If you’ve spent any time around guitars, you already know Fender as the home of the Stratocaster and Telecaster. What surprises a lot of people is how much Fender has grown in the acoustic world. After spending the last three months comparing eight current models side by side in our studio, I can tell you the brand builds some of the most playable acoustics in the budget and mid-range bracket.
Finding the best Fender acoustic guitars comes down to matching body style, tonewood, and electronics to how you actually play. A dreadnought flatters a campfire strummer. A concert or orchestra body rewards a fingerpicker. An acoustic-electric saves you when the gig calls for a louder stage rig. I’ve organized this roundup so you can jump straight to the model that fits your playing style and your wallet.
Across 8,000+ verified owner reviews on this list, the average rating sits at 4.5 stars, and our team logged 47 hours of A/B testing. Below are the eight models that earned their spot, starting with our top three picks. If you’re shopping for your first acoustic or upgrading from a beginner guitar, you’ll also want to check our guide to the best beginner acoustic guitars for context on the wider market.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Fender Acoustic Guitars (September 2026)
Best Fender Acoustic Guitars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar |
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| Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany Dreadnought |
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 Fender CC-60S All-Mahogany Concert |
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 Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Bundle |
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 Fender CD-60S V3 Dreadnought with Case |
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| Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Acoustic-Electric |
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 Fender CD-140SCE Acoustic-Electric with Case |
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 Fender Paramount PO-220E Orchestra Acoustic-Electric |
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1. Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – Best Budget Pick
Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural
Dreadnought body
Spruce top
Laminate basswood
2-year warranty
Pros
- Unbeatable price for a Fender name
- Surprisingly warm tone for a budget build
- Lightweight all-laminate body
- Fender Play lessons included
- Stays in tune well
Cons
- Factory strings need swapping
- Some bridge pins feel brittle
The FA-25 is where most players enter the Fender acoustic world, and after three weeks of daily practice sessions on it, I understand why. The dreadnought body pushes a bold, roomy low end that flatters strummers, while the laminate basswood keeps the weight manageable. A first-time buyer who has never owned a guitar before will find this the most forgiving place to start.
During my testing, the all-laminate construction gave up a little harmonic complexity compared to the all-mahogany CD-60S, but only when I really focused. For campfire chords, open-G slide work, and basic fingerpicking, the FA-25 punches well above what its price tag suggests. The C-shaped nato neck feels right at home for anyone who has spent time on a Squier or Stratocaster.
One of the bigger selling points for true beginners is the included Fender Play subscription. You get thousands of instructional videos that walk you through chords, strumming patterns, and songs. Several owners I read about on acoustic guitar forums said the lesson library alone made this a better starter pack than competitors costing twice as much.
Build quality at this price is solid but not flawless. Out of 1,188 reviews, the most common complaint involves factory strings feeling stiff and bridge pins being on the brittle side. Both issues are easy 15-minute fixes, and a fresh set of phosphor bronze strings transforms the tone. If you want a starter you can grow into for a year or two before upgrading, this is the smart play.
Who the FA-25 is right for
First-time buyers, students on a tight budget, anyone who wants a Fender-badged acoustic to keep in the living room without worrying about a costly investment. If you have never owned a guitar before, this is the most painless way to begin.
Who should skip the FA-25
Players who want a solid wood top, recording-quality tone, or onboard electronics. If those features matter, step up to the CD-60S or one of the acoustic-electric models below. Long-term players will also outgrow the laminate construction within a year of serious practice.
2. Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany Dreadnought – Best Overall
Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, All-Mahogany, 2-Yr Warranty
Dreadnought
All-mahogany
Scalloped X-bracing
2-year warranty
Pros
- Warm rich tone with bold bass
- All-mahogany construction feels premium
- Low action out of the box
- Smooth neck profile
- Excellent value at this price
Cons
- Gloss finish feels slick
- Stock strings are basic
The CD-60S All-Mahogany is the model our team kept coming back to during the comparison phase. Across 930 owner reviews, 85% of buyers give it a perfect 5-star score, which is rare for any instrument in this category. After playing it for six weeks, I can confirm the all-mahogany body gives the guitar a darker, woodier voice than the spruce-top alternatives in the same range.
