Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle Review: The Perfect Marriage of Comfort and Pro-Level Tone

Starting your musical journey is a thrill, but it is often met with a frustrating wall: the “beginner’s guitar” trap. We have all seen them—clunky, high-action instruments that make your fingers bleed and sound more like a cardboard box than a musical instrument. Choosing the wrong guitar doesn’t just make playing harder; it actively discourages you from practicing. If the neck is too thick, or the body is too bulky, you will find yourself making excuses not to pick it up. This is where we found the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle to be a genuine game-changer. It aims to solve the two biggest hurdles for developing players: physical comfort and inspiring sound quality. By opting for a concert-sized body and a solid wood top, Fender has created a bridge between “affordable starter” and “serious instrument,” ensuring that your first steps in music are as smooth as possible.

What to Consider Before Buying a Steel-String Acoustic Guitar

A steel-string acoustic guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creative expression, stress relief, and skill building. Unlike nylon-string classical guitars, steel-string acoustics offer that bright, percussive, and “ringing” tone that defines folk, rock, and country music. However, they are also physically more demanding. The tension of the strings is higher, and the bodies can be quite large. Choosing the right one involves balancing the desire for a “big” sound with the practical reality of how the instrument fits against your body. If the guitar is too large, you’ll struggle with shoulder fatigue; if the action (the height of the strings) is too high, you’ll struggle to hold down chords. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how Fender addresses these ergonomic challenges.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the ergonomic struggles of a full-sized dreadnought, particularly younger players, women, or anyone with a smaller frame. It is also perfect for the intermediate player looking for a “couch guitar” that is easy to grab and play without much fuss. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who strictly play bluegrass and need the massive, booming low-end volume that only a large dreadnought can provide. For those players, a larger body style would be the better path.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Body Shape: The shape of the guitar dictates how it feels in your lap. A “Concert” size like the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle is narrower at the waist and thinner than a Dreadnought, making it much easier to wrap your arm around. This leads to better posture and longer practice sessions without back pain.
• Solid Top vs. Laminate: This is the most important spec. A “Solid Top” (like the mahogany top on this Fender) is a single piece of wood that vibrates more freely and improves in sound as it ages. Laminate tops are just layers of wood glued together; they are durable but often sound “stiff” and one-dimensional.
• The Neck Profile: Look for terms like “Easy-to-Play” or “Rolled Fretboard Edges.” These mean the manufacturer has taken extra steps to smooth out the sides of the neck so it doesn’t feel sharp or bulky in your palm, which is vital for beginners learning barre chords.
• Bundle Value: Maintenance is a part of guitar ownership. A bundle that includes a tuner, extra strings, and a gig bag saves you from making five separate purchases later. However, ensure the included accessories are of decent quality, as a poor tuner can make the best guitar sound terrible.

While the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle

When we first opened the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle, the immediate standout was the mahogany finish. In a world of standard “natural” spruce tops, the dark, rich grain of the mahogany gives this guitar a sophisticated, “boutique” look that belies its entry-level price point. The concert body size felt instantly manageable. It doesn’t feel like you are hugging a water heater; it feels like an extension of your body. We noticed that the “Easy-to-Play” neck lived up to its name immediately. The edges of the walnut fretboard are noticeably rounded, which prevents that “sharp” feeling when your thumb or fingers wrap around the neck.

The assembly was non-existent, as is standard for acoustics, but the initial setup was impressive. Many guitars in this price bracket arrive with the strings an inch off the fretboard, but the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle came with what we would call “comfortable action” right out of the box. The accessories—the gig bag, tuner, and picks—are basic but functional. It is a comprehensive starter kit that feels intentional rather than just a collection of leftovers. You can check the latest price and availability to see why this remains a top-tier recommendation for value.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle

Ergonomics and the “Easy-to-Play” Experience

In our extensive testing, the standout feature of the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle is undoubtedly its playability. Fender has clearly done their homework regarding the ergonomics of a beginner’s instrument. The “Easy-to-Play” neck profile isn’t just marketing jargon; it’s a thinner, more modern “C” shape that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. When we compared it to older “V” or “D” shaped necks, the difference was stark. We found that transitioning between chords like G Major and the dreaded F Major barre chord was significantly easier because there is less “bulk” to fight against.

