Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case Review: The Ultimate Crossover Instrument for Modern Players

For years, many of us have faced a recurring dilemma in the world of acoustic instruments. You love the soft, romantic, and mellow resonance of nylon strings—the kind that brings bossa nova, classical etudes, or even soulful folk to life. However, traditional classical guitars can be incredibly intimidating. The necks are often “baseball-bat” thick, the nut width is excessively wide for those of us used to electric or steel-string acoustics, and the lack of a cutaway makes reaching those higher frets a chore. We wanted the sound of a classical guitar without the ergonomics of a 19th-century relic.

This is exactly why we spent weeks evaluating the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case. We were looking for a “crossover” instrument—one that bridges the gap between the nylon world and the playability of a modern Fender electric. Not solving this ergonomics issue usually leads to hand fatigue or, worse, a guitar that sits in its case because it’s simply too difficult to play. After extensive testing, we’ve found that the Fender CN-140SCE offers a unique solution for the modern guitarist who needs versatility without compromise.

What to Consider Before Buying Acoustic-Electric Guitars

An Acoustic-Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for performers who need the natural unplugged sound of an acoustic but require the volume and projection of an electric for live stages or recording environments. These instruments provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to practice quietly at home while having the capability to plug into an amplifier or PA system during a gig. Choosing the right one, especially a nylon-string variety, requires understanding how the electronics interact with the wood and how the body shape affects your physical comfort over long sessions.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the transition from steel strings to nylon, or a stage performer who needs a feedback-resistant thinline body. It’s perfect for singer-songwriters, folk artists, and even jazz players who want that “mellow” nylon attack. However, it might not be suitable for those who are “purist” classical guitarists. If you are training for a conservatory and require a standard 52mm nut width and a deep, non-cutaway body for maximum unamplified projection, a crossover like this might feel too narrow for your established technique. In those cases, a traditional Spanish-style guitar would be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The “thinline” designation is vital. A thinner body is much easier to hold, especially for smaller-framed players or those performing while standing. However, remember that a thinner body naturally has less “acoustic” volume when unplugged compared to a deep-body dreadnought, making the quality of the built-in preamp even more important.
• Capacity/Performance: Look closely at the electronics. A piezo pickup is standard, but you want a preamp that allows for basic EQ (Bass/Treble) and has a built-in tuner. Performance is also measured by intonation; a guitar that doesn’t stay in tune across the fretboard is a liability during a live performance.
• Materials & Durability: Solid tops are superior to laminate tops. A solid cedar top, like the one found on the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case, will actually “age” and sound better over time as the wood fibers break in. The back and sides (often mahogany or ovangkol) provide the structural integrity and the “color” of the reflected sound.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Nylon strings are easier on the fingers than steel, but they are also more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Look for a guitar that includes a hardshell case to protect the delicate cedar top from cracking in dry climates. Consider the “rolled fingerboard edges” as well—this is a comfort feature that makes the neck feel “broken-in” from day one.

Understanding these variables is the first step toward finding your “forever” guitar. While the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case 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 and Key Features of the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case

Upon unboxing the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case, the first thing that strikes you is the sophisticated, understated elegance of the natural finish. Fender has done a remarkable job with the Thinline Concert body shape. It feels significantly more manageable than a standard classical guitar, tucked closely against the body. The solid cedar top has a tight, straight grain that hints at a premium level of craftsmanship usually reserved for more expensive instruments. We were particularly impressed that the included hardshell case is a true “hard” case, not just a reinforced gig bag, providing serious protection for the instrument.

The neck is where the real magic happens. Unlike the wide, flat necks of traditional nylon-string guitars, the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case features an “Easy-to-Play” neck profile with rolled fingerboard edges. If you’ve ever played a Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster, this neck will feel surprisingly familiar. This is a deliberate design choice by Fender to welcome steel-string players into the nylon world. The electronics, a Fishman Classic Design preamp, are discretely mounted and easy to access, suggesting this guitar was built with the stage in mind rather than just the practice room.

Deep Dive: Performance Analysis of the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case

Playability: The “Crossover” Secret Sauce

In our hands-on testing, the playability of the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case proved to be its strongest selling point. Most classical guitars have a nut width of 52mm, which can feel like an ocean for those used to the 42mm or 43mm widths of standard electrics. Fender has strategically designed this guitar with a 43mm nut width. This means that if you’re used to playing barre chords or complex thumb-over-the-neck patterns, you won’t have to completely relearn your hand positioning. We found that the rolled fingerboard edges on the walnut fretboard made sliding up and down the neck feel incredibly smooth, with no sharp fret ends to catch your skin.

The cutaway is another essential ergonomic feature. On a standard nylon-string guitar, reaching the 12th fret and beyond is nearly impossible without awkward contortions. With the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case, we were able to access the higher registers for lead lines and delicate high-octave voicings with ease. This accessibility makes it a versatile tool for jazz improvisation or modern fingerstyle arrangements. As one user noted, the setup and intonation are remarkably precise for a guitar in this price bracket, especially after a quick personal tweak to the action height.

Tonality: Solid Cedar and the Thinline Trade-off

One of the most impressive aspects of the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case is the choice of tonewoods. The use of a solid cedar top is critical. While spruce provides a bright, “zippy” sound, cedar is known for its warmth, darkness, and immediate responsiveness. Even with the thinner body depth, the solid cedar ensures the notes have a round, singing quality. The Ovangkol back and sides provide a nice mid-range presence, similar to rosewood but with a slightly unique character. When playing unplugged, the sound is intimate and sweet—ideal for late-night practice or small acoustic settings.