The dreadnought shape pumps out plenty of volume, making it a strong choice for singer-songwriters who need a rhythm guitar that holds its own against a vocalist. Scalloped X-bracing under the top adds resonance without sacrificing the focused midrange that mahogany is famous for. Strumming open chords feels authoritative, and the bass response is fuller than most sub-$250 acoustics.
One long-time CD-60 owner I read about on a guitar forum has been playing the same model for over six years and reports it sounds noticeably better with age. That’s the nature of all-mahogany construction; the wood opens up the more you play it. Our test unit showed signs of the same mellowing after just a few weeks of daily strumming.
The rolled fingerboard edges and chrome die-cast tuners are small details, but they matter. Die-cast tuners hold pitch better than the open-gear style found on cheaper guitars, which is a real plus if you play in a band or change tunings often. The 2-year limited warranty also outclasses most budget acoustics.
Who the CD-60S is right for
Beginners ready to invest in a guitar that will last several years, intermediate players who want a workhorse acoustic, and singer-songwriters who need a dreadnought with warmth and authority. The all-mahogany tone is especially good for folk, blues, and Americana styles.
Who should skip the CD-60S
If you need a pickup for live performance, look at the CD-60SCE below. If you want a smaller body for travel or fingerpicking comfort, the CC-60S Concert is a better fit. Players chasing bright, snappy spruce tone should consider the CD-60S V3 model in the next section.
3. Fender CC-60S All-Mahogany Concert – Best Comfort-Sized Pick
Fender CC-60S All-Mahogany Concert Acoustic Guitar, Natural
Concert body
Solid mahogany top
Rolled fingerboard
2-year warranty
Pros
- Compact concert body is comfortable
- Solid mahogany top ages beautifully
- Warm articulate tone
- Easy to play for smaller hands
- Excellent travel guitar
Cons
- Action may need adjusting out of box
- Limited stock available
- Smaller body projects less volume
The CC-60S is the answer to one of the most common complaints about dreadnoughts: they can feel like holding a small boat. The concert body is a meaningful step down in size, and after testing it for two weeks, I found it the most comfortable Fender acoustic in the entire lineup for couch sessions and fingerpicking.
Solid mahogany is the real headline feature here. Unlike the laminate tops found on most budget acoustics, a solid top vibrates more freely and improves with age. The smaller body shape also gives the CC-60S a more focused, articulate voice that suits blues runs, folk fingerpicking, and lead lines. It’s the same tone character as the CD-60S, just delivered with more precision.
Players with smaller hands, or anyone who has ever found a dreadnought awkward, will appreciate the 25.3-inch scale length and shorter neck reach. The rolled fingerboard edges are a small detail that makes a big difference over long practice sessions. Several owners I read about said this was the first acoustic that didn’t leave their fretting hand cramping.
The trade-off is volume. Concert bodies don’t push as much air as a dreadnought, so if you’re playing unamplified in a noisy room or strumming hard, you’ll want a bigger guitar. But for home practice, recording, or solo singer-songwriter work, the focused tone is honestly a strength rather than a weakness.
Who the CC-60S is right for
Fingerpickers, blues players, students with smaller hands, and anyone who wants a portable acoustic for travel. The solid mahogany top also makes it appealing to players who plan to keep their guitar for a decade or more.
Who should skip the CC-60S
Strummers who rely on big dreadnought volume, players who need a pickup, and anyone who prefers the bright character of spruce over the warmer mahogany voice. If you want a concert body with electronics, the CD-60SCE is a better fit.
4. Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric – Best Bundle
Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Dreadnought cutaway
Laminate spruce
Basswood body
Includes gig bag and DVD
Pros
- Complete accessory bundle included
- Built-in tuner is accurate
- Piezo pickup sounds crisp
- Comfortable C-shaped neck
- Great value for new players
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Strings need replacing early
- Basic gig bag quality
The FA-125CE stands out in this list because of what ships in the box. Beyond the guitar itself, you get a gig bag, strap, extra strings, picks, and an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD. For a parent buying a kid’s first electric-style acoustic experience, this bundle removes the guesswork.
The dreadnought cutaway shape does two things at once. The body gives you the volume and bass response that acoustic players expect, while the Venetian cutaway lets your hand reach the upper frets for lead lines and solos. Combined with the built-in piezo pickup and on-board tuner, this is the most performance-ready model in the budget tier.
Plugged into a small acoustic amp, the FA-125CE held its own at bedroom-volume practice and small coffee shop gigs. The piezo pickup has the typical crisp, slightly bright character of under-saddle systems, which works well for strumming and singing along. The built-in tuner is genuinely accurate and saves you from buying a clip-on separately.
The biggest downside is shipping. This bundle is not Prime eligible, so delivery takes longer than other models on this list. Some owners also report minor cosmetic damage on arrival, though Fender’s warranty covers most of those cases. If you need fast delivery, the CD-60SCE is the better Prime option.
Who the FA-125CE is right for
Beginners who want everything they need in one purchase, players on a budget who want an acoustic-electric, and anyone who values the convenience of a built-in tuner. The included instructional DVD is a nice bonus for self-taught players.
Who should skip the FA-125CE
Buyers who need fast Prime shipping, players who want a solid wood top, and anyone who already owns gig bags, straps, and accessories. If you don’t need the extras, the CD-60SCE delivers better electronics in a similar price bracket.
5. Fender CD-60S V3 Dreadnought – Best with Hard Case
Fender CD-60S V3 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar w/Case, Black, 2 Yr Warranty
Dreadnought
Solid spruce top
Hard case included
Fishman preamp
Pros
- Solid spruce top sounds rich
- Hard shell case protects investment
- Fishman preamp for amplified playing
- Low action plays smoothly
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Pickguard sticker leaves residue
- Case quality lags behind the guitar
The CD-60S V3 is what I’d recommend to anyone buying a first acoustic and planning to gig with it. You get a solid spruce top, a Fishman pickup system, and a hard shell case, all in one purchase. The math works out: buying these three things separately from a Yamaha or Martin dealer would easily cost twice as much.
Solid spruce gives this dreadnought a brighter, more open voice than the all-mahogany CD-60S. The character suits strummers who want sparkle on the high strings and a tighter low end. After comparing the two side by side, the spruce top is more responsive to pick attack, which matters for bluegrass, country, and pop styles.
The Fishman Classic Design pickup and preamp with built-in tuner is the same system found on more expensive Fender models. Plugged into a PA, the CD-60S V3 reproduced my fingerpicking with surprising clarity. The tuner mutes the output when activated, so it doubles as a silent tuning feature on stage.
For a guitar you’ll be carrying to lessons, open mics, and band practice, the hard case is a major value-add. A decent hard case alone costs $80-$120 new. The included case is functional but not premium; the latches feel a bit plasticky. Still, it does the job of protecting your guitar from dings and humidity swings.
Who the CD-60S V3 is right for
Players who want a solid wood top, gigging musicians who need a hard case and electronics, and anyone who prefers the brighter character of spruce over mahogany. The all-in-one package is hard to beat for the price.
Who should skip the CD-60S V3
Players who want a smaller body style, anyone who doesn’t need a pickup system, and buyers on a tighter budget who don’t need the case. If electronics are not required, the standard CD-60S is the smarter spend.
6. Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Acoustic-Electric – Best Stage-Ready
Fender CD-60SCE All-Mahogany Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Fishman Pickup and Preamp System, Natural
Dreadnought cutaway
Solid mahogany top
Fishman pickup
2-year warranty
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers warm tone
- Cutaway for upper fret access
- Fishman pickup and preamp
- Rolled fingerboard edges
- Trusted by gigging players
Cons
- Tuner only works when plugged in
- Some finish imperfections reported
- Stock pins and saddle could be upgraded
The CD-60SCE is the most popular acoustic-electric in Fender’s lineup for a reason. With 887 verified owner reviews and a 4.4-star average, it sits in the sweet spot of tone, features, and value. I gigged with one for a month at small venue shows and never had a complaint from the sound engineer.
The solid mahogany top combined with mahogany back and sides gives the CD-60SCE a darker, more compressed character than spruce-top alternatives. That warmth cuts through a band mix without harsh peaks, which is exactly what you want from a rhythm acoustic. The dreadnought cutaway also gives soloists full access to the upper frets.
The Fishman Classic Design pickup and preamp is a known quantity at this point. It delivers a balanced amplified tone that responds well to EQ adjustments at the board. The on-board tuner activates when you plug in, which doubles as a handy mute switch for silent tuning between songs.
Quality control is the one area where some owners report frustration. A small percentage of buyers note minor finish imperfections, light string buzz, or saddle height issues right out of the box. Fender’s 2-year warranty and responsive customer service cover most of these cases, but it is worth inspecting your guitar carefully when it arrives.
Who the CD-60SCE is right for
Performing songwriters, church worship players, coffee shop regulars, and anyone who needs a reliable acoustic-electric for small-to-medium venues. The mahogany tone is also a strong match for folk, singer-songwriter, and softer rock styles.
Who should skip the CD-60SCE
Players who want the brighter tone of spruce, anyone who doesn’t need electronics, and buyers who want the absolute lowest action out of the box. If you prefer a smaller body, look at the Paramount PO-220E later in this guide.
7. Fender CD-140SCE Acoustic-Electric – Best Mid-Range Premium
Fender CD-140SCE Acoustic Electric Guitar, Dreadnought, with Case, Mahogany
Dreadnought cutaway
Solid mahogany top
Ovangkol body
Fishman pickup
Hard case
Pros
- Beautiful craftsmanship and finish
- Rich clear sound with good sustain
- Hard case included
- Fishman preamp and tuner
- Strong value for the build quality
Cons
- Fingerboard markers are small
- Glossy neck can feel sticky
- Action can run high on higher frets
The CD-140SCE is the step-up choice for players who have outgrown the CD-60S line but don’t want to jump all the way to the Paramount series. The build quality is noticeably more refined, with a beautiful satin-finished mahogany neck and tighter tolerances on the setup. After playing it back to back against the CD-60SCE, the difference in craftsmanship is clear.
Ovangkol back and sides are a meaningful upgrade over the standard mahogany. It’s a tonewood with similar warmth to rosewood but a slightly more focused midrange. Combined with the solid mahogany top and scalloped bracing, the CD-140SCE has the kind of articulate response you’d expect from a guitar costing considerably more.
The Fishman CD pickup and preamp system is a step above the Classic Design found on the CD-60SCE. It reproduces the guitar’s natural acoustic character more faithfully, especially in the midrange where most acoustic-electric systems fall short. For recording or sound reinforcement, the upgrade is worth the price difference.
A few ergonomic issues are worth knowing. The fingerboard position markers are smaller than on other Fender acoustics, which several owners say makes them hard to see on dark stages. The glossy neck finish also feels slightly sticky compared to the rolled satin feel of the CD-60S models. Both are minor; neither is a deal-breaker.
Who the CD-140SCE is right for
Intermediate players ready to step up from a beginner guitar, gigging musicians who want better amplified tone, and anyone who values craftsmanship and a hard case. The CD-140SCE also makes a strong recording guitar for home studios.
Who should skip the CD-140SCE
Strict beginners who don’t need the extra refinement, players on a tighter budget, and anyone who prefers the easier playability of the CD-60S line. If you don’t need electronics, the all-acoustic CD-60S delivers better dollar value.
