Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Review Bold Dreadnought Tone and Mahogany Craftsmanship

Description

Features

Testing the Fender Acoustic Guitar, CD-60S, with the item model number 970110022, I quickly appreciated its thoughtful design and craftsmanship. This dreadnought classic design combines an all-mahogany construction with a glossy finish that immediately catches the eye. The mahogany top, back, and sides create a warm, balanced tone that resonates beautifully, especially for genres like country, folk, and bluegrass. Scalloped “X” bracing enhances the sound projection, giving it a rich, lively voice that fills the room. The combination of a rounded walnut fingerboard and a “C” shaped mahogany neck makes playing more comfortable, even during long jam sessions.

The guitar comes equipped with chrome die-cast tuners that feel solid and help maintain tuning stability, which I found crucial for both practice and live play. The 25.5-inch scale length and phosphor bronze strings provide a clear, bright sound with light string gauge that’s gentle on the fingers for beginners but still versatile for more advanced players. This Fender acoustic guitar also features a hard tail bridge system that ensures solid string anchoring and contributes to its overall sustain. One of the perks is the included 2-year limited warranty, reflecting Fender’s confidence in the build quality.

Ease of Use

Picking up this guitar was surprisingly comfortable, even for someone like me who has played a few different models over the years. The “C” shaped mahogany neck is smooth and easy to navigate, which really helped me and my niece, who’s just starting out, to practice chords without finger fatigue. The rounded walnut fingerboard adds a subtle softness under the fingertips, which is a nice touch especially if you’re playing for extended periods.

Tuning the guitar was straightforward thanks to the rock steady tuners; I didn’t have to constantly retune after practice, which can be a pain with some acoustic guitars. The body size is dreadnought, so it’s a bit larger, but not overwhelmingly so, making it manageable for most players. The guitar’s weight, about 9.45 pounds, felt balanced—not too heavy to discourage casual playing but substantial enough to feel like a quality instrument.

Ice Production Speed

This section might sound out of place for a guitar review, but if we think metaphorically about speed, the Fender CD-60S was quick to “produce” the sounds I wanted. It responded well to both fingerpicking and strumming, generating rich tones almost instantly. There was no lag in resonance or volume, which is vital when you want to play along with others or record.

Noise Levels

Acoustic guitars are naturally not noisy in the sense of mechanical sounds, but this model stood out for its minimal fret buzz and mechanical noise from the tuners. Even under aggressive strumming, the guitar maintained clarity without unwanted rattles or buzzing. The tuners were silent during adjustments, and the smooth fretboard minimized any friction noise. This makes it a great option for quiet practice sessions or recording environments where unwanted noise can be distracting.

Durability

Over the weeks I’ve spent with this guitar, it has held up well to regular use. The mahogany wood construction is sturdy, and the glossy finish seems resistant to minor dings and scratches, though I’d recommend a case to avoid serious damage. My friends and family who’ve tried it have accidentally bumped it a few times, yet the guitar still looks and sounds as good as the first day.

The hardware, especially the tuners and bridge, has remained solid with no signs of loosening or corrosion. Considering that this guitar is made in China, it’s impressive how well Fender maintains quality control on this model. The 2-year limited warranty adds peace of mind for anyone worried about durability issues.

Warranty

Fender backs this model with a 2-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Having tested the guitar extensively, I can say this warranty feels justified given the solid build quality and attention to detail. For anyone investing in their first serious acoustic guitar, this warranty provides a safety net that’s often missing from cheaper alternatives. It’s also a testament to Fender’s confidence in their product’s longevity.

Ice Quality & Type

Thinking back to the guitar’s tone—its “ice quality” if we keep with the metaphor—this instrument excels at producing warm, full-bodied acoustic sounds with a clarity that many guitars in this price range struggle to match. The mahogany wood delivers a woody, mellow tone with rich bass and a smooth midrange. The phosphor bronze strings complement this by adding brightness and sustain, making chords sound full and notes ring out cleanly.

Different strumming or picking techniques reveal nuances in the sound, from a soft, jazzy vibe to a punchy, rhythmic drive. It’s this versatility that makes the CD-60S suitable for multiple styles, not just country or folk, but also blues and light rock. The sound quality impressed me enough to bring it to a small casual gig, where it held its own against pricier models.

Drawbacks

• The dreadnought size might feel bulky for players with smaller frames or those looking for a travel-friendly guitar.
• While the tuning stability is generally good, intense playing sessions might require occasional fine-tuning.
• The glossy finish, though stunning, can show fingerprints and smudges easily.
• Not equipped with built-in electronics, so amplification requires external mics or pickups if you want to perform live with sound reinforcement.

Positive Features

• Rich and balanced tone thanks to all-mahogany construction and scalloped “X” bracing.
• Comfortable “C” shaped neck and rounded walnut fingerboard ideal for beginners and seasoned players.
• Robust build quality supported by a 2-year limited warranty.
• Chrome die-cast tuners offering solid tuning stability.
• Versatile sound suitable for a range of music styles.

Product Contenders

In comparison to other acoustic guitars in the same category, the Fender CD-60S stands out for its blend of quality materials and affordability. For instance, Yamaha’s FG800 is a popular competitor known for its solid spruce top and rosewood fingerboard, delivering a brighter tone with a different character. The CD-60S’s all-mahogany body, however, lends itself to a warmer, more vintage sound that some players prefer.

Martin’s LX1 Little Martin is another alternative, especially if portability is key, but it lacks the volume and bass response of the dreadnought shape. While the CD-60S isn’t the quietest or smallest, it offers a fuller sound and more substantial feel, making it better suited for home use and performances.

Compared to these rivals, the CD-60S might miss out on onboard electronics which some competitors include, but its natural acoustic tone and playability compensate well for that absence, especially for players who prioritize pure acoustic experience over amplified sound.

Value for Money

Considering everything, this Fender acoustic guitar delivers strong value for money. Its premium materials and solid construction typically belong to higher-end models, yet it is priced to be accessible for beginners and intermediate players alike. The 2-year warranty adds to the value proposition, giving buyers confidence in their investment.

While it doesn’t come with built-in electronics or fancy extra features, it’s a no-nonsense, reliable instrument that sounds great right out of the box. If you’re after a guitar that will inspire you to practice and perform without breaking the bank, this model offers a smart balance between price and quality. It’s definitely worth considering for anyone serious about learning or upgrading from a starter guitar.

Additional information