Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Quick Product Summary

The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Acoustic Guitar in Natural is a straightforward, full-size steel-string acoustic designed for beginners, students and players who want an affordable guitar for everyday practice, songwriting and strumming.

Its traditional dreadnought body combines a laminated spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides, supported by scalloped X-bracing. This construction gives the CD-60 V3 the strong projection and broad tonal balance that make dreadnought acoustics such useful all-round instruments.

A mahogany C-shaped neck, 25.3-inch scale, 43mm Graph Tech NuBone nut and 12-inch-radius walnut fingerboard provide familiar full-size acoustic proportions. Chrome die-cast tuners, a walnut bridge and Fender Dura-Tone coated strings complete a practical specification aimed at reliable everyday playing.

Finished in classic Natural gloss polyurethane with a black pickguard, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a recognisable Fender acoustic guitar without unnecessary electronics or complicated features.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Model	CD-60 Dreadnought V3 DS
Series	Classic Design
Finish	Natural
Condition	New
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Top	Laminated Spruce
Back & Sides	Laminated Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany, C Shape
Fingerboard	Walnut
Scale Length	25.3" / 643mm
Main Appeal	Affordable full-size Fender dreadnought with traditional acoustic construction
Best For	Beginners, students, strumming, songwriting and home practice

What's Included?

• Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Acoustic Guitar in Natural

• ✘ No case or gig bag included

• ✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new guitar supplied by Fair Deal Music is checked before leaving the shop.

For the Fender CD-60 V3, our team checks the guitar's general playing condition, neck, frets, tuners, bridge, strings and overall functionality before dispatch.

This extra check provides additional confidence whether you're buying your first acoustic guitar or adding an affordable dreadnought to an existing collection.

Setup & Final Check

The CD-60 V3 is checked and set up before leaving Fair Deal Music.

As with any acoustic guitar, setup can move slightly during delivery because wood and strings respond naturally to changes in temperature and humidity. Significant changes to string gauge or tuning can also affect neck relief and playing feel.

Why Choose The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3?

Full-Size Dreadnought Sound

The dreadnought is one of the most widely used acoustic guitar body shapes for good reason. Its larger body provides useful projection and a broad frequency response that works particularly well for chord playing and general-purpose acoustic guitar.

Spruce And Mahogany Construction

A laminated spruce top is paired with laminated mahogany back and sides. It is a practical construction for an affordable everyday acoustic, offering a familiar combination for players learning chords, rhythm patterns, flatpicking and basic fingerstyle techniques.

Scalloped X-Bracing

Fender uses scalloped X-bracing beneath the top. Bracing plays a major role in supporting an acoustic guitar while allowing the soundboard to vibrate, making it an important part of the CD-60's acoustic design rather than simply an internal structural detail.

Comfortable C-Shaped Mahogany Neck

The mahogany neck uses a familiar C profile with a 43mm nut width. This gives players conventional steel-string acoustic proportions and provides enough space for chord work without creating an excessively wide classical-style feel.

No Electronics To Complicate Things

The CD-60 V3 is a traditional acoustic guitar without onboard pickup electronics. For players primarily interested in learning, practising or playing acoustically at home, this keeps the instrument simple and focused.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender CD-60 V3 vs Fender CD-60S

The Fender CD-60S is the natural upgrade within the Classic Design family. Its most important difference is the solid spruce top, together with Fender's Easy-to-Play neck with rolled fingerboard edges. Choose the CD-60 V3 when affordability and straightforward dreadnought practicality matter most; step up to the CD-60S if you want the tonal and feel benefits of its upgraded construction.

Fender CD-60 V3 vs Fender CC-60S

The Fender CC-60S uses a smaller concert body rather than a dreadnought. Its compact dimensions are particularly comfortable for smaller players and seated practice, while its solid spruce top and rolled fingerboard edges represent a specification upgrade. Choose the CD-60 V3 for the fuller physical feel and projection of a dreadnought; consider the CC-60S when comfort and a smaller body are priorities.

Fender CD-60 V3 vs Yamaha F310

The Yamaha F310 is another well-established entry-level full-size acoustic. It uses a dreadnought-style body, 634mm scale and 43mm nut width, making it a logical alternative for beginners. The Fender offers a slightly longer 643mm scale along with its mahogany neck, walnut fingerboard and recognisable Classic Design styling. Both are sensible first guitars, so neck feel and personal preference are likely to be the deciding factors.

