Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle Review: The Ultimate All-In-One Solution for Serious Beginners and Gigging Pros

There is a specific kind of frustration known only to those who have tried to learn music on a subpar instrument. I remember my own first “guitar”—it was a nameless, plywood box with strings so high off the fretboard they felt like cheese cutters. I nearly quit within two weeks. The problem is that many entry-level instruments aren’t designed to be played; they are designed to be sold. When you search for the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle, you are likely looking to avoid that exact pitfall. Whether you are a beginner looking for an instrument that won’t fight you, or a seasoned player needing a reliable “campfire” or backup guitar that still sounds professional when plugged in, finding that balance between affordability and genuine quality is the holy grail of gear shopping. Skipping out on a solid top or decent electronics often leads to a “dead” sound that stifles creativity, eventually forcing you to buy a second, better guitar anyway. Solving this problem early saves both your wallet and your passion for music.

What to Consider Before Investing in Your First Acoustic-Electric Guitar

An Acoustic-Electric guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for players who want the organic, unplugged resonance of a traditional guitar combined with the versatility to perform on stage or record directly into an interface. This category of instrument bridges the gap between intimate practice sessions and public performance. Before you see its full feature set and user reviews, it is important to understand that you aren’t just buying wood and wire; you’re buying a tool for expression.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the “intermediate plateau” or a beginner who wants to start on the right foot with an instrument that can grow with them. It is perfect for those who want a “grab-and-go” solution where they don’t have to worry about buying a case, tuner, or strap separately. However, it might not be suitable for those who are strictly looking for a high-end, boutique luthier-made instrument or those who prefer a smaller “parlor” or “travel” body size, as a dreadnought can feel quite large for smaller-framed individuals.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Body Shape and Dimensions: The dreadnought is the most popular acoustic shape for a reason—it offers a deep, loud, and bass-rich sound. However, you must ensure you have the physical reach to wrap your arm around its 4.5-inch deep body comfortably. For many, the cutaway design (like the one found on this Fender) is a non-negotiable feature as it allows access to the higher frets for soloing.
• Solid vs. Laminate Tops: This is the single most important technical spec. A “solid top” is a single piece of wood that vibrates more freely and actually improves in tone as it ages (a process called “opening up”). Laminate tops are cheaper but sound thinner and don’t improve over time. We always recommend a solid top for anyone serious about their sound.
• Onboard Electronics: If you plan to play at church, in a coffee shop, or record at home, you need a piezo pickup and a preamp. Look for systems that include a built-in tuner; it is one less thing to lose and makes life significantly easier during a performance.
• The “Bundle” Value: Not all bundles are created equal. A hard case is vastly superior to a gig bag for long-term protection, especially if you live in a climate with fluctuating humidity. Consider the cost of buying a hard case (usually $100+) separately when evaluating the total price.

Understanding these variables will help you determine if a comprehensive package like this is truly the best use of your budget.

While the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric 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 CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

When the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle arrived at our studio, the first thing that struck us was the sheer weight of the package—in a good way. At roughly 17 pounds, you can tell right away that the included hard case isn’t a flimsy plastic shell. Upon opening the box, the all-mahogany finish of the CD-60SCE immediately stands out. Most “entry-level” guitars use spruce tops, which are bright and blonde. The mahogany on this model offers a dark, chocolatey aesthetic that looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Setting it up was virtually non-existent; we simply tuned it up using the onboard Fishman tuner, and it was ready to go. The “Easy-to-Play” neck profile that Fender advertises felt instantly familiar, almost like an electric guitar neck but with the necessary girth for acoustic resonance. In comparison to market leaders in the sub-$500 category, the fit and finish on the bridge and the nut were surprisingly clean, with no visible glue residue or rough fret edges—a common complaint with mass-produced instruments. Before you check the latest price and availability, let’s look at the specific hits and misses we discovered during our testing.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

In our weeks of testing, we put this instrument through its paces—from intimate fingerstyle practice to heavy strumming and even a live-looping session through a PA system. Here is our detailed breakdown of how it actually performs in the real world.

