Fender CD-140SCE 12-String Review

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String Acoustic Guitar Review Post Cover

This Fender CD-140SCE 12-String is a guitar for anyone who wants a quality acoustic guitar that’s worth its price tag.

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:

We may earn commissions from these links at no additional cost to you.

The focus of this post will be on taking an in-depth look at the Fender CD-140SCE 12-String acoustic guitar and examining 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 our summary of the Fender CD-140SCE 12-String so that you can take a quick look at how it performs.

The score and rating we give are simply our own personal opinion so it might be different from what you or others think.

Hardware 4.5 / 5
Body 4.2 / 5
Neck 4.4 / 5
Fretboard 4.3 / 5
Sound 4.3 / 5
Playability 4.3 / 5
Value 4.3 / 5
Brand 5 / 5

Hardware


All of the metal and plastic parts that make up a guitar are called 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 always tried to use materials with decent quality in its products, which is evident in many of the different successful models that they’ve built over the years.

When considering a guitar primarily on its hardware, check that it is of excellent quality and that it all looks strong enough to withstand consistent use.

Lower-quality guitars often have plastic saddles on the bridge, which can negatively impact the instrument’s tone and intonation while also making it more difficult to tune.

Also, ensure sure the metal pieces aren’t prone to rusting or tarnishing, and that they appear solid, durable, and can’t be 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 look at it more closely!

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String full guitar image
Fender CD-140SCE 12-String

– Tuning Machines


On this Fender CD-140SCE 12-String, the tuning machines are simple but effective, they’re die-cast, made of chrome, and have a closed-back geared design.

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

One of the most significant pieces of any guitar’s hardware is the tuning machines (commonly referred to as “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 actually ruin even the best guitar, so choose smartly.

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

When they’re not functioning properly, the strings can become loose and hence, out of tune.

They can also make string changes more complex and the guitar more difficult to play in general.

Must Remember:

High-quality tuning machines are usually constructed from tougher materials and have dependable, smooth action.

You’d want to look for materials such as nickel-plated steel, or stainless steel, which are less likely to rust.

These materials are also less likely to tarnish, extending the life of your instrument.

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String headstock
Headstock

– Pickguard


The Fender CD-140SCE 12-String has a dark red pickguard that has 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 made of plastic, and nowadays maybe even carbon fiber, and there are a few different designs that you’ll come across.

Their aim is to keep the pick from scratching the guitar’s finish while you’re playing.

A decent pickguard should be built of a robust material that can sustain regular use when it comes to protection.

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String pickguard color and design
Pickguard color and design

It should also be placed in such a way that it is likely to protect the guitar’s body from scratches produced by the player’s pick.

In terms of appearance, a pickguard should also blend in with the guitar’s general design and complement the overall aesthetic of the instrument.

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 CD-140SCE 12-String 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 CD-140SCE 12-String 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 the quality of the strap buttons isn’t a deal-breaker for most individuals, it’s still something to consider.

Body


The bridge, neck, 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 find a hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound from within the instrument resonates.

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

– Wood


The type of wood that’s used for the body can affect the sound of the guitar, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a particular tone.

When it comes to the Fender CD-140SCE 12-String, 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 final layer of protection for the wood of the guitar body is the body finish.

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.

There are a few types of finishes that you’ll come across, some of them are:

  • 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 typically not a significant factor in the overall tone.

It can, however, affect the instrument’s appearance and feel.

Some individuals like a certain color guitar because it complements their aesthetic or because it’s easier to see in low light conditions.

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String 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 CD-140SCE 12-String 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.

And the pins are what keep the strings in place so that you can play your instrument.

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String bridge, saddle, and pins
Bridge, saddle, and pins

There are also several kinds of bridges, each with its own set of pro’s and cons.

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

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

The most common type of bridge is the pin bridge, which is also the simplest to replace.

However, they can be more difficult to intonate, which involves getting the strings in a precise position and tuning them.

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

They also have the benefit of not requiring any pins, which may be difficult to keep track of.

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

They’re similar in shape that most other bridges, but the main difference is that they don’t have any pins and just consist of a saddle and wooden block that has a hole for each string.

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

Now, the sort of saddle you have is also crucial; plastic saddles are the least expensive and simplest to buy, but they do not last as long as bone saddles.

The cost of bone saddles tend to be more, but they are also more durable than other options.

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


The Fender CD-140SCE 12-String, has a neck that 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 neck is the long, thin component of the guitar that runs from the body to the headstock and is generally made of wood.

Because different woods have distinct qualities that influence how the vibrations created by the strings behave, the type of wood chosen for the neck can alter the guitar’s playability and sound.

The most popular style of neck is the bolt-on neck, which is screwed or fastened onto the body of the guitar.

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 crucial components 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 is often made of wood, although it can also be made of carbon fiber, plastic, or metal.

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

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String fretboard
Fretboard

Despite the fact that this has traditionally been a point of controversy, it is widely accepted that the type of wood used for the fretboard might have a small impact 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 choice for acoustic guitars because it produces a warm, full-bodied tone.

Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars that are designed to have an extremely clean and clear tone.

There are several varieties of fretboards available, each with its own set of pros and cons.

The kind of fretboard you pick is ultimately up to you and what you’re looking for in a guitar; the tone of the instrument will not be dramatically different, but the feel of the guitar will be.

Fender CD-140SCE 12-String 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 CD-140SCE 12-String Guitar Demo & Review

Review

Fender 12 string CD 140SCE 12 WA Nat plugged, Rudy Lumbago

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 CD-140SCE 12-String:

– General

BrandFender
ModelCD-140SCE 12-String
TypeAcoustic
Number of Strings12
Hardware PlatingChrome
Tuning MachinesDie-Cast
Tuning Machines DesignClosed-Back Geared
Electro-acousticYes
Built-in TunerYes
ColorsNatural

– Body

Body StyleDreadnought 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 Width1.77″ (45 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.