Fender CC-140SCE Review

Fender CC-140SCE Acoustic Guitar Review Post Cover

The Fender CC-140SCE is a great guitar for those who are looking for a quality acoustic guitar that’s worth having taking a look at.

It has a cutaway body with a top made of solid spruce, back and sides made of laminated ovangkol, gloss body finish, a Fender ‘Easy-to-Play’ neck with a dual-action truss rod, and chrome hardware plating.

You can purchase this guitar in many different stores, some of them include:

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In this review post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Fender CC-140SCE acoustic guitar and examine its features, sound, and playability.

Making good choices is crucial since certain guitar features can completely transform the feel and value of the instrument.

Summary


Here’s a summary of our general observations on the Fender CC-140SCE.

These ratings and scores for each key point are based on our own personal opinions and experience with this guitar.

Hardware 4.7 / 5
Body 4.9 / 5
Neck 4.9 / 5
Fretboard 4.2 / 5
Sound 4.7 / 5
Playability 4.7 / 5
Value 4.7 / 5
Brand 5 / 5

Hardware


All of the metal and plastic components that make up a guitar are collectively referred to as the hardware.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Tuning machines
  • Pickguard
  • Bridge
  • Strings
  • Strap buttons
  • Pickups
  • Tailpiece
  • Control knobs

Fender acoustic guitars are noted for their strong and long-lasting construction.

The company has generally always used high-quality materials for its products, which is evident in many of the different successful models that they’ve built throughout the years.

When purchasing a guitar primarily on its hardware, ensure that it is of high quality and that it appears to be strong enough to withstand regular use.

Plastic saddles on the bridge, for example, are common on lower-quality guitars, which can have a detrimental impact on the instrument’s tone and intonation, as well as making it more difficult to tune.

You should also make sure that the metal pieces are resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, and that they appear to be solid and durable without being easily damaged.

A decent-sounding and playable guitar requires excellent hardware, and there are a few things that a manufacturer can do to make it perfect for us guitarists.

Let’s take a look at it more closely!

Fender CC-140SCE full guitar image
Fender CC-140SCE

– Tuning Machines


On this Fender CC-140SCE, the tuning machines are die-cast, made of chrome, and have a closed-back geared design.

  • Type: Die-Cast
  • Design: Closed-Back Geared

One of the most significant aspects of any guitar’s hardware is the tuning machines (or “tuners”).

They’re responsible for holding the strings tight so that they can vibrate properly and produce the correct pitch.

Low-quality tuning machines can make even the best guitar sound terrible, so it’s important to choose wisely.

This is because tuning machines are what keep the guitar’s strings tight.

Anytime your tuning machines are not functioning properly, the strings can become loose and out of tune.

They can also make string changes more difficult, as well as playing the guitar more challenging in general.

Must Remember:

A good tuning machine is made of long-lasting materials and operates with accuracy and precision.

To avoid rust, make sure to choose materials like nickel-plated steel or stainless steel.

Because these materials don’t tarnish, your instrument will last much longer.

Fender CC-140SCE headstock
Headstock

– Pickguard


The Fender CC-140SCE has a dark red pickguard with a 1-ply tortoise shell design.

  • Color: Dark Red
  • Design: 1-Ply Tortoise Shell

Tortoiseshell is a classic pickguard design that has been used on some of the most iconic guitars in history.

Most pickguards are constructed using plastic, in some cases, even carbon fiber, and there are a variety of styles to choose from.

Their purpose is to protect the finish of the guitar from being scratched by the pick as you play.

When choosing a pickguard, it is important to consider both its durability and its ability to protect the guitar body from scratches.

Fender CC-140SCE pickguard color and design
Pickguard color and design

It should also be placed in such a way that it will effectively protect the guitar’s body from scratches inflicted by the player’s pick.

As for aesthetics and looks, the pickguard should also complement the overall look of the guitar.

It should be noticeable, but not obtrusive, and it shouldn’t look low-quality or out of place.

– Strap Buttons


Both strap buttons on the Fender CC-140SCE are constructed of chrome, appear to be fairly strong, and are located at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.

Strap buttons are small metal buttons that are mounted on the body of the guitar, and they’re used to attach a strap to the instrument.

On the body of most guitars, there will be at least two strap buttons, one on each side.

