Fender’s reputation for creating quality instruments extends beyond their iconic electrics, and the CC‑60SCE Concert Acoustic Guitar is a testament to that commitment. Designed for players seeking a more intimate, balanced tone than what traditional dreadnoughts offer, the CC‑60SCE features a concert body shape with modern features and integrated electronics. In this review, we’ll explore the CC‑60SCE’s design, construction, built‑in electronics, tonal characteristics, playability, and overall value, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your musical journey.
Design and Construction
Concert Body with Classic Fender Aesthetics
The Fender CC‑60SCE embraces the concert body style—a shape that is smaller and more refined compared to the larger dreadnought models. This design is ideal for players who prefer a more balanced acoustic tone, particularly suited for fingerstyle playing and vocal accompaniment. The concert body provides a comfortable, intimate feel without sacrificing projection, making it perfect for home practice, studio sessions, or small‐venue gigs.
Quality Materials for Consistent Performance
Fender has crafted the CC‑60SCE using a combination of quality tonewoods and modern manufacturing techniques:
- Solid Spruce Top: At the heart of the CC‑60SCE is a solid spruce top. This premium tonewood is celebrated for its brightness, clarity, and dynamic response. The solid top allows the guitar to deliver an articulate sound that responds well to subtle variations in playing dynamics.
- Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides: To keep the instrument affordable while maintaining durability, Fender pairs the solid top with laminated mahogany for the back and sides. Although laminates don’t quite match the resonance of solid wood, they offer stability and a warm tonal character that complements the brightness of the spruce.
- Set-Neck Construction: The guitar features a set‑neck design, which enhances sustain and overall resonance. The neck is made from nato, a sturdy tonewood that provides stability and a comfortable playing surface.
- Fretboard and Finish: A smooth rosewood (or walnut, depending on the finish) fretboard with rolled edges ensures that chord transitions are seamless. Fender’s clean, understated finish lets the natural beauty of the wood shine through while offering protection against everyday wear.
Ergonomics and Visual Appeal
The concert body shape of the CC‑60SCE not only contributes to its warm, balanced tone but also makes it highly comfortable to play. The slightly smaller size fits well in the hands of both beginners and more experienced players. Additionally, the integrated cutaway enhances both the instrument’s modern look and functional access to the upper frets. Overall, the CC‑60SCE marries classic Fender aesthetics with practical design elements that make it appealing in today’s market.
Integrated Electronics
Built‑in Fishman Preamp and Pickup
One of the standout features of the CC‑60SCE is its integrated electronics:
- Fishman System: Fender equips the CC‑60SCE with a Fishman preamp and pickup system designed to capture the natural acoustic tone and project it faithfully when amplified. This system is known for its clarity and reliability, making it an excellent choice for both live performances and recording sessions.
- Onboard Controls: User‑friendly controls on the guitar’s body allow you to adjust volume and tone quickly. Some configurations even include an onboard tuner, ensuring that you can stay in perfect pitch even when on the move.
- Versatile Performance Options: With these integrated electronics, the CC‑60SCE transitions effortlessly between unplugged acoustic performance and amplified sound. Whether you’re practicing at home or performing in a small venue, the built‑in Fishman system ensures that your tone remains dynamic and true to the instrument’s natural character.
Amplification Without Compromise
The electronic system in the CC‑60SCE is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. Rather than overwhelming the natural acoustic qualities of the guitar, it enhances them—providing a clear, balanced sound that mirrors the unplugged tone. This makes the instrument particularly appealing to singer‑songwriters and performers who need a reliable acoustic‑electric solution without the complexity of external gear.
Tone and Sound Quality
Balanced, Articulate Acoustic Voice
Tone is at the core of what makes any guitar stand out, and the Fender CC‑60SCE delivers a sound that is both nuanced and dynamic:
- Bright and Articulate Spruce Top: The solid spruce top offers a bright, clear tone with a strong attack and excellent projection. It captures the subtleties of your playing, whether you’re strumming full chords or delicately fingerpicking intricate melodies.
- Warm, Complementary Back and Sides: The laminated mahogany back and sides add a layer of warmth and depth, balancing the brightness of the top. The result is a well‑rounded sound that suits a variety of musical styles, from folk and pop to soft rock and blues.
- Concert Body Dynamics: The concert body shape inherently provides a more focused sound with excellent midrange clarity. This makes the CC‑60SCE especially well‑suited for vocal accompaniment, ensuring that your voice and guitar can blend seamlessly.
Consistency When Amplified
Thanks to the integrated Fishman system, the CC‑60SCE maintains its tonal integrity whether played acoustically or amplified:
- Natural Amplification: The onboard electronics ensure that the amplified sound retains much of the guitar’s natural character, providing a faithful reproduction of its acoustic tone.
