Fender is known for delivering quality instruments that combine classic design with modern functionality. The Fender CC‑60S Concert Acoustic Guitar is a prime example of this ethos. Designed for players who seek a more intimate, balanced tone compared to larger dreadnoughts, the CC‑60S offers a comfortable concert body shape with a warm, resonant acoustic voice. In this review, we’ll explore the key features, construction, tonal characteristics, playability, and overall value of the CC‑60S to help you decide if it’s the right instrument for your musical journey.
Design and Construction
Elegant Concert Body
The CC‑60S features a classic concert body—a shape that is slightly smaller than a dreadnought and designed to deliver a focused, articulate tone. This body style is particularly well‑suited for fingerstyle playing and vocal accompaniment, offering a balanced sound with an emphasis on midrange clarity. Its dimensions contribute to a more intimate playing experience, making it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods.
Quality Tonewoods
Fender has chosen its materials carefully to provide a dependable instrument:
- Solid Spruce Top: At the heart of the CC‑60S is a solid spruce top. This premium tonewood is celebrated for its brightness, clarity, and dynamic responsiveness. The solid top enables the guitar to project clear, articulate highs and articulate midrange tones, allowing you to express subtle nuances in your playing.
- Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides: To keep the instrument both affordable and durable, the back and sides are crafted from laminated mahogany. While solid wood might offer a richer resonance, the mahogany laminates used here provide a warm, balanced tone while enhancing stability and resistance to environmental changes.
- Set‑Neck Construction: The guitar employs a set‑neck design for improved sustain and enhanced resonance. The neck is typically made of nato, a reliable tonewood known for its stability, paired with a smooth rosewood or walnut fretboard that offers comfortable playability and attractive inlays for easy navigation.
Aesthetics and Finish
The Fender CC‑60S exhibits Fender’s signature understated style. Its natural finish highlights the beauty of the tonewoods while maintaining a clean, modern look. The concert body’s proportions, along with a subtly contoured design, not only enhance playability but also provide a visually appealing instrument that suits a variety of musical settings.
Sound Quality and Tonal Characteristics
Warm, Balanced Acoustic Tone
The tone of the CC‑60S is one of its most appealing features. Thanks to the combination of a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides, the guitar delivers a warm yet clear acoustic voice:
- Bright Articulation: The spruce top produces a bright, resonant sound with excellent clarity, ensuring that every note you play is distinct. This makes the guitar ideal for both strumming chords and fingerpicking intricate melodies.
- Balanced Midrange: The concert body naturally emphasizes a balanced midrange, making the CC‑60S perfect for vocal accompaniment. The focused midrange ensures that your voice and the guitar blend seamlessly during performance.
- Subtle Bass Response: While the smaller concert body does not produce as deep a bass as a dreadnought, it still offers sufficient low-end support to provide a full, rounded tone. This balance makes the guitar versatile across a range of genres, from folk and pop to soft rock and blues.
Unplugged and Natural
Because the CC‑60S is an acoustic guitar without built‑in electronics (unlike the “CE” models), it relies solely on its natural resonance. This purity of tone appeals to players who prefer an authentic, unplugged acoustic sound. The instrument’s dynamic response allows it to adapt well to different playing styles and dynamics, whether you’re strumming gently or picking with more intensity.
Playability and Comfort
Ergonomic Neck and Fretboard
Playability is crucial—especially for beginners and intermediate players—and the Fender CC‑60S excels in this area:
- Slim, Comfortable Neck: The CC‑60S features a slim neck profile designed to fit comfortably in the hand, making chord transitions and scale runs smooth and effortless. This ergonomic design is ideal for extended playing sessions, reducing finger fatigue.
- Smooth Fretboard: The rosewood or walnut fretboard provides a smooth, polished surface that enhances the playing experience. The clear fret markers help beginners navigate the neck with ease, and the overall feel encourages fluid movement across the frets.
- Accessible Body Size: The concert body, being more compact than a dreadnought, fits well against the body—ensuring that the guitar is comfortable whether you’re sitting or standing. This accessibility makes it particularly well‑suited for intimate performance settings.
