Fender CN-140SCE Review

Fender CN-140SCE Acoustic Guitar Review Post Cover

The Fender CN-140SCE is a fantastic acoustic guitar that has long been a favorite of guitarists of all levels.

It has a cutaway body with a top made of solid cedar, 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 acoustic guitar and examining its features, sound, and playability.

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

Summary


Here is an abbreviated version and overview of our findings on the Fender .

Also, the score and rating we give is just our own personal opinion and experience so it’s subjective.

Hardware 4.5 / 5
Body 4.9 / 5
Neck 4.6 / 5
Fretboard 4.1 / 5
Sound 4.6 / 5
Playability 4.1 / 5
Value 4.3 / 5
Brand 5 / 5

Hardware


The many metal and plastic elements that make up a guitar are referred to as the hardware.

These include but are not limited to:

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

Fender’s acoustic guitars are well-known for their solid 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.

If you choose an acoustic guitar based on its hardware, make sure it is of high quality and appears to be strong enough to withstand regular use.

For example, lower-quality guitars often have plastic saddles on the bridge, which can negatively affect the sound and intonation of the instrument, and also make it more difficult to keep in 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.

Good hardware is required for a good-sounding and playable guitar, and there are a few things a manufacturer can do to make it ideal for us.

Let’s take a look at it more closely!

Fender CN-140SCE full guitar image
Fender CN-140SCE

– Tuning Machines


On this Fender CN-140SCE, the tuning machines are simple but effective, they’re 3-in-line with amber pearloid buttons, made of chrome, and have a closed-back geared design.

  • Type: 3-In-Line with Amber Pearloid Buttons
  • Design: Closed-Back Geared

The tuning machines (or “tuners”) are one of the most important parts of the hardware on any guitar.

They’re responsible for keeping the strings tight so they can vibrate properly and generate the right pitch.

Low-quality tuning machines can ruin the sound of even the best guitar, so choose wisely.

This is due to the fact that tuning machines are what keep the guitar’s strings tight.

If your tuning machines are not working as they should, the strings will become loose and go out of tune.

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

Must Remember:

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

You should search for materials that are less susceptible to rust, such as nickel-plated steel or stainless steel.

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

Fender CN-140SCE headstock
Headstock

– Pickguard


The Fender CN-140SCE doesn’t have a pickguard, which means that if you’re not careful enough when you play, you could damage its finish very easily.

  • Color: Not applicable
  • Design: Not applicable

It’s actually quite interesting that Fender chose not to include a pickguard on this model.

Whether it was merely a design choice or not, this one of the “negative” thing we noticed about this instrument.

A pickguard’s purpose is to protect the finish of the guitar from being scratched by the pick as you play.

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

Fender CN-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.

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 CN-140SCE are constructed of chrome, appear to be strong enough, and are found at the bottom and side of heel of the guitar.

Strap buttons is what we call the little metal buttons installed on the guitar’s body that are used to connect a strap to the instrument.

One on either side of the body, most guitars will generally feature two strap buttons.

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

Metal strap buttons should be durable and sturdy so that they do not come loose over time.

Even though the quality of the strap buttons isn’t a deal-breaker for the majority of folks, 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.

A hole (the “soundhole”) through which sound can resonate from within the instrument can also be found here.

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

– Wood


If you have a specific tone in mind for your guitar, you should take into account the type of wood used for the body.

When it comes to the Fender , it has a solid cedar 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 has a gloss finish.

This is 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 typically not a significant factor in the overall tone.

However, it can be a factor in the look and feel of the instrument.

Some people prefer a guitar that’s a certain color because it matches their style, or because it’s easier to see in low light conditions.

Fender CN-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 CN-140SCE has a pinless bridge.

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

For example, the bridge is responsible for transferring string vibrations to the guitar’s body.

The saddle is what the strings sit on, and it’s usually made of plastic or bone.

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

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

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

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

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

Pin bridges are the most common type of bridge, and they’re also the easiest to replace.

However, they can be a bit more difficult to intonate, which means getting the strings in the correct position.

Pinless bridges are less common, although they are easy to intonate as well.

They also have the advantage of not requiring any pins, which can be a pain to keep track of.

Finally, the vast majority of classical guitar bridges are only seen 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.

Said hole is used to tie the string down, which gives the guitar a much cleaner look.

Now, the type of saddle you choose is also important; plastic saddles are the cheapest and easiest to find, but they don’t 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 CN-140SCE, 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 guitar’s neck is the long, thin piece that runs from the body to the headstock.

The wood used for the neck has an impact on the guitar’s playability and tone since various woods have different qualities and influence the way vibrations created by the strings move.

The bolt-on neck, which is screwed or bolted onto the guitar body, is the most common type.

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.

As for the Fender CN-140SCE, it has a fretboard made of walnut with a radius of flat and side dot inlays:

Fender CN-140SCE 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.

For instance, maple is a popular material for electric guitars because it tends to produce a very sharp tone.

Rosewood is another popular choice, and it’s often used on acoustic guitars because it gives the instrument a warm and full sound.

Ebony is another popular choice, and it’s frequently used on guitars meant to have a very bright, clear sound.

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

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

Fender CN-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

12. Bonus guitar review Part 1 - Fender CN140SCE

Review

Fender CN-140 SCE Thinline Nylon Solid Top Cutaway

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 CN-140SCE:

– General

BrandFender
ModelCN-140SCE
TypeAcoustic
Number of Strings6
Hardware PlatingChrome
Tuning Machines3-In-Line with Amber Pearloid Buttons
Tuning Machines DesignClosed-Back Geared
Electro-acousticYes
Built-in TunerNo
ColorsBlack, Natural

– Body

Body StyleConcert
CutawayYes
Solid TopYes
Top MaterialSolid Cedar
Back MaterialLaminated Ovangkol
Sides MaterialLaminated Ovangkol
Finish TypeGloss
PickguardNo
Pickguard ColorNot applicable
Pickguard DesignNot applicable
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 InlaySide Dot
Fret Size Vintage-Style
Number of Frets18

– Bridge, nut, saddle, pins

Bridge PinsPinless bridge
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.