Fender CD-60 Dreadnought vs Fender FA-125CE: Overview of expert opinions
The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better for those who prioritize a rich and full sound with a strong bass response. Its dreadnought body shape and laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides contribute to its powerful projection and balanced tone. It is also more affordable compared to the Fender FA-125CE.
The CD-60 Dreadnought is ideal for players seeking a powerful and balanced sound at an affordable price.
On the other hand, the Fender FA-125CE is better for those who value comfort and portability. It has a comfortable C-shaped neck, lightweight body, and comes with a gig bag, making it easier to handle and carry for extended periods of time. The FA-125CE also features a cutaway design, allowing easier access to the higher frets, and includes a strap for comfortable standing play.
It is suitable for those prioritizing comfort, portability, and potentially a different tonal character.
In terms of sound quality, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better suited for those who prioritize a warm and mellow tone. It is praised for its concert-level sound projection and consistent tonality, making it ideal for players who want a mellow sound with clear distinction between each pitch.
However, it may lack sound projection, clarity, and definition of individual notes when fingerpicking.
On the other hand, the Fender FA-125CE is a better choice for those looking for a lively and versatile acoustic sound. It produces a rich, deep voice with low end and warm mids, making it suitable for various genres and playing styles. The guitar also features Fishman electronics, providing an authentic acoustic voice even when plugged in.
The FA-125CE delivers a pleasing and well-balanced acoustic sound whether you're strumming chords or fingerpicking.
In terms of durability, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better suited for those who prioritize sturdiness and durability. Its sturdy construction and consistency in quality make it a reliable choice for musicians who may be more prone to mishandling their instrument. The CD-60 is built to last and can withstand some rough handling, making it a good option for gigging musicians or those who frequently travel with their guitar.
Overall, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better for those seeking a powerful and balanced sound at an affordable price, with a warm and mellow tone. It is also more durable and suited for rough handling. On the other hand, the Fender FA-125CE is better for those prioritizing comfort, portability, and a lively and versatile acoustic sound.
It is also well-built and durable, but may not meet the sound projection and tonality expectations set by Fender.
Table of contents (click on an item)
Features
Based on the expert reviews, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better for those who prioritize a rich and full sound with a strong bass response. Its dreadnought body shape and laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides contribute to its powerful projection and balanced tone. It also features a built-in tuner, making it convenient for tuning on the go.
The CD-60 Dreadnought is generally more affordable compared to the Fender FA-125CE.
On the other hand, the Fender FA-125CE is better for those who value comfort and portability. It has a comfortable C-shaped neck, lightweight body, and comes with a gig bag, making it easier to handle and carry for extended periods of time. The FA-125CE also features a cutaway design, allowing easier access to the higher frets, and includes a strap for comfortable standing play.
It has a concert body shape, potentially offering a more balanced tone.
In summary, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better for those seeking a powerful and balanced sound at an affordable price, while the Fender FA-125CE is better for those prioritizing comfort, portability, and potentially a different tonal character.
Sound quality
Based on the expert reviews, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better suited for those who prioritize a warm and mellow tone. Its laminated mahogany top, back, and sides contribute to a warm and rich voice. This guitar is praised for its concert-level sound projection and consistent tonality.
It is ideal for players who want a mellow sound with clear distinction between each pitch. However, it may lack sound projection, clarity, and definition of individual notes when fingerpicking.
On the other hand, the Fender FA-125CE is a better choice for those looking for a lively and versatile acoustic sound. It produces a rich, deep voice with low end and warm mids. The combination of spruce and basswood tonewoods contributes to its vibrant and resonant sound. The guitar also features Fishman electronics, providing an authentic acoustic voice even when plugged in.
The FA-125CE is suitable for various genres and playing styles, making it a versatile option. It delivers a pleasing and well-balanced acoustic sound whether you're strumming chords or fingerpicking.
In summary, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better for players who prioritize a warm and mellow tone, while the Fender FA-125CE is better for those seeking a lively and versatile acoustic sound. The CD-60 excels in concert-level sound projection and consistent tonality, while the FA-125CE offers a rich, deep voice with low end and warm mids, making it suitable for various genres and playing styles.
Durability
The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is better suited for those who prioritize durability and sturdiness in their guitar. Its sturdy construction and consistency in quality make it a reliable choice for musicians who may be more prone to mishandling their instrument. The CD-60 is built to last and can withstand some rough handling, making it a good option for gigging musicians or those who frequently travel with their guitar.
On the other hand, the Fender FA-125CE is also well-built and durable, but it may be better suited for those who prioritize sound quality and tonality. While the FA-125CE still offers good build quality and durability, it may not meet the sound projection and tonality expectations set by Fender.
This guitar would be a good choice for musicians who prioritize the sound and tone of their instrument and are willing to sacrifice a bit of durability for a better sound.
Overall, both the CD-60 and FA-125CE offer solid build quality and durability, but the CD-60 excels in terms of sturdiness and durability, while the FA-125CE may be a better choice for those who prioritize sound quality and tonality.
Experts prefer Fender CD-60 Dreadnought over Fender FA-125CE
On 22 Aug 2024 (21 days ago) we went through 86 Acoustic Guitar expert endorsements .
Currently, Fender CD-60 Dreadnought received 1 endorsement from Six String Acoustic (7 Feb 2023). Meanwhile, Fender FA-125CE did not receive any endorsements this month.
Rank | Change | Price | Acoustic Guitar | American Songwriter ![]() | reviewed.usatoday.com ![]() | Music Critic ![]() | Guitar Chalk ![]() | Guitar World ![]() | Six String Acoustic |
GuitarPlayer ![]() | Music Radar ![]() | The Strategist ![]() | 10stunninghomes.com ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18 | N/A | Check price | ![]() The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a versatile and affordable option that offers a balanced tone, durability, and high-quality sound, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate players. | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | - |
N/A | N/A | $240 | ![]() | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Acoustic Guitars ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 7 Feb 2023
Six String Acoustic ranked Fender CD-60 Dreadnought as #2
Rank Acoustic Guitar Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 6 Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Best Acoustic Guitar... ... ... Source: sixstringacoustic.com
Rank | Change | Price | Acoustic Guitar | American Songwriter ![]() | reviewed.usatoday.com ![]() | Music Critic
![]() | Guitar Chalk ![]() | Guitar World ![]() | Six String Acoustic | GuitarPlayer ![]() | Music Radar ![]() | The Strategist ![]() | 10stunninghomes.com ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | - | Check price | ![]() The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction. | - | - | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6 | - | - |
2 | - | $599 | ![]() The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels. | - | - | - | 2 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 5 | - | - |
3 | - | Check price | ![]() The Fender CD 60S acoustic guitar is highly praised for its comfortable playability, impressive sound quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for musicians of all levels. | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 1 |
- | 4 |
4 | - | Check price | ![]() The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels. | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 15 |
Show all rows |
Expert reviews [5]
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 4
Score distribution:
80-100 | |
60-80 | |
40-60 | |
20-40 | |
0-20 |
Expert reviews [4]
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 3
Score distribution:
80-100 | |
60-80 | |
40-60 | |
20-40 | |
0-20 |
- Dreadnought body style
- Spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing
- Mahogany back and sides
- Mahogany neck
- Die-Cast tuners
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- Highly affordable dreadnought acoustic-electric cutaway by Fender that is great for beginners
- Laminate spruce top and basswood back and sides produce great tone
- Nato, C-shaped neck with hardwood fingerboard offers great playability
- Read more