Fender CD-60S Left Handed Acoustic Guitar review perfect for beginners and seasoned players

Description

An Ideal Acoustic Guitar for Left-Handed Players

Testing the Fender CD-60S Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar has been quite an experience. This dreadnought body acoustic guitar not only caters to left-handed musicians but also delivers a balance of affordability and quality. Its natural finish and solid craftsmanship caught my eye right away. Coming from someone who’s tried a variety of guitars over the years, I can confidently say this one holds its own in the crowded world of acoustic guitars.

Build and Design

The build quality of this left-handed guitar is truly noteworthy. Its solid spruce top combined with mahogany back and sides gives it a sturdy yet elegant look. What really stood out to me was the scalloped “X” bracing on the top. This design feature not only enhances the durability of the instrument but also contributes significantly to its vibrant sound projection.

Another aspect that deserves attention is the ‘Easy-to-Play’ neck design. Fender has added rolled fingerboard edges, which makes transitioning between chords a breeze. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with years of experience, the comfort of this neck design is undeniable. At 3.9 pounds, the guitar is surprisingly lightweight for a dreadnought, making it easy to carry around for gigs or casual jam sessions.

Sound Quality

I was initially skeptical about the sound quality given its price range, but this guitar exceeded my expectations. The solid spruce top, known for its tonal clarity, delivers a bright and resonant sound. Paired with the rich, warm tones of mahogany back and sides, the overall sound is balanced and full-bodied. Whether I was strumming chords or fingerpicking a melody, the guitar produced a sound that was both crisp and dynamic.

The phosphor bronze strings further enhance the sound clarity. Light string gauge adds to the playability, especially for beginners who may not be accustomed to heavier strings. However, I did feel that the factory-set action could be slightly high for some players, which might require a quick adjustment.

Key Benefits

• Left-Handed Design: Specifically tailored for left-handed players, avoiding the need for makeshift modifications.
• High-Quality Materials: The blend of solid spruce and mahogany ensures durability and tonal richness.
• Comfortable Neck: The ‘Easy-to-Play’ neck is perfect for long practice sessions.
• Lightweight and Portable: At only 3.9 pounds, it’s easy to handle and carry.
• Great Sound Projection: The scalloped X bracing provides excellent resonance and projection.

Areas for Improvement

While the guitar has many strengths, there are a few shortcomings worth mentioning:

• The factory string action might feel slightly high for some players, requiring adjustments.
• The lack of onboard electronics means it’s not ideal for live amplified performances.
• Phosphor bronze strings, while excellent for tone, may not last as long as coated alternatives.

Competing Products

In comparison to other left-handed acoustic guitars in the same price range, this model strikes a balance between quality and affordability. For instance, the Yamaha FG820L offers similar features, including a solid spruce top, but its neck lacks the rolled edges that make the Fender so comfortable to play. On the flip side, the FG820L has a slightly richer bass response due to its dreadnought shape.

Another competitor, the Ibanez AW54L, boasts an all-mahogany build, which delivers a warmer tone but sacrifices some of the brightness and clarity you get from the Fender’s spruce top. While these alternatives are worth considering, the CD-60S LH stands out due to its lightweight build, beginner-friendly neck, and balanced tone.

Value for Money

For its price bracket, the Fender CD-60S Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar offers an impressive mix of features and performance. The solid spruce top, along with the rolled fingerboard edges, gives it an edge over many rivals. While it may not have premium features like built-in electronics, it delivers where it matters most: sound quality and playability. If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable guitar that doesn’t compromise on tone or comfort, this is a smart choice.

Final Thoughts

Testing this guitar has been a pleasure. Its natural wood finish, solid construction, and comfortable neck design make it a strong contender in its category. While there are a few areas that could be improved, such as the factory action and the absence of electronics, these are minor issues in an otherwise stellar package. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or are a seasoned player needing a reliable practice instrument, this left-handed dreadnought guitar is a fantastic option tailored to your needs.

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