Fender CD-60SCE All Mahogany Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric - Complete

In this review the Fender CD-60SCE emerges as a practical, affordable option for beginners and intermediate players who want a ready-to-play acoustic-electric that delivers a warm, focused tone. The single biggest reason to consider it is the combination of a solid mahogany top and Fishman CD preamp, which together provide a pleasingly warm acoustic voice and reliable amplified tone for practice and small gigs. The included Austin Bazaar bundle gear means a buyer gets everything needed to start playing right away.

Key Features

• Solid Mahogany Top: Provides a warm, midrange-focused tone that suits strumming and fingerstyle and improves in resonance as the top opens up.
• Cutaway Dreadnought Body: The single-cutaway design allows easier access to upper frets, helping players explore leads and higher voicings.
• Fishman CD Preamp: Built-in electronics make plugging into a practice amp or PA straightforward while retaining a natural acoustic character.
• All Mahogany Construction: Mahogany back and sides match the top for a consistent aesthetic and tonal balance with focused projection.
• Complete Accessory Bundle: The gig bag, cable, strap, tuner, strings, picks, cloth and instructional DVD supply everything a new player needs to begin learning and performing.

Who It's For

The Fender CD-60SCE suits beginners and intermediate players who want a durable, good-sounding acoustic-electric without a large investment, especially those who value a warm, woody mahogany tone and easy upper-fret access from the cutaway. It is also a sensible choice for players who need a complete starter kit and appreciate the convenience of included accessories and a built-in tuner.

Players who should look elsewhere include those seeking a very bright, bell-like sound typical of spruce-topped guitars or professionals chasing boutique-level hardware and premium appointments. Also, musicians who need advanced onboard preamps or active tone shaping may prefer a different electronics package.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, balanced tone from the solid mahogany top that works well for strumming and vocals.
• Cutaway dreadnought body gives easier upper-fret access for leads and higher chords.
• Value-packed bundle provides a gig bag, cable, tuner, strap, strings, picks, cloth and instructional DVD to get started immediately.
• Fishman CD Preamp offers reliable amplified sound for practice and small performances.

Cons

• Some buyers report mixed durability of consumables like strings, so expect occasional string changes early on.
• The mahogany tone is darker and may not suit players seeking a brighter, sparkle-heavy acoustic voice.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Fender CD-60SCE is a strong choice for players who want a warm-sounding, easy-to-play acoustic-electric with the convenience of a full starter bundle. Its solid mahogany top and Fishman preamp make it a practical, good-value instrument for lessons, home practice and small performances, though players seeking a brighter spruce voice or boutique appointments may prefer other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this guitar include electronics for plugging into an amp?
Yes, it ships with a Fishman CD preamp built in for amplified playing.

What accessories are included in the bundle?
The Austin Bazaar bundle contains a gig bag, instrument cable, strap, picks, extra strings, a clip-on digital tuner, a polishing cloth and an instructional DVD.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is well suited to beginner and intermediate players who want a ready-to-play guitar with useful accessories.