Fender CC-140SCE strap buttons position and design
Strap buttons position and design

Metal strap buttons should be solid and strong to avoid coming loose over time.

Even though for most people, whether the strap buttons are good or not won’t be a deal-breaker for them, it’s still something to keep in mind when reviewing a guitar.

Body


The neck, bridge, and strings are all joined to the guitar’s body, which is the most important section of the instrument.

This is also where you’ll notice a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound from inside the instrument rebounds and resonates.

The majority of guitars have a wooden body, although others have carbon fiber, metal, or plastic bodies (less usual).

– Wood


The type of wood used for the body might alter the sound of the guitar, so keep that in mind if you’re searching for a specific tone.

When it comes to the Fender CC-140SCE, it has a solid spruce top with a laminated ovangkol back and laminated ovangkol sides.

Having a solid top is important because it means that the wood hasn’t been laminated, which could affect the sound quality since laminated wood is often thinner.

When wood is laminated, this means that strips of wood are glued together to create a piece.

– Finish


The body finish is the final layer of protection for the wood of the guitar body.

When it comes to this guitar in specific, it features a gloss finish.

It’s what gives the guitar its brilliance and shine, but also protects the wood from scratches, dents, and other wear and tear.

You’ll encounter a variety of finishes, including the following:

  • Polyurethane
  • Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Polyester

Nitrocellulose Lacquer is considered to be the best type of finish, but it’s also the most expensive.

It’s a durable finish that can be buffed to a high shine, and it’s also relatively easy to repair if it’s damaged.

Polyurethane is a cheaper alternative that’s almost as good, and Polyester is the cheapest option but it doesn’t provide as much protection.

Among these categories, there are subcategories as well, such as:

  • Gloss finishes: High shine and they’re very reflective.
  • Matte finishes: Have a lower shine and they’re not very reflective.
  • Satin finishes: Somewhere in-between gloss and matte, they have a moderate shine and they’re somewhat reflective.

– Colors Available


The color of a guitar’s body is never an important factor on its overall sound.

Yet, it can affect the instrument’s appearance and feel.

Some individuals like a specific color guitar because it complements their personal style.

Fender CC-140SCE colors available
Colors available

Some of the most popular colors for guitar bodies are:

  • Natural: This is the color of wood that hasn’t been stained or painted.
  • Black: Black is a popular color for metal-style guitars.
  • Sunburst: Sunburst is a combination of light and dark colors, usually red, yellow, and brown.

Choosing a guitar based on its color is purely a matter of personal preference.

But if you do take your time and choose something that you’re happy with, you’ll be much more likely to play it often and develop your skills quicker.

– Bridge, Saddle, and Pins


The Fender CC-140SCE has walnut bridge with white with black dots pins and also a saddle made of graph tech nubone.

Each of these elements has a significant impact on how the guitar sounds and feels.

For example, the bridge’s primary purpose is to carry the vibrations of the strings to the guitar’s body.

The saddle, which is typically composed of plastic or bone, serves as a resting place for all of the strings.

On the other hand, the pins, are what keep the strings in place.

Fender CC-140SCE bridge, saddle, and pins
Bridge, saddle, and pins

There are many various types of bridges, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

On acoustic guitars, you’ll mainly see three types of bridges:

  • Pin bridges (standard)
  • Pinless bridges
  • Classical bridge

Pin bridges, being the most common type of bridge, are also the simplest to rebuild and replace.

They are, however, more difficult to intonate, which means getting the strings in the proper place.

Pinless bridges are less frequent, but they are simple to intone as well.

They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which can be difficult to track and are very easy to lose.

Lastly, classical guitar bridges are only used on classical guitars.

They are similar in design to other bridges, but the main difference is that they don’t have pins and instead include a saddle and a wooden block with a hole for each string.

This hole is used to tie the string down, giving the guitar a much cleaner appearance.

Now, the type of saddle you use is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and quickest to find, but they do not last as long as bone saddles.

Bone saddles are more expensive, but they’re also way more durable.

As for the bridge pins, there are three main types:

  • Plastic bridge pins
  • Steel bridge pins
  • Brass bridge pins

Plastic bridge pins are the cheapest and easiest to find, but they are known to be the least durable.

Steel bridge pins are more expensive, but they’re also more durable in many ways.

