Fender CC-60SCE Review: Value Concert Cutaway

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Fender CC-60SCE is a concert cutaway acoustic electric guitar positioned in the lower mid-range price tier. The product listing highlights a solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, mahogany back and sides, and a Fishman low-profile pickup and preamp. A two-year warranty is also mentioned in the title. On paper, this combination targets players who want a stage ready instrument without moving into a premium price bracket. The concert body and cutaway are practical choices for seated practice and upper fret access. Buyers familiar with the Fender CD-60S will notice a different body shape here, as the CC-60SCE is smaller and includes electronics.

Several important specifications are not published in the listing. These include scale length, nut width, neck material, fingerboard wood, tuners, and included accessories. Buyers should treat those details as unknown rather than assuming standard Fender dimensions. This review uses only the published listing data and general knowledge of acoustic guitar design. It does not claim physical testing, and all observations are based on the listing and typical expectations for this category. The lack of dimensional data is a common issue in online listings, but it becomes important when comparing against models like the Martin LX1 or Taylor GS Mini, which publish more complete specs.

Body, Neck and Playability

The published body shape is a single-cutaway concert, which is smaller than a dreadnought and often easier to manage while seated. The cutaway provides access to the upper frets for lead lines and chord extensions. The listing describes the top as solid spruce with scalloped X-bracing, which should help the soundboard move more freely and respond to lighter touch. Mahogany back and sides are listed, but the listing does not specify whether they are solid or laminate. This matters for resonance and durability. Compared to a dreadnought, the concert body typically offers a more balanced frequency response with less bass emphasis, making it comfortable for players who find larger guitars unwieldy.

Neck details are limited. The listing says the neck has rolled fingerboard edges and is easy to play, which suggests attention to fretting hand comfort. However, it does not publish nut width, scale length, neck profile, or fingerboard wood. These omissions make it hard to predict fit for players with very small or large hands. On paper, the concert body and cutaway should feel approachable for most seated players, but the lack of dimensional data leaves a real question mark for ergonomics. Rolled fingerboard edges are often found on more expensive guitars, so their inclusion here is a positive sign for playability. Still, players who know they need a specific nut width, such as 1 11/16 inches or wider, will need to verify this measurement before ordering.

Tone and Projection

A solid spruce top typically produces a clear, articulate attack with good dynamic range. The scalloped X-bracing described in the listing can allow the top to vibrate more freely, which may increase volume and responsiveness compared to heavier bracing patterns. Mahogany back and sides generally add midrange warmth and focus, balancing the brighter tone of spruce. The concert size should deliver a balanced voice that works well for strumming and fingerpicking. In general, solid spruce tops improve with age as the wood opens up, while laminate tops tend to remain more static.

The concert body will not have the low-end boom of a dreadnought, but it should project well for practice, songwriting, and small acoustic gigs. The Fishman pickup and preamp allow amplified projection when needed, so the unplugged volume is less critical for stage use. Without physical testing, the exact acoustic tone remains an estimate based on materials and body design. Players comparing it to a Yamaha FG800 or Fender CD-60S may find it more compact and potentially less bass heavy, though those are different shapes. The cutaway does not significantly reduce acoustic output, but it can slightly alter the internal air volume, which may affect low-end resonance.

Hardware and Electronics

The listing specifies a Fishman low-profile pickup and preamp system. Fishman is a widely recognized brand for stage acoustic guitars, and a low-profile design usually means minimal visual impact on the soundhole or side. The listing does not detail the control layout, such as volume, tone, phase, or an onboard tuner. Buyers should check the manufacturer's product page for exact preamp features if those controls are important. Many lower mid-range guitars include a basic under-saddle piezo pickup, which is what the Fishman system likely is, but the exact model is not given.

Tuners are not published in the listing, so their quality and gear ratio are unknown. The guitar has a cutaway body, but no mention of strap buttons, pickguard, or other hardware. The black finish is noted in the title. The Fishman system remains the main hardware highlight on paper. A lower mid-range guitar at this price often uses basic tuners, but the absence of data prevents a firm assessment. Compared to the Epiphone DR-100, which does not include electronics, the CC-60SCE offers added value. However, the unknown tuner quality is a risk for players who change strings frequently and need stable tuning.

• Fishman low-profile pickup and preamp
• Solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing
• Mahogany back and sides
• Single-cutaway concert body
• Rolled fingerboard edges described

Build Quality and Finish

The title lists a black finish, and the body style is a concert cutaway. The top is solid spruce, which is a meaningful upgrade over all-laminate construction. The back and sides are mahogany, but the listing does not say solid, so buyers should assume laminate unless confirmation comes from the manufacturer. Laminate mahogany is common in this tier and offers stability against humidity changes, though it may not resonate as freely as solid wood. The finish color is black, which tends to show fingerprints and scratches more than natural or sunburst hues.

The listing mentions a two-year warranty, which provides some assurance against manufacturing defects. It does not mention binding, neck joint type, bridge material, or country of origin. Those details affect long-term durability and repair ease. On paper, the Fender name and warranty support add confidence, but the exact build quality cannot be fully assessed from the listing. Buyers should inspect the guitar in person or confirm return policies before purchase. A two-year warranty is longer than many budget instruments offer, but it typically covers defects rather than normal wear or setup issues.