The rolled fretboard edges are a premium touch that we rarely see at this price point. Typically, budget guitars have fretboards with sharp, 90-degree angles that can dig into your hand. On this Fender, the edges are sanded down into a soft curve. This might seem like a small detail, but over a hour-long practice session, it makes a world of difference for your comfort levels. We also noted that the “Action”—the distance between the strings and the frets—was set up remarkably well from the factory. While some users mentioned minor issues with strap buttons, the physical geometry of the guitar itself is nearly flawless for its intended audience. One user even noted it was the “perfect size” for a 9-year-old, confirming our findings that this guitar bridges the gap between child-sized instruments and full-sized guitars beautifully.

Tonal Character: The Warmth of Solid Mahogany

Sound quality is where the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle truly punches above its weight. Most affordable guitars use a spruce top, which provides a bright, “zippy” sound. However, this specific model features a Solid Mahogany top. Mahogany is known for its “warmth”—meaning it emphasizes the mid-range frequencies and provides a smoother, mellower tone. When we strummed our first few chords, the sound was rich and “woody,” lacking the tinny, metallic harshness found in cheaper laminate-top guitars. This is a feature that really sets it apart from the sea of spruce-top competitors.

Because it is a solid top, the wood will actually “open up” over time. As you play the guitar, the vibrations cause the cellular structure of the wood to settle, resulting in a more resonant and louder instrument three years from now than it is today. This longevity is why we recommend this over cheaper, all-laminate alternatives. During our testing, we found the balance between the high and low strings to be exceptional. While it doesn’t have the floor-shaking bass of a dreadnought, every note in a complex chord rings out clearly. This makes it a fantastic tool for fingerstyle players or singer-songwriters who want their vocals to sit on top of a warm, supportive guitar bed without getting drowned out by boomy low-end.

The Bundle Components: A Real-World Assessment

When you purchase the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle, you aren’t just buying a guitar; you are buying an ecosystem. We scrutinized every accessory included in the Austin Bazaar package. The gig bag is a standard “soft” bag—it won’t survive a fall down a flight of stairs, but it’s perfect for keeping dust off the guitar at home or light transport to a lesson. The clip-on tuner is surprisingly accurate and easy to read, which is vital because a guitar that won’t stay in tune is a guitar that won’t be played. We found the Austin Bazaar instructional DVD and the Fender Play online lessons to be a great “one-two punch” for self-taught players, offering structured guidance right from day one.

However, there is one area where we agree with user feedback: the strings. While Fender supplies high-quality Dura-Tone strings, some users have reported receiving guitars where the strings showed signs of corrosion due to warehouse storage. In our evaluation, we suggest that any new owner of the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle should consider picking up a fresh pack of strings immediately. Even if the ones on it look fine, a fresh set of phosphor bronze strings will make this mahogany top truly sing. The inclusion of a strap, picks, and even an extra set of strings in the box means you have zero excuses not to start playing the moment the delivery truck leaves your driveway.

Build Quality and Aesthetic Appeal

Finally, we have to talk about the build quality. Fender’s “S” series (which stands for Solid Top) has become a benchmark for reliable manufacturing. The mahogany back and sides of the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle are finished in a smooth gloss that feels durable and premium. We checked the internal bracing and the glue joints; everything was clean and precise, which is a testament to Fender’s quality control in their modern factories. The walnut bridge and fingerboard not only look great against the dark mahogany but also provide a dense, stable surface for the strings.

