Fender CD-60S: Good Intentions, But Get Ready to Tinker

The Fender CD-60S shouts “classic dreadnought” from across the room: it’s got those iconic lines, a familiar headstock, and a finish that looks more expensive than it is. You see that Fender name and start picturing yourself breezing through blues riffs or strumming something raw and loud. But, much like a deep-dish pizza cut too thin, sometimes what looks hearty ends up a little lacking.

This thing is built mostly from laminated mahogany (or spruce if that’s what lands in your cart), plus a glossy coat that’ll reflect your ceiling fan nicely. At a glance, it has the “starter guitar for adults” vibe nailed. But once you’ve got it on your lap and actually dig in, there’s real stuff to chew on—good and bad.

Does the Dreadnought Shape Deliver?

Here’s the deal: for a body this size, I expected more sound. You think “dreadnought” and your mind goes to jam sessions in a crowded room, pushing enough air to compete with the chattiest cousin at a barbecue. The CD-60S’s output, though, is shy for its shape. I don’t mean hollow or thin; the mids have warmth, especially if you play fingerstyle or keep it soft. But put it in a circle with friends, and you’ll be working harder than you’d expect to stand out. It’s fine in a living room, sure, but don’t count on it for impromptu street performances unless you’ve got a backup plan.

The Comfort Side: Mixed Bag

The neck on this thing is decently slim—far from clubby, and the rolled fretboard edges are kinder on the hands than the stuff I grew up learning on. Barre chords and runs up the neck feel okay, and you can get expressive without snagging or scraping. But those factory strings are no joke. They’re heavy and stiff, especially for anyone with soft fingertips, and that’s going to be a dealbreaker if you’re just starting out. Swapping them out for lighter gauge strings makes a noticeable difference. Until then, you’re working for every note, particularly if you came from a nylon-string or electric guitar. Playing this acoustic out of the box can feel like a workout—one you didn’t sign up for.

Out-of-the-Box Setup: Not Fender’s Strong Point

I don’t sugarcoat setup issues because nothing turns off a new player faster than fighting their own instrument. More than a few CD-60S units show up sporting high action—enough neck relief to drive a bus under the strings—making it a pain for beginners and uncomfortable even for seasoned strummers. Unless you get lucky, you’ll want to factor in the cost (or frustration) of a professional setup, because those YouTube tutorials go only so far. It’s a real sticking point. Fender drops the ball here, and there’s no excuse given how slick the marketing is. Folks buying an entry-level guitar deserve better out of the gate.

Sound Character: Warm, but Limited

Now, the tone isn’t all bad news. Laid-back blues progressions, finger-picked folk, and simple strumming all sound pleasing in a quiet spot. You’ll get warmth and some pleasing resonance. Push it hard or play in a group, though, and it just doesn’t have the projection other guitars in this class bring. The mahogany build delivers some nice nuance in the mids (think Delta, not Nashville), but lacks the bite to cut through dense mixes or noisy venues. That’s the trade-off—smooth character at home, not a lot of power for gigs.

Where It Falls Short—And Why You Should Care

One thing about this guitar: it makes you earn your fun.

• Volume is Underwhelming: For a big-bodied instrument, it’s surprisingly polite in a crowd. Street musicians and band players will be left wanting.
• Setup Problems Are Real: Expect high strings, stiff playability, and inconsistent neck adjustments straight from the store. If DIY repairs aren’t your thing, budget for a luthier.
• Stiff Factory Strings: You’ll feel it. For many folks trying to ease into acoustic, this just stings until you swap them out.
• Awkward Size for Some Players: Not everyone can comfortably hug a big dreadnought on the couch or at a coffee shop. Smaller-framed players will feel restless after a while.

The thing is, none of these are unsolvable. But all of them mean the CD-60S isn’t exactly the “grab and go” beginner’s guitar marketing says it is—at least, not unless you’re up for some tweaks.

Who Should Even Consider It?

This is a solid-looking, decently built guitar for folks who want that big Fender badge and don’t mind tinkering or spending a little extra for a setup. If you’ve already got some experience, or you know a tech who owes you a favor, the issues aren’t terminal. And honestly? If you like modding or taking ownership of your gear, the CD-60S is a fine playground.

But if you just want to pull an acoustic out of the box and play without sore hands, setup gripes, or extra trips to the music shop, there are better buys around. Yamaha’s FG800 or FG820, for example, have consistently cleaner setup and more reliable volume. Ibanez and Alvarez have a few friendly contenders in this range—less fuss, more music, especially important if you’re still cutting your teeth on the instrument.

So, thumbs sideways for the CD-60S. It looks the part and can sound nice, but the out-of-the-box hassle makes it hard to recommend as the first acoustic for newcomers. Jump in if you’re handy or committed, but for a real plug-and-play experience, look elsewhere—your fingers and your patience will thank you.