Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar Review: A Wall of Sound for the Aspiring Professional

There is something undeniably magical about the “wall of sound” produced by a 12-string guitar. Whether you are chasing the folk-rock jangle of the 1960s or looking to add massive harmonic depth to your solo performances, the 12-string offers a sonic landscape that a standard 6-string simply cannot replicate. However, for many of us, the jump to a 12-string is met with hesitation. We worry about the finger strength required to press down double the strings, the nightmare of keeping twelve separate tuning pegs in check, and the fear that a budget-friendly model will sound thin or, worse, literally pull itself apart under the immense tension of the strings.

I have spent decades playing and evaluating instruments, and I’ve seen many players give up on the 12-string experience because they started with an inferior instrument that was more a chore than a joy to play. This is where the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar enters the conversation. It promises a professional-grade experience—complete with a solid wood top and built-in electronics—at a price point that doesn’t require a second mortgage. In this review, we’ll dive deep into whether this instrument truly delivers on that promise or if it’s just another “beater” dressed in a shiny finish.

What to Consider Before Stepping Into the World of Acoustic-Electric Guitars

An Acoustic-Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for players who need versatility. Whether you are practicing in your bedroom or performing on a stage, having the ability to “plug and play” solves the fundamental problem of projection. While a standard acoustic relies solely on its body for volume, an acoustic-electric like the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar allows you to maintain your natural tone while pumping it through a PA system or amplifier. This versatility is essential for the modern gigging musician or the home recorder who wants a clean signal without the hassle of positioning expensive microphones.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of a standard 6-string and looking to expand their sonic palette, or a beginner who wants a high-quality “first real guitar” that they won’t outgrow in six months. It’s perfect for the singer-songwriter who needs a fuller sound during solo sets. However, it might not be suitable for those who strictly play fingerstyle classical music or those who have very small hands and might find the wider 12-string neck intimidating. In those cases, a thin-body 6-string or a nylon-string guitar might be a better path forward.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The 12-string variety of the CD-60SCE uses a Dreadnought body, which is the “standard” large acoustic size. It’s important to consider if you find large-bodied guitars comfortable to hold for long sessions, as the added width and depth are what provide that deep bass response.
• Capacity/Performance: Look specifically at the internal bracing and the top material. A solid top (like the spruce found here) is non-negotiable for serious players, as it vibrates more freely than laminate and actually sounds better as the wood ages and “opens up” over the years.
• Materials & Durability: With a 12-string, the bridge and neck are under nearly double the tension of a normal guitar. High-quality mahogany and a stable bridge system are vital to ensure the guitar doesn’t warp or lift over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the electronics and tuning stability. A built-in tuner is almost a necessity for a 12-string, as tuning twelve strings by ear or with a clip-on during a performance can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Choosing the right instrument involves balancing these technical needs with your personal playing style. While the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar 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:

FULL ANALYSIS

Our Expert Picks for the Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $500

First Impressions and the “Easy-to-Play” Promise

When we first pulled the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar out of its packaging, the first thing that struck us was the classic aesthetic. The natural finish on the solid spruce top has a clean, professional glow that looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests. It feels substantial in the hands—weighing in at about 9.2 lbs—which gives it a sense of durability and resonance right out of the box. You can check the latest price and availability to see how this fits into your current budget.

Fender has marketed this series with their “Easy-to-Play” neck profile, and we were eager to see if this held up for the 12-string version. Usually, 12-string necks feel like baseball bats, but this mahogany neck feels surprisingly slim and approachable. The walnut fingerboard is smooth, and the rolled fretboard edges make moving up and down the neck feel fluid rather than restrictive. While it didn’t come perfectly tuned—which is standard for shipping—once we brought it up to pitch, the initial resonance was impressive. It’s a significant leap over entry-level “beater” guitars, offering a crispness and clarity that immediately invites you to play “Wish You Were Here” or “Hotel California” just to hear those octaves ring out.

Deep Dive: Performance Analysis of the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar

The Power of the Solid Spruce Top and Scalloped Bracing

The heart of any acoustic guitar is its top, and the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top. This is a critical distinction from the all-laminate guitars found in the entry-level tier. Spruce is known for its “springy” quality and wide dynamic range, allowing you to play delicately with your fingers or dig in with a heavy pick without the sound breaking up. During our testing, we found that the solid top allowed the 12-string’s natural chorusing effect to bloom. Instead of just a wall of noise, you get distinct, shimmering high-end notes coupled with a sturdy low-end punch.

Adding to this performance is the scalloped “X” bracing hidden inside the body. By shaving away parts of the internal wooden braces, Fender allows the top to vibrate more freely. We noticed this most in the sustain; a simple G-major chord seems to ring out forever, with the body resonating against your chest in a very satisfying way. This construction ensures that even when you aren’t plugged into an amp, the guitar has enough natural projection to fill a medium-sized room. If you’re looking for an instrument that offers this level of acoustic purity, you should see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why this wood choice matters.

Ergonomics and the “Easy-to-Play” Mahogany Neck

One of the biggest hurdles for 12-string players is hand fatigue. You are essentially doing double the work with your fretting hand. We spent several hours puting the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar through its paces to see if Fender’s “Easy-to-Play” neck was just marketing speak. Our finding? It’s legitimately comfortable. The mahogany neck has a slim profile that doesn’t feel overly wide, even though it has to accommodate twelve strings. The walnut fingerboard has a pleasant, earthy feel and the frets are well-dressed, meaning no sharp edges to catch your fingers as you slide.