The All-Mahogany Tonewood Experience: Warmth Over Brightness

Most acoustic guitars use a spruce top for its “shimmer” and high-end projection. However, the all-mahogany construction of the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle offers a completely different sonic palette. In our testing, we found that the mahogany top creates a very focused, “woody” sound. The highs are rounded off, and the mid-range is incredibly punchy. This makes it an ideal guitar for singers; it doesn’t “fight” the frequency of the human voice as much as a bright spruce guitar might.

We noticed that the scalloped X-bracing inside the body allows the solid top to vibrate more freely than the non-SCE models. This results in a surprising amount of volume for a guitar at this price point. We also confirmed through our evaluation that the guitar “breathes” better as it’s played. As one user noted after three months of use, the sound quality remains consistent and even improves as the wood settles. If you are looking for that classic, earthy, Delta-blues sound, this mahogany version is a feature that really sets it apart from the standard spruce-topped CD-60SCE. You can see the mahogany grain details here to get a better sense of its visual appeal.

Playability and the “Easy-to-Play” Neck Profile

Fender has clearly prioritized comfort with this model. One of the biggest barriers for new players is “hand fatigue”—the aching you feel in your fretting hand after 15 minutes of practice. During our sessions, we found that the rolled fingerboard edges make a massive difference. Instead of a sharp 90-degree angle where the fretboard meets the neck, the edge is slightly rounded. This allows your hand to glide up and down the neck without feeling like you’re gripping a wooden block.

The string action out of the box was impressive. Usually, we expect to have to take a new guitar to a luthier for a “setup” (adjusting the string height), but the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle arrived with a playability that we would describe as “medium-low.” It’s high enough to prevent buzzing when you dig in with a pick, but low enough that you don’t need superhuman grip strength to bar an F-chord. We did see feedback from one user who adjusted their saddle height to make it their “perfect match,” which is a simple modification any player can do as they grow, but for 90% of players, the factory setup is excellent. The cutaway also proved its worth during our testing, allowing us to reach the 15th fret for acoustic solos with zero strain.

Professional Electronics: The Fishman Advantage

An acoustic-electric guitar is only as good as its preamp, and Fender didn’t cut corners here. By partnering with Fishman—the industry standard for acoustic amplification—they’ve ensured that the CD-60SCE can handle any stage. We plugged the guitar into a standard acoustic amp and a digital audio workstation (DAW) to test the piezo pickup. Often, cheap pickups have a “quacky,” plastic-like sound. However, the Fishman system here includes a 2-band EQ (Bass and Treble) that allowed us to dial in a very natural tone.

The built-in tuner is another highlight. It is backlit and highly responsive, even in a dark room. During our “live” test, we found it much more convenient than clipping an external tuner onto the headstock. We also evaluated the battery life; the 9V battery compartment is easy to access near the endpin, and the preamp is remarkably efficient. For anyone transitioning from bedroom practice to open mic nights, this electronic setup provides the confidence that your unplugged sound will translate faithfully to the audience. To understand the full technical specs of the preamp, we suggest you explore the electronics section on the product page.

The Bundle Factor: Is the Hard Case Really Worth It?

Many online bundles throw in a lot of “filler”—cheap picks, a flimsy strap, and a gig bag that offers zero protection. This Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle is different primarily because of the Austin Bazaar hardshell case. In our evaluation, this case is the “unsung hero” of the package. It features a plush interior, a storage compartment for your accessories, and a locking latch. As one user aptly put it, the case feels “basically invincible.”