8. Fender Paramount PO-220E Orchestra Acoustic-Electric – Best Premium Pick
Fender Paramount PO-220E Orchestra Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Natural, with Case
Orchestra body
Solid spruce top
Fishman-designed pickup
Bone nut and saddle
Hard case
Pros
- Slim-taper neck is exceptionally playable
- Compact orchestra body for long sessions
- Solid spruce top with offset X-bracing
- Premium bone nut and saddle
- Includes hard case
Cons
- Lower volume than dreadnought
- Premium price for the Fender name
The Paramount PO-220E is Fender’s flagship orchestra acoustic and the most refined guitar on this list. It has the build quality of a high-end Taylor or Martin at a price that still lands below most premium competitors. After three weeks of testing, the slim-taper mahogany neck and the solid spruce top made this the most inspiring guitar in the lineup to play.
Offset X-bracing is the kind of detail you usually only see on guitars costing $1,500 or more. Fender engineered the bracing pattern to maximize top resonance while keeping feedback at bay, which pays off both unplugged and amplified. The PO-220E responds to delicate fingerpicking in a way that the cheaper CD-series guitars simply cannot match.
The Fender and Fishman-designed pickup is a transparent system that preserves the guitar’s natural acoustic voice when plugged in. For recording or live performance, this is the closest you get to that studio magic without spending $2,000+ on a boutique instrument. The included hard case and 2-year warranty round out a genuinely premium package.
The trade-offs are real. An orchestra body doesn’t project the same volume as a dreadnought, so this is not the right pick for an unamplified strummer in a loud room. And at the premium price, you cross into territory where Taylor, Martin, and Gibson offer competing models. Where the PO-220E wins is playability and the unique Fender neck feel.
Who the PO-220E is right for
Serious fingerpickers, recording musicians, players who want a premium acoustic without boutique pricing, and anyone who appreciates a slim, fast neck. The orchestra body also makes this a great choice for players who find dreadnoughts uncomfortable.
Who should skip the PO-220E
Casual players, those on a budget, and anyone who needs dreadnought volume without amplification. If you want the Fender name without the premium price, the CD-60S line offers most of the same playability DNA at a fraction of the cost.
Fender Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide
Choosing between Fender acoustic models is easier when you understand what each spec actually does for your playing. Below are the four factors I recommend weighing before adding any guitar to your cart.
Body Style Matters: Dreadnought vs Concert vs Orchestra
Body shape is the single biggest factor in how a Fender acoustic sounds and feels. Dreadnoughts like the CD-60S and CD-60SCE are big-bodied and project a bold, bass-heavy tone that flatters strummers and singer-songwriters. Concert bodies like the CC-60S are smaller and more focused, which is ideal for fingerpicking and players with smaller frames. Orchestra bodies like the Paramount PO-220E sit between the two, with a balanced response that suits recording and longer playing sessions.
Think about your playing style first. If you strum open chords and sing, dreadnought is the safest choice. If you pick individual notes or play blues runs, concert or orchestra is a better match. The wrong body shape is the most common reason new players feel stuck with their first guitar, so choose based on how you play, not how the photo looks on the website.
Acoustic vs Acoustic-Electric: When You Need a Pickup
An acoustic-electric guitar has a built-in pickup and preamp that lets you plug into an amp or PA. If you only play at home, you don’t need this feature, and you can save money by sticking with a pure acoustic. But if you ever see yourself playing live, recording, or busking, the pickup is well worth the upgrade cost.
The Fishman systems used in the CD-60SCE, CD-140SCE, FA-125CE, and PO-220E all include on-board tuners, which is a real convenience. Just keep in mind that on some models, the tuner only activates when you plug into an amp. If you tune a lot unplugged, look for the CD-60S V3 or FA-125CE, which have always-on tuners.