Setup Out of the Box

Factory setup can vary on acoustic guitars, and the listing does not state string gauge, action measurements, or neck relief. The rolled fingerboard edges may reduce the chance of sharp fret ends, which often bother newer players. Many players in the lower mid-range tier plan for a professional setup to match their playing style. Without published nut width, it is impossible to know if the string spacing will feel cramped or wide. Typical acoustic guitars ship with medium action to avoid buzzing, but a lower setup is often preferred for comfortable fretting.

The cutaway concert body should be comfortable for beginners, but playability depends heavily on nut width and string height. Since the listing omits nut width, a player cannot confirm if the string spacing fits their fingers. The two-year warranty may cover structural issues, but a setup is usually considered routine maintenance. Buyers should ask the seller about current setup condition if buying remotely, or budget for a local technician to adjust action. Compared to more expensive guitars that often include a case and a setup card, the CC-60SCE listing gives no indication of a professional setup.

Daily Use and Practice

The concert cutaway body is sized for regular practice without the bulk of a dreadnought. The solid spruce top responds well to light strumming and fingerpicking, making it suitable for daily technical work and song learning. The built-in Fishman system allows the guitar to be plugged into an amplifier or audio interface for quiet practice with headphones. This can be a useful feature for apartment dwellers. The cutaway supports lead practice above the twelfth fret, which is often neglected on non-cutaway acoustics.

Rolled fingerboard edges can reduce hand fatigue during longer sessions. The black finish looks clean on stage but may show fingerprints and pick scratches. The listing does not publish the guitar's weight, so players with shoulder or back concerns cannot evaluate strap comfort. Overall, the design should fit easily into a daily practice routine, and the cutaway helps when exploring scales and melodies above the twelfth fret. The Fishman preamp also allows for recording directly into a computer, which can be a practice tool for self-evaluation.

Versatility and Styles

The concert cutaway and solid spruce top make the Fender CC-60SCE adaptable for strumming, fingerstyle, and light flatpicking. The midrange warmth from mahogany back and sides suits vocal accompaniment and singer-songwriter material. The cutaway supports occasional lead lines and upper fret chord voicings. Compared to a Taylor GS Mini, this guitar has a larger concert body, which may offer more low end, but that model is a different size and price point. The Fishman electronics also make it a candidate for solo acoustic gigs or small ensemble work.

The guitar may lack the bass response of a dreadnought, so heavy strummers may find it less powerful unplugged. The listing does not describe onboard tone shaping, so players may need external EQ. Still, the core design covers a broad range of popular styles, from folk and pop to light blues and acoustic rock. The concert size is often favored by fingerstyle players because the reduced body depth allows clearer note separation. With the cutaway, it can handle melodic passages that would be difficult on a full-size non-cutaway guitar.

Who Should Buy It

The Fender CC-60SCE suits beginner to intermediate players who want an acoustic electric with a solid spruce top. It is also a reasonable option for gigging musicians needing a lower mid-range stage guitar with cutaway access. Players who prioritize a comfortable concert body and a simple Fishman preamp will find it appealing. The two-year warranty adds peace of mind for first time buyers. Compared to the Yamaha FG800, which is a popular acoustic-only choice, the CC-60SCE adds electronics and a cutaway, but the FG800 may have more published dimensional data.

It may not satisfy buyers who demand all solid tonewoods, premium electronics, or fully published neck dimensions. Those who want the deep bass of a dreadnought or the small scale of a travel guitar should consider other shapes. This review does not replace trying the guitar in person. The information gaps around nut width and scale length are the biggest reasons to test before buying. Buyers who typically play fingerstyle or need precise string spacing should treat the missing nut width as a red flag until verified.

Verdict

The Fender CC-60SCE offers a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman electronics in a concert cutaway body at a lower mid-range price. The combination is practical for practice and stage use. The main unknowns are nut width, scale length, tuners, and whether the mahogany is solid. These gaps prevent a higher score despite the strong feature set. On paper, the guitar earns a score of 77, with high marks for tone potential and electronics, but lower confidence in playability and build specifics.

Playability is promising because of rolled fingerboard edges and the cutaway, but missing dimensions create uncertainty. Tone should be balanced with solid spruce and mahogany. Value is fair for a name brand with a warranty. Buyers who confirm the missing specs will likely find a dependable workhorse for daily practice and modest gigs. For a lower mid-range acoustic electric, the CC-60SCE is a sensible option, but it is not a standout value without more transparency from the listing.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Alvarez AD30

Players seeking a lower mid-range dreadnought with a solid spruce top and traditional build for strumming and flatpicking.

Read the Alvarez AD30 review →

Alvarez AF30

The Alvarez AF30 is best for fingerstyle and folk players who want a solid spruce top in a comfortable folk body at a lower mid-range price.

Read the Alvarez AF30 review →

Fender CC-60S V2 Pack

Beginners and casual players seeking an affordable all-mahogany concert acoustic with a bundled accessory pack.

Read the Fender CC-60S V2 Pack review →

Questions Buyers Ask