Who Is The Fender CD-60 V3 For?

The Fender CD-60 V3 is particularly well suited to:

• Beginners buying their first full-size acoustic guitar

• Students taking acoustic guitar lessons

• Electric guitarists wanting an affordable acoustic at home

• Singer-songwriters developing songs and chord progressions

• Players learning open chords and rhythm guitar

• Guitarists who prefer a traditional dreadnought body

• Musicians looking for an uncomplicated second acoustic

• Players who do not need built-in electronics

• Anyone wanting an affordable Fender-branded acoustic guitar

Its combination of simple construction and full-size dimensions gives a new player an instrument they can continue using well beyond their first lessons.

Suitable Genres & Playing Styles

The dreadnought format makes the CD-60 V3 particularly effective for pop, rock, folk, country, singer-songwriter material and general rhythm playing. Its larger body lends itself naturally to open chords and strumming, while the 25.3-inch scale also works well for flatpicked melodies and basic fingerstyle playing.

Players whose main priority is delicate fingerstyle or maximum seated comfort may prefer a smaller concert or parlour body, but for somebody who wants one straightforward acoustic capable of tackling a broad range of music, the dreadnought remains an excellent place to start.

Dreadnought vs Concert Acoustic Guitar: Which Should You Choose?

A dreadnought acoustic has a relatively large body designed to produce strong projection and a substantial sound. This makes it particularly popular with strummers, singer-songwriters and players who want plenty of acoustic presence without amplification.

A concert guitar has a smaller body that can feel easier to hold, particularly for younger or smaller players. If you want a traditional full-size acoustic experience and regularly play chords, the CD-60 V3 dreadnought is a strong choice. If physical comfort and a more compact body are your main priorities, a Fender CC-series concert model is worth considering.

Looking for advice on choosing your first acoustic guitar, dreadnought or complete beginner guitar setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

The CD-60 sits within Fender's Classic Design acoustic range, a family built around familiar acoustic shapes and straightforward specifications aimed at making traditional steel-string guitars accessible to a wide range of players.

The V3 continues that approach with a conventional dreadnought body, spruce-and-mahogany construction and uncomplicated acoustic format. Rather than loading the guitar with electronics or specialist features, Fender has focused on the fundamentals needed for lessons, songwriting and everyday acoustic playing.

That simplicity is one of the CD-60 V3's strengths: it gives a developing player a traditional full-size acoustic platform without requiring a large initial investment.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Natural
Series	Classic Design
Model Number	0970110521
Orientation	Right-Handed
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Body Material	Laminated Spruce Top with Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
Body Top	Spruce
Body Back	Laminated Mahogany
Body Sides	Laminated Mahogany
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Colour	Natural
Bracing	Scalloped X
Rosette	White Pearloid Acrylic
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Shape	C Shape
Neck Finish	Gloss Urethane
Fingerboard Material	Walnut
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 305mm
Number Of Frets	20
Fret Size	2mm
Scale Length	25.3" / 643mm
Nut Material	Graph Tech NuBone
Nut Width	1.69" / 43mm
Position Inlays	White Pearloid Dot
Truss Rod	Dual-Action
Bridge	Walnut
Bridge Pins	White with Black Dots
Tuning Machines	Die-Cast
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Pickguard	1-Ply Black
Strap Button	Factory-Mounted Forward Strap Button with Internal Block Reinforcement
Factory Strings	Fender Dura-Tone 880L Coated 80/20
String Gauges	.012-.052

Does The Fender CD-60 V3 Need An Acoustic Guitar Amp?

No. The CD-60 V3 is a fully acoustic guitar with no onboard pickup or preamp, so no amplifier is required for normal playing.

If you expect to perform through a PA system or acoustic amplifier regularly, an electro-acoustic guitar such as a Fender CD-60SCE may be a more convenient choice because its electronics are built into the instrument.

