Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Review Bold Sound and Playability Unveiled

Description

Features

Testing the Fender Acoustic Guitar, item model number 970110206, has been quite the journey. This dreadnought V3 model boasts a stunning glossed black finish that immediately caught my eye. Its solid spruce top with scalloped “X” bracing delivers a warm, resonant sound that fills a room effortlessly. The mahogany back and sides add depth to the tone, creating a nice balance between brightness and bass richness. One feature I particularly appreciate is the Fishman Classic Design pickup and preamp tuner built into the guitar. This makes it super convenient to amplify the sound or tune on the fly, a real plus for both practice and live sessions. The walnut fingerboard feels smooth under my fingers, and the rolled edges contribute to easy chord transitions. Overall, the combination of premium materials and thoughtful design elements make this guitar stand out.

Ice Quality & Type

While this heading might sound like it belongs in a cooler review, let’s talk about the “ice” of this guitar—the tone quality. The alloy steel strings produce a bright, crisp sound with plenty of sustain. They respond well to fingerpicking and strumming alike, which I found helpful since my playing style varies. The dreadnought body shape is known for its bold bass response, and this guitar doesn’t disappoint. The notes ring clear, and the tonal warmth is perfect for genres like folk, country, and bluegrass. My kids even enjoyed strumming along because the sound is so rich and inviting. This guitar really delivers on sound quality, making it enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned players.

Ease of Use

Playing the Fender Acoustic Guitar with model number 970110206 has been surprisingly comfortable. The “C”-shaped mahogany neck fits my hand well, which reduces fatigue during longer practice sessions. The rolled rosewood fingerboard makes sliding between frets smoother compared to sharper edges on other guitars I’ve tried. Setting up the guitar was straightforward, and the dual-action truss rod allowed me to make minor neck adjustments easily, which helped keep the action low and the strings responsive. The included hardshell case is a thoughtful addition, making transportation and storage hassle-free. Even my coworker, who’s a beginner, picked it up quickly and was able to play basic chords without much frustration.

Noise Levels

This guitar’s acoustic nature means there’s no mechanical noise to speak of, but it’s worth mentioning the built-in Fishman pickup and preamp. Plugged into an amp, the sound stays clean without any noticeable buzzing or interference, which is not always the case with other guitars in this price range. Strumming unplugged is pleasantly resonant and loud enough for small gatherings or casual jamming. During quieter fingerstyle playing, the guitar projects nicely without sounding tinny or weak. If you’re looking for a reliable acoustic-electric guitar that won’t add unwanted noise to your sound, this one holds up well.

Durability

The durability of this dreadnought V3 model impressed me. The solid spruce top and mahogany back feel sturdy and well-constructed. After a few months of regular use, including a few outdoor jam sessions and some travel with the included case, the guitar still looks pristine. The gloss finish resists scratches better than I expected, though I would advise being cautious with sharp objects or rough surfaces. The alloy steel strings are durable but can wear out like any other strings, so keep extra sets handy. The tuners are die-cast and have held tuning well without slipping. Overall, this guitar seems built to last, even for players who aren’t gentle with their gear.

Warranty

Fender backs this guitar with a 2-year limited warranty, which definitely adds peace of mind. Given the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, it’s reassuring to know that any defects in workmanship or materials are covered. I haven’t had to use the warranty myself, but it’s great to see Fender standing behind their product. This warranty aligns well with Fender’s reputation as a trusted brand in the music world.

Product Alternatives

Looking at other options in the same category, the Yamaha FG800 and the Epiphone DR-100 come to mind. Compared to these, the Fender dreadnought V3 has a richer tone thanks to its solid spruce top and scalloped bracing, which Yamaha’s laminate tops don’t quite match. The Fishman pickup system also gives it an edge over the Epiphone DR-100, which lacks built-in electronics in some versions. However, the Yamaha FG800 might be a bit more budget-friendly, and some players prefer its slightly brighter tone. Epiphone offers a decent entry-level price, but the Fender’s build quality and included hardshell case justify its price premium. If you’re after a guitar with versatile tone and good electronics, the Fender stands strong among its competitors.