However, we must address the “thinline” physics. A guitar with a shallower body simply cannot move as much air as a full-bodied instrument. If you are looking to fill a large hall without amplification, this isn’t the guitar for that specific task. But where it “loses” in acoustic volume, it wins in tonal control when plugged in. Because there is less air vibrating inside the body, the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case is much less prone to the dreaded “howling” feedback that plagues many acoustic-electric nylon guitars on loud stages. This makes it a professional’s tool for live performance.

Electronics and Stage Readiness: The Fishman Experience

Plugging the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case into a dedicated acoustic amplifier reveals the true power of the Fishman Classic Design preamp. The system is intuitive, featuring a volume knob, bass, and treble controls. We found that even with the EQ set “flat,” the guitar produced a natural, woody sound that captured the essence of the nylon strings without that harsh, “quacky” piezo sound often found in cheaper models. The built-in tuner is fast and accurate, which is a lifesaver given that nylon strings tend to be more susceptible to stretching and temperature shifts than steel.

We spent several hours testing the pickup through various signal chains. Whether going directly into a digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording or through a stage DI box, the signal remained clean and robust. The 1/4-inch jack is integrated into the strap button, which is a sturdy and standard design. For musicians who move around on stage, the lightweight concert body combined with the reliable Fishman electronics means you can focus on your performance rather than fighting your gear. To truly appreciate the electronic clarity, you should explore the detailed specs of the Fishman system included with this model.

Build Quality and Aesthetic Value

Looking closely at the construction of the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case, it’s clear that Fender wanted to offer a “premium” feel at a mid-range price point. The gloss finish is applied evenly, and the “Natural” color highlights the beautiful figuring of the Ovangkol back. Some users have reported minor visual imperfections in the wood grain, which is common with natural products, but our test unit was flawless. The hardware, including the classic-style tuning machines with amber buttons, feels sturdy and provides a smooth gear ratio for precise tuning.

The inclusion of the hardshell case cannot be overstated. In today’s market, most manufacturers are cutting costs by providing a cheap gig bag or no case at all. The case provided with the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case is a custom-fit, plush-lined hardshell that keeps the guitar secure during transport. This alone saves the buyer significant money and provides peace of mind. As one user aptly pointed out, the value of the case itself makes the entire package a steal. Whether you are a hobbyist or a gigging musician, this level of protection is essential for preserving the solid cedar top and the guitar’s overall longevity.

What Other Users Are Saying

The consensus among the global community of guitarists is overwhelmingly positive, with many players echoing our findings regarding the “crossover” nature of the instrument. One musician mentioned that after searching for years for a narrow-nut nylon guitar to replace one they had sold, the Fender CN-140SCE was the perfect replacement that exceeded their expectations. Another user highlighted the perfection of the intonation after a professional setup, noting that the light action made it a joy to play for hours on end.

Of course, no product is without its critics. Some users have noted minor aesthetic flaws on the soundboard or shipping-related issues where the instrument arrived with damage (though this is usually a logistics issue rather than a manufacturer defect). A few purists found the body to be “thinner than expected,” which we discussed in our performance analysis—it’s important to understand that this is a “Thinline” model by design. Overall, users from Japan to Italy have praised its “supple sound” and the incredible value offered by the included hardshell case, confirming that this is a globally respected instrument for its price point.

Comparing the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case to its Top 3 Alternatives

While we are big fans of the CN-140SCE, it’s important to see how it compares to other options in the Fender lineup and the broader market.

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

If you decide that you actually want the bright, percussive snap of steel strings rather than nylon, the Fender CD-60SCE is the logical step. It’s a dreadnought, meaning it has a much larger body and a louder unplugged volume. However, the steel strings are significantly harder on the fingers than the nylon strings of the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case. This bundle is great for beginners who want a “complete starter kit” with a gig bag and accessories, but it lacks the specialized “mellow” tone and the premium hardshell case of the CN-140SCE.

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

For those looking for a massive, orchestral sound, the CD-60SCE 12-String is a fascinating alternative. It provides a “shimmer” that a 6-string nylon guitar simply cannot replicate. However, a 12-string is a niche tool—it’s much harder to tune, harder to fret, and not suitable for the delicate fingerstyle pieces where the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case excels. Choose this if you want to play big, ringing 70s-style folk chords, but stick with the CN-140SCE for versatility and ease of play.

3. Cordoba C5-CET Limited Cutaway Classical Guitar

This is the most direct competitor to the Fender. Like the Fender, it is a thin-body, cutaway nylon guitar. The Cordoba C5-CET is highly regarded for its traditional “Spanish” heritage. It often features spalted maple or other exotic woods which can look stunning. However, Cordoba necks often lean slightly more toward the traditional classical side in terms of feel. We found that the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case often wins on the “crossover” playability front due to Fender’s specific “Easy-to-Play” neck profile and the superior value of the included hardshell case, which Cordoba often sells separately.

Final Verdict: Is the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case Right for You?

After putting the Fender CN-140SCE Nylon String Acoustic Guitar with Case through its paces, we can confidently say it is one of the best crossover nylon guitars on the market today. Its strengths lie in its incredible ergonomics—specifically the narrow nut width and the thinline body—and its stage-ready electronics. It solves the primary problem of nylon-string instruments being “too bulky” or “too difficult” for electric and steel-string players. While it may lack the raw acoustic volume of a deep-bodied classical guitar, it makes up for it with tonal warmth and feedback resistance when amplified.

We recommend this guitar for any player who wants to add the unique flavor of nylon strings to their repertoire without spending months adjusting to a traditional classical neck. It’s a fantastic instrument for intermediate players, gigging musicians, and even beginners who want a high-quality “forever” guitar that comes with everything needed to keep it safe. If you’re ready to experience the perfect blend of classical soul and modern playability, you should check the latest price and availability for the Fender CN-140SCE today—your fingers (and your audience) will thank you.