Recommended Accessories

For a complete everyday acoustic setup, consider pairing the CD-60 V3 with:

• Dreadnought gig bag or hard case

• Clip-on guitar tuner

• Guitar stand

• Acoustic guitar strap

• Picks in several thicknesses

• Spare acoustic guitar strings

• Capo

• String winder and cutter

A protective case or gig bag is particularly worthwhile if the guitar will regularly travel between home, school, lessons or rehearsals.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 in Natural is a strong example of what an entry-level acoustic guitar should be: straightforward, traditionally sized and equipped with the essentials needed to concentrate on learning and playing.

Its biggest strength is its simplicity. There are no electronics or complicated features to distract from the fundamentals, while the dreadnought body gives a new player the full-size acoustic experience used across countless styles of music.

Best suited for: Beginners, students, singer-songwriters and players wanting an affordable full-size acoustic guitar.

Customers usually upgrade from: Borrowed guitars, very basic starter instruments or smaller beginner acoustics.

Most commonly paired with: A clip-on tuner, dreadnought gig bag, guitar stand, capo and spare set of acoustic strings.

Our tip: Keep a clip-on tuner close by and tune before every practice session. Learning to recognise when an acoustic guitar is properly in tune is one of the simplest ways to make practice more enjoyable.

Showroom feedback: The CD-60 V3 makes sense for players who specifically want the familiar feel and projection of a full-size dreadnought without paying for electronics or features they may not use.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, our knowledgeable musician-led team has decades of experience helping beginners, students and experienced players find instruments that genuinely suit their needs.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new and pre-owned instruments

• Guitars checked and set up before leaving the shop

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery options

• Decades of experience supplying guitars and musical equipment

• Specialist knowledge across new, used and pre-owned gear

Buying your first acoustic guitar often raises questions about size, strings, cases, tuners and setup. If you're unsure whether a dreadnought such as the CD-60 V3 is right for you, our team can help by phone, online or in-store.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Fender CD-60 V3 a good guitar for beginners?

Yes. Its conventional full-size dimensions, straightforward acoustic design and familiar C-shaped neck make it a strong option for a beginner who wants to learn on a traditional steel-string acoustic guitar.

Is the Fender CD-60 V3 full size?

Yes. It uses a full-size dreadnought body with a 25.3-inch scale length and 43mm nut width.

Does the CD-60 V3 have a solid top?

No. This V3 DS model uses a laminated spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides. Players specifically looking for a solid spruce top should consider stepping up to the Fender CD-60S.

Is a dreadnought comfortable for beginners?

For many players, yes. Its larger body produces the traditional full-bodied acoustic experience and is especially good for strumming. Smaller players who find a dreadnought cumbersome may be more comfortable with a concert-sized guitar such as the Fender CC-60S.

Can I play fingerstyle on the Fender CD-60 V3?

Yes. Although the dreadnought shape is particularly popular for strumming and flatpicking, there is nothing preventing it from being used for fingerstyle guitar as well.

What string gauge does the CD-60 V3 use?

Fender supplies it with .012-.052 Fender Dura-Tone coated 80/20 acoustic strings. Changing to a significantly different gauge can alter the playing feel and may require setup adjustment.

Can I fit lighter strings to make it easier to play?

Yes. A lighter acoustic set can reduce string tension and may feel easier on the fingers, particularly for newer players. Changing gauge can affect neck relief and action, so some adjustment may be beneficial.

Can I plug the CD-60 V3 into an amplifier?

Not directly. The guitar has no built-in pickup or output socket. An aftermarket acoustic pickup could be fitted, but players who know they require regular amplification may be better served by an electro-acoustic model designed for that purpose.

Should I choose the CD-60 V3 or CD-60S?

Choose the CD-60 V3 if you're looking for the more affordable straightforward dreadnought. Choose the CD-60S if your budget allows you to move up to its solid spruce top and Easy-to-Play neck with rolled fingerboard edges.

How should I store an acoustic guitar?

Keep it away from radiators, direct sunlight and major changes in temperature or humidity. A suitable guitar stand is convenient at home, while a gig bag or hard case provides additional protection during storage and transport.

The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Acoustic Guitar in Natural is an excellent starting point for players who want a traditional full-size acoustic without unnecessary complexity. Its dreadnought body, spruce-and-mahogany construction and familiar neck dimensions create a practical foundation for lessons, songwriting, chords and everyday playing.

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