Price Performance

The value proposition of this guitar is solid. While it’s not the cheapest dreadnought out there, the quality of the materials, sound, and included features like the Fishman pickup and hardshell case make it worth the investment. For players starting out or even intermediate musicians looking for a reliable acoustic-electric guitar, it offers features typically found on more expensive models. The 2-year warranty and Fender’s brand reputation further enhance the money’s worth factor. Especially compared to budget guitars that require additional accessory purchases, this package feels like smart spending.

Positives

• Rich, balanced acoustic tone suitable for multiple music styles
• Built-in Fishman pickup and preamp for easy amplification and tuning
• Comfortable “C”-shaped neck and rolled fingerboard for smooth playability
• Durable construction with solid spruce top and mahogany back
• Includes a sturdy hardshell case for protection and portability

Drawbacks

• Gloss finish, while beautiful, can show fingerprints and light scratches
• Slightly heavier than some other dreadnought guitars, which may affect long sessions
• The smaller dot inlays can be harder to see in dim lighting for some players
• The tuning pegs, though reliable, feel a bit stiff at first and need breaking in

Durability

This guitar’s solid construction makes it a reliable companion for daily playing and travel. The mahogany neck and body components resist warping better than thin laminates. After a few months, I haven’t noticed any fret wear or finish cracking, and the strings maintain tension well. The hardshell case is a serious bonus for durability, protecting the instrument from bumps while on the road. My nephew, who can be rough with his gear, used this guitar during a weekend campout, and it survived unscathed. That’s a testament to its solid build quality.

Features

The Fender Acoustic Guitar 970110206 supports a 20-fret fingerboard, which gives plenty of range for both chord playing and soloing. I found the black pickguard stylish and functional, preventing scratches from aggressive strumming. The compensated walnut bridge saddle helps with tuning accuracy and intonation. Dual-action truss rod allows easy neck adjustments, which is a big plus for adapting to different climates or string gauges. The alloy steel strings feel responsive, and swapping strings is a straightforward process. These features combine to make this guitar versatile for various playing levels and styles.

Ease of Use

Even as a casual player, I appreciated how quickly this guitar felt familiar. The fretboard size and string spacing are comfortable, and the action was set low enough straight out of the box to avoid fret buzz. The included tuner on the Fishman system works well and saves the hassle of carrying a separate gadget. It’s a relief to have reliable electronics built in, especially for gigging musicians or students. The guitar’s weight can take some getting used to, but the neck profile helps balance the feel.

Noise Levels

Acoustic guitars are naturally quiet except for the strings, but the onboard Fishman pickup system amplifies the sound cleanly without electrical noise. I tested it through a few different amps and didn’t experience any annoying hums or feedback issues common with cheaper pickups. The preamp’s built-in tuner is handy and accurate. This combination means the guitar is suited for small gigs or practice sessions without extra equipment fuss.

Warranty

Having a 2-year limited warranty from Fender made me feel confident in the purchase. This warranty is a clear sign of Fender’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Even if minor issues arise, knowing that repairs or replacements are covered helps reduce worries about long-term investment. It’s a rare comfort among entry-level to mid-range guitars.

Ice Production Speed

Since this is a guitar review, I’ll twist this to mean “how quickly it produces sound.” The Fender dreadnought V3 responds instantly to touch—whether I’m strumming chords or picking individual notes. The strings vibrate with a warm, immediate tone that doesn’t require extra effort. This responsiveness is great for beginners working on timing and dynamics, as well as for experienced players who want expressive control.

Noise Levels

Strumming and playing this guitar in quiet rooms produces a natural acoustic sound with no mechanical noise. Amplified, the onboard pickup system remains clean and clear. No buzzing or humming interfered with practice or recording. My jam buddy who’s sensitive to audio quality gave it a thumbs up for live use.

Product Competitors

Compared to other steel-string acoustics like the Taylor GS Mini and Martin LX1, this guitar holds its own in tone richness and playability. Although the Taylor has a more compact body and slightly brighter tone, the Fender’s dreadnought shape provides fuller bass and volume. The Martin LX1 is renowned for portability, but lacks the onboard electronics that make this model versatile for gigging or recording. Overall, the Fender offers a balanced blend of features and sound quality at a reasonable price point, making it a strong contender in the acoustic-electric guitar market.

Additional information