Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar - Plug-In

In this review the Fender CD-60SCE is presented as a practical choice for beginning to intermediate players who need a reliable acoustic-electric that sounds good plugged in. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a solid spruce top and the built-in Fishman pickup/preamp system, which together deliver a clear, balanced amplified tone and a handy onboard tuner for live or practice use. The review looks at playability, construction, electronics and real-world use to help decide if it fits your needs.

Key Features

• Single-cutaway dreadnought body: Allows easier upper-fret access so players can reach higher notes without sacrificing the dreadnought low-end response.
• Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp: Provides a natural plugged-in tone and an accurate built-in tuner for quick stage setup and practice convenience.
• Solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing: Delivers increased volume and a crisp, articulate character compared with laminate tops.
• Mahogany back and sides: Contribute warmth and focus to the midrange, helping chords and single-note lines sit well in a mix.
• Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges: Makes fretting and chord changes more comfortable, especially for newer players spending long practice sessions.

Who It's For

The CD-60SCE is best for beginners stepping up from a starter guitar and intermediate players who need an affordable acoustic-electric for home, small gigs, campfires or coffeehouse settings. Its built-in electronics and solid spruce top make it a useful practice-to-stage option for singer-songwriters who plug into a simple amp or PA.

Players who need premium appointments, boutique tonewoods or professional studio-grade electronics should look elsewhere, but those seeking a durable, versatile instrument with good value and plug-and-play capability will find a lot to like here.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear amplified tone from the Fishman Classic Design system with a convenient onboard tuner.
• Strong acoustic projection and clarity from the solid spruce top and scalloped X-bracing.
• Comfortable, easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges that suits new players.
• Balanced warmth from mahogany back and sides that supports both strumming and fingerstyle.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed finishing quality and occasional string issues, so inspect for finish consistency and setup on arrival.
• Not targeted at players seeking boutique or studio-grade electronics and appointments.

Specifications

Model	CD-60SCE Dreadnought Cutaway
Top	Solid spruce with scalloped X-bracing
Back & Sides	Mahogany
Pickup/Preamp	Fishman Classic Design with built-in tuner
Body Style	Single-cutaway dreadnought
Neck	Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
Orientation	Right hand

Our Verdict

The Fender CD-60SCE is a solid value for players who want an easy-to-play acoustic-electric with genuine acoustic character and useful onboard electronics. It suits beginners and gigging singer-songwriters who need dependable plugged-in tone without a high price, though those expecting flawless finish work or boutique-level features should judge carefully at purchase. Overall, it offers dependable tone, comfortable playability and a practical feature set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the guitar have a built-in tuner?
Yes, the CD-60SCE includes a Fishman Classic Design preamp with an accurate onboard tuner for quick stage tuning.

Is the top solid wood?
Yes, the top is a solid spruce with scalloped X-bracing for increased volume and clarity.

Who should consider a different model?
Players seeking boutique electronics, premium finish work or studio-grade components may prefer a higher-end model.