Ready‑to‑Play Setup
Out of the box, the Fender CC‑60S is typically well‑set, meaning minimal adjustments are needed to begin playing. This “ready‑to‑play” quality is essential for new players who want to dive right into practice without worrying about intricate setups.
Value for Money
Affordable Entry to Quality Fender Acoustics
The Fender CC‑60S Concert Acoustic Guitar represents excellent value for its price:
- Competitive Pricing: Fender has managed to offer a high‑quality acoustic in a classic concert body at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for beginners and those on a budget.
- Durable Construction: The use of laminated tonewoods for the back and sides not only helps maintain a warm tone but also increases durability. This means the guitar can withstand the rigors of daily practice and changes in environmental conditions.
- Brand Trust: Fender’s long‑standing reputation for quality and reliability adds extra confidence for buyers. Investing in a Fender means you’re getting an instrument that will grow with you as your skills improve.
Long‑Term Investment
While the CC‑60S may not have all the refinements of higher‑end, all‑solid wood instruments, it offers a solid foundation for developing players. Its balanced tone, comfortable playability, and classic design ensure that it remains a reliable companion throughout your musical journey.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Warm, Articulate Tone: The combination of a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides delivers a bright yet warm sound.
- Comfortable and Playable: A slim neck, smooth fretboard, and concert body make it comfortable to play for long periods.
- Classic Fender Design: The elegant, understated look appeals to those who appreciate traditional Fender aesthetics.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for beginners and casual players.
- Balanced Dynamics: Suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle playing, the CC‑60S provides versatility in various musical settings.
Cons
- Laminated Back and Sides: While durable and cost‑effective, the use of laminated wood may not offer the same tonal depth as fully solid wood guitars.
- Limited Bass Response: The smaller concert body may not deliver as powerful a bass as larger dreadnought models.
- Basic Aesthetic: The clean, minimal design may not satisfy those looking for more decorative or ornate features.
- No Integrated Electronics: For players seeking an acoustic‑electric solution, the CC‑60S does not include built‑in pickups or preamps.
Final Verdict
The Fender CC‑60S Concert Acoustic Guitar is a compelling choice for players who desire a high‑quality, affordable acoustic instrument with a warm, balanced tone. Its concert body shape offers a focused sound that is particularly well‑suited for vocal accompaniment and intricate fingerstyle work. With a solid spruce top and reliable laminated mahogany back and sides, the CC‑60S delivers articulate highs, clear mids, and sufficient bass response for a versatile playing experience.
While it may lack the integrated electronics that some modern players desire, its unplugged acoustic performance stands out on its own. The comfortable, ergonomic design ensures that both beginners and intermediate players can enjoy long practice sessions without discomfort. Additionally, Fender’s reputation for build quality and reliability makes the CC‑60S a sound investment for those looking to develop their skills without a significant financial commitment.
In summary, the Fender CC‑60S Concert Acoustic Guitar is an excellent option for anyone seeking a versatile, beginner‑friendly instrument that doesn’t sacrifice tone or playability. Its elegant design, balanced sound, and affordability make it a strong contender in the acoustic guitar market. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording demos, or performing in intimate settings, the CC‑60S provides a dependable and inspiring platform for your musical journey.
Conclusion
The Fender CC‑60S Concert Acoustic Guitar embodies the classic Fender commitment to quality and playability. Its refined concert body shape, coupled with a solid spruce top and durable laminated back and sides, delivers a warm, balanced tone that caters to both strumming and fingerstyle approaches. Although it lacks the integrated electronics found in some modern acoustic‑electric models, the CC‑60S excels in offering a natural, unplugged sound that is both expressive and versatile.
For beginners and intermediate players seeking an affordable, reliable acoustic guitar that encourages creativity and long‑term growth, the Fender CC‑60S is a smart choice. It provides a solid foundation for your musical endeavors—whether you’re playing for pleasure, recording at home, or performing in intimate venues.
Happy strumming, and may the rich, warm tones of the Fender CC‑60S inspire your musical journey!