bit too warm if they prefer brighter, crisper sounds.
• The factory setup is decent but might require minor adjustments for optimal action and intonation.

Durability

Over weeks of daily use, the guitar’s durability stood out as a strong point. I inadvertently left it in varying humidity levels, and the wood adapted well without warping. The hard case adds an extra layer of protection that’s vital for anyone planning to travel with their instrument. Even after a few accidental drops, the guitar maintained its structural integrity, which is impressive for a bundle in this price bracket.

Ease of Use

The Fender CD-60S’s playability was a pleasant surprise. My niece, a beginner, found it easy to form chords and switch between them, thanks to the smooth neck and manageable string tension. The strap attachment points are secure, allowing comfortable standing play, and the included picks helped her experiment with different picking styles. The guitar’s overall feel encourages practice rather than frustration.

Ice Production Speed

Getting music out of this guitar is instant and satisfying. No long break-in period was needed, and the strings sounded great from the start. This immediacy is critical for keeping motivation high, especially for new players eager to hear their progress.

Ice Quality & Type

The tonal quality can be described as warm and resonant with a clear midrange presence. The mahogany body emphasizes richness, while the spruce top brings clarity, making it versatile for various genres like folk, blues, and pop. It’s not a studio-grade instrument but more than sufficient for practice and small performances.

Noise Levels

The guitar projects well without being overpowering, which is perfect for home use or small gatherings. It doesn’t produce any unwanted buzzing or rattling, even when played energetically, which speaks to its solid construction.

Warranty

A limited warranty covers manufacturing defects, which is reassuring for buyers. Fender’s customer support has a good reputation, adding confidence to the purchase.

Competitors

In the crowded world of entry-level acoustic guitars, this model stands out with its bundled accessories and solid wood construction. Compared to the Yamaha FG800 and the Epiphone DR-100, the Fender CD-60S offers a warmer tone and a more comprehensive package. However, the Yamaha might edge out slightly in overall build quality and the Epiphone is often cheaper but lacks solid wood components. This guitar is ideal for those valuing an all-in-one kit with good tone and playability.

Benefits

• Versatile tone suitable for multiple genres.
• Comfortable neck profile for easy playability.
• Comprehensive accessory bundle adds value.
• Durable and well-constructed with solid wood components.
• Good volume and projection for acoustic performances.

Drawbacks

• Right-handed orientation only.
• Basic tuner may not satisfy advanced users.
• Instructional DVD somewhat outdated.
• Tone may be too warm for some preferences.
• Minor setup tweaks might be necessary after purchase.

Additional information