We also tested the included accessories. The tuner (in addition to the onboard one) is a nice backup, the strap is functional and sturdy, and the instructional DVD/polishing cloth are great touches for a true beginner. However, we did encounter the same issue mentioned by a few users: the sticker on the pickguard. It is a “static cling” style sticker in theory, but in practice, it can be stubborn. Our advice? Use a tiny bit of naphtha or Goo Gone on a microfiber cloth if it leaves residue, rather than using your fingernails which could scratch the plastic. Despite this minor annoyance, the value proposition here is undeniable. If you were to buy the guitar, a quality hard case, a strap, and a tuner separately, you would easily spend $150 more than the price of this bundle. It is, quite simply, a smart investment for anyone looking for a complete kit. You can check the current bundle price to see the savings for yourself.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among owners of the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle is one of high satisfaction, particularly regarding the price-to-performance ratio. Many users, ranging from beginners to players with nearly two decades of experience, have praised the instrument’s build quality and sound. One long-time player of 17 years noted they were “normally skeptical of a purchase at this price point” but found the mahogany body and the “fantastic” case to be well beyond their expectations. Another user highlighted that the guitar feels like “something more than just a starter guitar,” emphasizing that it’s “worth every penny.”

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques. The most common complaints revolve around the shipping experience and minor cosmetic issues. One user was disappointed to find the guitar neck broken upon arrival—a failure of the shipping process rather than the guitar’s design, but a frustration nonetheless. Another mentioned the “hard to peel sticker” on the pickguard which led to minor scratching. Despite these outliers, the vast majority of feedback confirms our own findings: this is a beautiful, well-playing guitar that serves as a perfect entry point into the Fender ecosystem. We found that the positive experiences with the “sturdy case” and “amazing sound” far outweigh the logistical hiccups reported by a few buyers.

How the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle Compares to Top Alternatives

Choosing the right guitar often means looking at different variations of the same model or shifting brands entirely to suit your specific needs. Here is how the main product stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (Black)

This is the same foundational guitar as our main review unit but with a striking black gloss finish and a spruce top rather than mahogany. If you prefer a “snappier,” brighter sound with more high-end chime, this version is the better pick. It also comes with a gig bag rather than a hard case, making it slightly more portable but less protected. This is ideal for students who are frequently traveling to lessons and want a sleek, modern aesthetic. However, for those who value the “woody” warmth of mahogany and the “invincible” protection of a hard case, we still recommend the mahogany bundle.

2. Yamaha APX600 OBB Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Yamaha APX600 is a different beast entirely. It features a “thinline” body, making it much thinner and more comfortable for smaller players or electric guitarists who find a dreadnought too bulky. Sonically, it is thinner unplugged but excels when plugged in, as the smaller body is less prone to feedback on stage. If you are a gigging musician who spends 100% of your time plugged into an amp, the Yamaha is a strong contender. However, if you want that deep, booming acoustic resonance for playing at home or around a campfire, the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle is the clear winner.

3. Fender CD-60SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar

For those looking to expand their tonal horizons, this 12-string version offers the lush, “chorus-like” sound that only a 12-string can provide. It shares the same solid-top construction and Fishman electronics as the 6-string model. While it’s an incredible instrument for rhythm playing and recording textures, it is much harder for a beginner to play due to the double strings and wider neck. We recommend this as a second or third guitar for an established player rather than a primary learning tool. It lacks the full accessory bundle found in our main product, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

The Final Verdict: Is the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle Worth It?

After our extensive “sound check” and hands-on evaluation, we can confidently say that the Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle is one of the best value-for-money propositions in the current market. It successfully bridges the gap between a “toy” and a professional tool. The combination of a solid mahogany top, rolled fingerboard edges, and industry-standard Fishman electronics ensures that this isn’t a guitar you will “outgrow” in six months. While the shipping packaging and pickguard sticker are minor points of contention, the instrument itself is stellar.

We recommend this bundle to any beginner who wants to ensure their success by starting with a comfortable, great-sounding instrument, as well as to intermediate players who need a rugged, reliable guitar for travel or live performance. The inclusion of the locking hardshell case alone makes this bundle a superior choice over buying individual components. If you’re ready to take your music seriously and want a guitar that looks as good as it sounds, this is the package to get. We suggest you click here to secure this bundle today and start your musical journey with an instrument that truly inspires.