These days, a solid spruce top is no longer an unaffordable luxury when buying an acoustic guitar. An almost unique feature at this price point, however - and one usually reserved for instruments in the four-digit price category - is the hardshell case included in the scope of delivery. The Fender CD-140SCE offers both, and more besides: A cutaway for unrestricted access to the upper registers, a pickup system for live use, a built-in tuner that will prove invaluable even when playing unplugged, and last but not least, a large dreadnought body with an attractive sunburst finish, which combines sonic versatility with eyecatching looks. And it should come as no surprise that this guitar also comes complete with a set of Fender's warm-sounding bronze strings.
The most decisive element when it comes to the sound of a steel acoustic guitar is its top, which in the case of the Fender CD-140SCE is made from solid spruce - a wood that, just like the abilities of the player, matures and gets better over time. The back and sides are made from dark-coloured ovangkol, and the mahogany neck features a walnut fingerboard with a nut width of 43mm, which should make it comfortable enough for electric guitarists as well. The onboard pickup system mentioned above is made by Fishman and powered by a 9V battery, and the guitar can be kept safe from knocks and scrapes with the included hardshell case, which can also be locked for added security.
The Fender CD-140SCE bridges the gap between the "beginner" and "mid-priced" segments, which makes it a great choice for newcomers looking for a solid instrument to get started on and for more advanced players looking to upgrade from a beginner's guitar to a model with a solid top that they can also use on stage. Electric guitarists who are on the hunt for an acoustic guitar to add to their arsenal and want a "brand-name" instrument for live use should also take a look. The fact that the CD-140SCE is intended for the stage is reflected in the fact that it comes with two strap buttons (one on the bottom edge and one on the upper shoulder), a much more secure option than tying the top end of the strap to the headstock when performing.
Fender is without doubt one of the most legendary guitar and amplifier manufacturers of all time. The company was founded in 1946 by its namesake Leo Fender († 1991), whose innovative ideas brought a breath of fresh air into the musical world. His Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass, and Jazz Bass are not only classics – they also continue to shape the styles of musicians in countless genres to this day. Timeless Fender amplifier models such as the Bassman, Twin, Deluxe, and Princeton also enjoy a stellar reputation. Besides maintaining its classic product portfolio, however, the company is also constantly developing new products that make Fender a driving force in today’s music industry.
The abbreviation "CD" in the Fender CD-140SCE's name stands for "Classic Design". And the designation is well deserved - after all, guitars have been built in the "dreadnought" shape for more than 100 years as a way to achieve a louder sound. In fact, using this kind of large body size was originally the only way to amplify the instrument. The letters "SCE" in turn stand for "Solid Top", "Cutaway", and "Electric", respectively indicating that the guitar features a top made from solid wood, a cutaway for improved access to its upper registers, and a pickup system to allow the guitar to be amplified the modern way. When played unplugged, this guitar therefore delivers plenty of volume and the full sound that only a solid top can provide, and it can also be plugged in and amplified for use on stage. And the included hardshell case will ensure that it is kept safe from knocks and scrapes during transport and storage.