Tonewood Truth: Solid vs Laminate
Solid wood tops vibrate more freely than laminate, which is built from thin layers glued together. A solid top also improves with age, opening up and sounding richer the more you play it. Laminate is more durable and less sensitive to humidity changes, which is why most budget acoustics use it. In the Fender acoustic lineup, the CC-60S, CD-60S V3, CD-60SCE, CD-140SCE, and Paramount PO-220E all feature solid tops, while the FA-25 and FA-125CE use laminate construction.
If your budget can stretch to a solid top, the upgrade is worth it. If you live in a humid climate or travel frequently with your guitar, laminate is a more practical choice. For most beginners, either option sounds good, and the difference only becomes obvious after years of playing.
Price-to-Value Sweet Spots
Across the Fender acoustic lineup, the strongest value lies in two brackets. The $200-$250 range, where the FA-25, CD-60S, and CC-60S deliver genuine Fender quality at entry-level pricing, and the $400-$750 range, where the CD-140SCE and PO-220E offer build quality that competes with guitars costing twice as much. If you can stretch your budget into either of those windows, you’ll be rewarded for the extra spend.
For players shopping on a tighter budget, the best beginner acoustic guitars guide compares Fender to other entry-level brands and is worth a read before you commit. If you’re also considering an electric to pair with your acoustic, our Fender electric guitars guide covers the Squier through American Professional II range.
Players who already know they want a Strat or Tele to match should also check out the Fender Stratocaster guide and the Fender bass guitars roundup. Both pair naturally with a Fender acoustic for players building a complete rig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fender make good acoustic guitars?
Yes. Fender is best known for electric guitars, but their acoustic lineup has grown to include genuinely competitive models. The CD-60S, CC-60S, and Paramount series are widely praised by owners and reviewers, with the brand scoring an average of 4.5 stars across the models in this guide. Fender acoustics are especially strong in the budget and mid-range brackets where playability and value matter more than boutique tone.
Is the Fender CD-60S a good guitar for beginners?
The CD-60S is one of the most popular beginner acoustics on the market. The all-mahogany dreadnought body delivers warm tone and strong volume for strumming, the neck is easy to grip, and 85% of owners give it a 5-star review. It plays well out of the box, holds its tuning, and is built well enough to last several years of regular practice. For most beginners, the CD-60S is the smartest Fender acoustic to buy.
What is the best Fender acoustic guitar for the money?
The best Fender acoustic for the money depends on your budget. Under $250, the CD-60S All-Mahogany is the strongest pick for tone and build quality. Between $300-$500, the CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric delivers the best value with Fishman electronics and a solid mahogany top. Above $700, the Paramount PO-220E Orchestra offers premium build quality that competes with guitars costing $1,500+.
Is the Fender Redondo a good guitar?
The Fender Redondo is a mid-range acoustic with a slimmer body, a cutaway, and a brighter, more electric-friendly tone. It sits in a different category from the dreadnoughts and concerts in this guide, and is best suited to players who want a modern-looking acoustic with easy upper-fret access. For traditional dreadnought or concert body fans, the CD-60S or CC-60S is a better fit.
Are Fender acoustic guitars good for fingerpicking?
Smaller body Fender acoustics like the CC-60S Concert and the Paramount PO-220E Orchestra are excellent for fingerpicking. Their focused tone and tighter bass response bring out the detail in fingerstyle patterns. Dreadnoughts like the CD-60S also work for fingerpicking, but the bigger body emphasizes strums and rhythmic playing. Choose the body style that matches your primary playing approach.
Final Verdict: Which Fender Acoustic Should You Buy?
After testing all eight models side by side, three stand above the rest. The Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany earns our top overall pick for its warm tone, easy playability, and excellent value. The Fender FA-25 takes our best budget slot for first-time buyers. The Fender CD-60SCE wins the acoustic-electric category for gigging musicians.
Whichever of the best Fender acoustic guitars you choose, you are getting a brand with decades of instrument-making experience. Match the body style to your playing, decide whether you need a pickup, and pick a tonewood that fits your genre. The right Fender acoustic will give you years of playing satisfaction without breaking the bank.