- Adjustable EQ for Customization: The ability to tweak the tone via the onboard equalizer allows you to tailor the sound to different environments—be it a quiet studio or a lively gig.
Playability and Comfort
Ergonomic Neck and Fretboard
The Fender CC‑60SCE is designed to be as comfortable as it is sonically pleasing:
- Slim, Comfortable Neck: The nato neck features a slim profile that makes chord changes and scale runs effortless. This is especially important for beginners and those transitioning to more complex playing techniques.
- Smooth Fretboard: The rosewood or walnut fretboard is smooth and inviting, with rolled edges that reduce friction and make extended playing sessions more comfortable.
- Accessible Cutaway: The cutaway design not only enhances the guitar’s modern aesthetic but also provides easy access to the upper frets. This is particularly beneficial for soloing and intricate fingerstyle work, ensuring that your playing remains fluid and dynamic.
Ready‑to‑Play Setup
Out of the box, the CC‑60SCE typically comes with a well‑set action, meaning you can start playing almost immediately without needing extensive adjustments. This “ready‑to‑play” quality is crucial for beginners, as it minimizes frustration and helps accelerate the learning process.
Value for Money
Affordable Versatility
The Fender CC‑60SCE offers exceptional value for its price:
- Competitive Pricing: Fender has managed to incorporate modern features such as integrated electronics and quality tonewoods into a model that remains budget‑friendly. This makes it an attractive option for entry‑level players and hobbyists.
- Durability and Reliability: The combination of laminated construction and Fender’s renowned build quality means that the CC‑60SCE is designed to withstand daily practice and occasional gigging. Its durability ensures that it remains a reliable instrument as your skills develop.
- Versatile Application: Whether you’re performing unplugged in an intimate setting or plugging in for a live performance, the CC‑60SCE is versatile enough to meet your needs. Its balanced tone, combined with user‑friendly electronics, ensures that it can grow with you as you progress as a musician.
Long‑Term Investment
For those just starting out or looking to add a reliable concert‑style acoustic‑electric to their collection, the CC‑60SCE represents a smart, long‑term investment. Its combination of affordability, versatility, and quality ensures that it can serve as a dependable companion on your musical journey for years to come.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Balanced Tone: The solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides deliver a bright, articulate tone balanced by warmth and depth.
- Integrated Electronics: The Fishman preamp and pickup system allow for easy amplification, making it ideal for both practice and live performance.
- Comfortable Playability: A slim neck, smooth fretboard, and accessible cutaway ensure that the guitar is easy to play, even for extended sessions.
- Classic Concert Body: The concert body shape offers a more intimate sound and enhanced midrange clarity, perfect for vocal accompaniment and fingerstyle work.
- Affordable Price: Combines modern features and quality construction at a competitive price, making it an excellent option for beginners and budget‑conscious players.
Cons
- Laminated Construction: While cost‑effective and durable, the use of laminated woods for the back and sides may not provide the same tonal richness as fully solid wood instruments.
- Basic Aesthetics: The design is clean and understated, which may not appeal to players looking for more ornate or visually striking guitars.
- Entry‑Level Electronics: Although functional and reliable, the integrated electronics may not offer the advanced tonal shaping capabilities that more experienced players might desire.
- Potential Setup Adjustments: Some units may require minor tweaks to the action or intonation to perfectly match personal playing preferences.
Final Verdict
The Fender CC‑60SCE Concert Acoustic Guitar is a compelling option for players who desire a versatile, affordable instrument with a warm, balanced tone. Its classic concert body design, coupled with integrated Fishman electronics, makes it well‑suited for both unplugged acoustic sessions and amplified performances. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your musical journey or an intermediate player seeking a reliable workhorse for vocal accompaniment and fingerstyle work, the CC‑60SCE offers the performance and features you need at a budget‑friendly price.
While its laminated construction may not deliver the full resonance of higher‑end, all‑solid wood guitars, it does offer increased durability and stability—making it an excellent choice for everyday playing, travel, and practice. Overall, the CC‑60SCE stands out for its balanced tone, comfortable playability, and impressive value for money.
Conclusion
In summary, the Fender CC‑60SCE Concert Acoustic Guitar provides an excellent balance of traditional acoustic warmth and modern electronic versatility. Its concert body shape offers a more intimate, articulate sound, while the integrated Fishman system ensures that the natural tone is preserved even when amplified. For beginners and intermediate players alike, the CC‑60SCE is a smart investment that delivers quality, versatility, and playability without a hefty price tag.
If you’re looking for a reliable, easy‑to‑play acoustic‑electric guitar that can adapt to various musical settings—from home practice to live performance—the Fender CC‑60SCE is well worth considering. With its classic Fender craftsmanship and modern enhancements, it promises to be a valuable addition to your musical arsenal.
Happy strumming, and may your musical journey be as inspiring as the sound of this timeless instrument!