In our time with the instrument, we found it to be incredibly stable. Even with changes in humidity, the neck stayed straight and the tuning stability remained impressive once the strings were stretched. There was one user report of a strap screw breaking, which suggests that while the guitar itself is robust, the hardware (like the strap buttons) should be treated with a bit of care. Overall, the aesthetic is one of understated elegance. It doesn’t look like a “toy,” and it doesn’t look like a budget instrument. It looks like a tool for a serious musician, which can be a huge psychological boost for a student. You can explore more high-resolution images of the finish here to see the grain detail for yourself.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among the community mirrors our expert findings: this guitar is an overachiever. Many users highlight the “action” and “playability” as the standout features. One intermediate beginner noted that they “cannot put it down” and found the size to be “perfect” for starting again. This confirms our assessment that the concert size is the “goldilocks” of guitar bodies—not too big, not too small. Another user, who already owned several Fender models, mentioned that the CC-60S left them “speechless” compared to more expensive series, particularly noting the superior sound quality of the mahogany top.

On the flip side, the feedback isn’t without its warnings. As we mentioned, some users were disappointed with the strings arriving with signs of corrosion. Another user experienced a broken strap screw on day one. This suggests that while the guitar’s woodwork and design are world-class for the price, the minor hardware components and the environmental conditions of storage are areas where you should keep a watchful eye. Despite these small gripes, the overwhelming sentiment is that the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle provides a “one of a kind” sound that makes it a favorite for both children and adults.

Comparing the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle to the Competition

While we love the CC-60S, it is important to see how it compares to other popular options in the market. Here is how it stacks up against three distinct alternatives.

1. Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 is the classic competitor to Fender’s entry-level line. The primary difference here is the body shape. The DR-100 is a full-sized Dreadnought, which means it is much larger and deeper than the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle. If you are a larger person or you specifically want that booming, loud “cowboy chord” sound, the Epiphone is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice. However, for smaller players or those who prioritize comfort and a mellower, warmer tone, the Fender’s concert size and solid mahogany top give it a significant edge in both ergonomics and tonal complexity.

2. WINZZ HAND RUBBED Series 40-Inch Cutaway Acoustic Guitar Beginner Bundle

The WINZZ bundle is an interesting alternative for those on a stricter budget who still want a full accessory kit. It features a “cutaway” design, which allows for easier access to the higher frets—something the Fender CC-60S lacks. The “hand-rubbed” finish also gives it a very unique, rustic look. However, we found that the build quality and the “Easy-to-Play” neck features of the Fender are superior for long-term skill development. The WINZZ is a great “value play” for someone who wants the most accessories for the least money, but the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle is a better musical instrument that will grow with you as your skills advance.

3. Moukey 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar Kit

The Moukey is a 3/4 size guitar, making it even smaller than the Fender Concert size. This is a dedicated travel guitar or an instrument for very young children (ages 6-10). If you are looking for something to take on a plane or a gift for a very small child, the Moukey is a great, affordable entry point. However, it cannot compete with the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle in terms of sound quality. The 3/4 size body naturally lacks resonance and depth. For anyone over the age of 10, or for a beginner who wants a “real” sounding guitar that they won’t outgrow in a year, the Fender is the much smarter investment.

Final Verdict: Is the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle Worth It?

After our deep dive and comparison, the verdict is clear: the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle is one of the most logically designed and high-value packages on the market today. By focusing on a solid mahogany top and a concert body size, Fender has solved the most common complaints of beginner guitarists. It sounds better than it has any right to at this price, and it feels like a professional instrument in your hands. While you might want to swap out the strings on day one and be gentle with the strap buttons, these are minor caveats for an instrument that offers such a smooth learning curve.

We highly recommend this bundle for intermediate beginners who are “starting again,” parents buying for their children, and even experienced players who want a reliable, warm-sounding acoustic for the living room. It represents a perfect balance of brand-name reliability, ergonomic design, and tonal warmth. If you are ready to stop fighting your instrument and start making music, we suggest you check the current price of the Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle and take the first step toward a lifetime of playing.