Brass bridge pins are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable our of the three.

Neck


When it comes to the Fender CC-140SCE, its neck is made of mahogany with a gloss urethane finish, and it has a Fender ‘Easy-to-Play’ shape with an dual-action truss rod.

The guitar’s neck is the long, thin piece that runs from the body to the headstock.

Because different woods have varied qualities and impact the way the vibrations created by the strings behave, the type of wood chosen for the neck can influence the guitar’s playability and sound.

The bolt-on neck is the most prevalent type of neck, which is screwed or bolted onto the guitar’s body.

Another popular construction is the set-neck, which is whenever the neck is just glued to the body.

The fretboard, frets, nut, and truss rod are all critical elements of a guitar neck.

Fretboard


The fretboard is the surface on the neck of the guitar where your fingers push down on the strings.

It’s most commonly made of wood, although it can also be made of carbon fiber, plastic, or even metal.

The Fender CC-140SCE has a fretboard made of walnut with a radius of 12″ (305 mm) and 3mm pearloid dot inlays:

Fender CC-140SCE fretboard
Fretboard

Despite the fact that this has historically been a source of debate, it is generally acknowledged that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a slight effect on the sound of the guitar.

Maple, for example, is a popular wood for electric guitars because it produces a very bright tone.

Rosewood is another popular material for acoustic guitars because it provides a warm and full-bodied tone.

Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars designed to have a very clean, clear tone.

There are many different types of fretboards available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The kind of fretboard you pick is entirely up to you and what you really want in a guitar; the tone will not be dramatically different, but the feel will be.

Fender CC-140SCE body
Body

Brand Info


Fender is a leading manufacturer of electric guitars, and they’ve been in business since 1946.

They’re one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world, and their instruments are used by some of the most famous musicians of all time.

Also, the company offers a wide range of different models, from simple beginner guitars to complex professional instruments.

Their guitars are known for their great tone and quality craftsmanship, and they’re a popular choice for both beginner and experienced players.

At the same time, Fender guitars are very affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious musicians.

Fender brand logo
Fender logo

Videos


For those of you who want to get a more in-depth look at this guitar, we’ve included some videos below.

The first video is a demo showing off how it sounds and looks.

While the second video is a review that goes over some of its features and specs.

Demo

FENDER CC-140SCE Sound Test (No effect!)

Specifications


A guitar’s specifications can tell you a lot about the instrument, and they can be helpful when you’re trying to decide between different models.

Below, we’ve included the specifications for the Fender CC-140SCE:

– General

BrandFender
ModelCC-140SCE
TypeAcoustic
Number of Strings6
Hardware PlatingChrome
Tuning MachinesDie-Cast
Tuning Machines DesignClosed-Back Geared
Electro-acousticYes
Built-in TunerYes
ColorsNatural, Sunburst

– Body

Body StyleConcert Cutaway
CutawayYes
Solid TopYes
Top MaterialSolid Spruce
Back MaterialLaminated Ovangkol
Sides MaterialLaminated Ovangkol
Finish TypeGloss
PickguardYes
Pickguard ColorDark Red
Pickguard Design1-Ply Tortoise Shell
Strap ButtonsYes
Strap Buttons PositionBottom and side of heel
Strap Buttons DesignClassic

– Neck

Neck MaterialMahogany
Neck ShapeFender ‘Easy-to-Play’
Neck FinishGloss Urethane
Scale Length25.3″ (643 mm)
Truss RodDual-Action

– Fretboard

Fretboard MaterialWalnut
Fingerboard Inlay3mm Pearloid Dot
Fret Size Vintage
Number of Frets20

– Bridge, nut, saddle, pins

Bridge PinsWhite with Black Dots
Bridge Walnut
Saddle Material Graph Tech NuBone
Nut MaterialGraph Tech NuBone
Nut Width1.69″ (43 mm)

Please note that some brands might change the features and type of materials that they have and use on their guitars.

If you see a discrepancy in any of these specifications, please let us know and we’ll correct it.

I also encourage you to check out our other guitar reviews if you’re looking for something specific that you might have not found here with this guitar.

We have reviews on electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, effects pedals, and more.

No matter what your budget is, or what type of guitar you’re looking for, we should be able to help you find the perfect one for you.