The addition of the cutaway is another ergonomic win. Most traditional dreadnoughts are “full-body,” making it nearly impossible to play anything above the 12th fret. With the CD-60SCE, we were able to reach those higher registers for lead lines and complex chords with ease. User feedback confirms our experience, with many noting that it’s an “incredible upgrade” in terms of comfort compared to older, bulkier models. This makes it a fantastic choice for players who are perhaps smaller in stature or those who suffer from hand strain but still want that massive 12-string sound.

Fishman Electronics and Stage Readiness

Acoustic-electric guitars often live or die by their preamp systems. Fender didn’t cut corners here, opting for a Fishman Classic Design pickup and preamp system. In our live testing, the piezo pickup captured the unique “jangly” character of the 12-string without the “quack” often associated with cheap electronics. The controls are simple and intuitive: volume, bass, and treble. This allows you to dial in your sound quickly, whether you need to cut through a band mix or add some warmth to a solo acoustic set. You can

Long-Term Durability and Construction Quality

When you have twelve steel strings, the guitar is under roughly 200-250 lbs of tension at all times. This is why construction quality is the most important long-term factor. The Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar features a mahogany back and sides, which provides a stable foundation and a balanced tonal profile. The bridge is securely fixed to the walnut fingerboard, and we didn’t see any immediate signs of lifting or “bellying” (where the wood behind the bridge bulges up) during our evaluation. This is a feature that really sets it apart from the truly entry-level models that often fail under the pressure.

However, we must address the “elephant in the room”: long-term care. In our research of user feedback, we found a few instances where users experienced neck or bridge issues after several months. One user reported the neck splitting after a year. While these instances are in the minority, they highlight the importance of proper guitar maintenance. Because 12-strings are high-tension instruments, keeping them in a humidified environment is crucial. Fender does offer a 2-Year Limited Warranty, which provides some peace of mind against manufacturing defects. For most players, this guitar is a durable, reliable companion, provided it’s treated with the respect a precision wooden instrument deserves.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among the community is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the value for the price. Many users have noted that the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar is a “significant improvement” over older acoustic models. One professional player with over 40 years of experience remarked that they were “in no way in the market for a guitar” but were so impressed by the playability and sound that they added it to their collection anyway.

On the positive side, users frequently praise the “crisp and great sound” and how “easy on the hands” the neck profile is. One hobbyist mentioned, “I really love it… it sounds absolutely amazing to me.” This sentiment is common among those transitioning from a 6-string, who were surprised by how quickly they could adapt to the extra strings on this specific model.

However, no product is without its critics. Some users have reported issues with “fret rattle” or “buzzing,” particularly on the first fret. This is often a sign that the guitar needs a “setup”—a standard adjustment of the nut and truss rod that most guitars require after shipping. There were also isolated reports of structural failure under tension. While these are rare, they serve as a reminder that 12-strings require a bit more vigilance than 6-strings. Overall, the feedback suggests that for the vast majority of players, the CD-60SCE provides a high-quality, professional experience right out of the box.

Comparing the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar to Top Alternatives

1. Cordoba C5-CET Limited Cutaway Classical Guitar

If you find the tension of twelve steel strings to be too much for your hands, the Cordoba C5-CET is a fantastic alternative. As a nylon-string (classical) guitar, it offers a much softer feel and a warmer, more mellow tone. It features a thin-body design and a cutaway, making it incredibly comfortable for stage use. While it lacks the massive, shimmering “wall of sound” of the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar, it is perfect for players who prefer latin, folk, or fingerstyle genres and want an instrument that is physically easier to play for long periods.

2. Yamaha APX600 OBB Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Yamaha APX600 is one of the world’s best-selling acoustic-electric guitars for a reason. It features a “thinline” body that makes it feel more like an electric guitar than a bulky dreadnought. For players who find the Fender CD-60SCE a bit too large to handle, the Yamaha is a dream. It offers great electronics and a unique “Oriental Blue Burst” finish. However, you do sacrifice some acoustic volume and low-end “thump” due to the smaller body. It’s a 6-string, so you won’t get that 12-string octave effect, but for pure comfort and stage reliability, it’s a top contender.

3. Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

If you love the Fender CD-60SCE but realize that twelve strings might be more than you need, this 6-string bundle is the logical choice. It features the same solid spruce top and mahogany construction as the 12-string version but in a standard 6-string configuration. This particular bundle is a fantastic value because it includes everything you need to get started: a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, and even instructional materials. It’s essentially the 6-string “sibling” to our main review subject, offering the same high-quality feel but with easier maintenance and lower string tension.

Final Verdict: Is the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar for You?

After a deep dive into its construction, playability, and sonic performance, the Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar stands out as one of the best value propositions on the market today. It successfully bridges the gap between “entry-level” and “professional,” offering high-end features like a solid spruce top and Fishman electronics without a high-end price tag. It’s an instrument that invites you to play, sounds massive in both acoustic and amplified settings, and manages to make the daunting task of playing a 12-string feel surprisingly natural.

While players should be mindful of the maintenance requirements inherent to any 12-string instrument, the overall build quality and the support of a 2-year warranty make this a safe and smart investment. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a reliable stage backup or a hobbyist wanting to explore new sonic textures, this guitar delivers. If you’re ready to add that legendary 12-string shimmer to your music, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability here and take your playing to the next level today.