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Average Price: $315

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$1001+

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Description

Discover the rich, resonant sound of the Fender Acoustic-Electric CD-160SE 12 String—a guitar that marries classic acoustic warmth with modern electric versatility. Designed for musicians who crave depth and texture in their music, this 12-string dreadnought guitar offers an expansive tonal palette that is perfect for both studio recording and live performances. The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides deliver a harmonious blend of brightness and warmth that is unmistakably Fender.

What sets this guitar apart is its Fishman Aero electronics system, which includes a built-in tuner, ensuring you stay perfectly in tune whether you're strumming in your living room or performing on stage. The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with elegant snowflake inlays, adds a touch of sophistication and provides a smooth playing experience. Chrome die-cast tuners not only enhance the guitar’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its reliable tuning stability, allowing you to focus solely on your music.

The Fender CD-160SE 12 String is more than just an instrument; it's a gateway to a world of sonic exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, this guitar promises to inspire and elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • 12-string dreadnought design
  • Solid spruce top
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Rosewood fingerboard with snowflake inlays
  • Fishman Aero electronics with built-in tuner
  • Chrome die-cast tuners

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model CD-160SE 12-String
Finish Black, Natural
Year 2011 - 2015
Made In China
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Black, Natural, Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender CD
Model Sub-Family Fender CD-160
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Classic Design
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Fender CD-160SE 12-String's electronics?

The Fender CD-160SE 12-String features a Fishman Aero Active Onboard Preamp with a Fishman Sonicore Pickup, integrated electronic tuner with LED display, and controls for volume, bass, mid, treble, and phase switch. It also includes a low battery indicator light for added convenience.

How does the neck feel on the Fender CD-160SE 12-String guitar?

The Fender CD-160SE 12-String has a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, offering a comfortable playing experience. The neck's width at the nut is 1.89 inches, providing ample space for complex fingerings typical of 12-string guitars.

Is the Fender CD-160SE 12-String suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender CD-160SE 12-String is well-suited for live performances due to its built-in Fishman Aero Active electronics, which allow for easy amplification. The dreadnought body shape also provides a full and resonant acoustic sound.

What kind of wood is used in the construction of the Fender CD-160SE 12-String?

The Fender CD-160SE 12-String features a solid spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides. This combination provides a balanced tonal quality with bright highs and warm lows.

How does the Fender CD-160SE 12-String handle tuning stability?

The Fender CD-160SE 12-String is equipped with die-cast chrome machine heads, which help maintain tuning stability even with the added tension of 12 strings. The compensated TUSQ nut and saddle further enhance tuning accuracy.

Ray Gareau

Ray Gareau

Fender CD-160SE 12 string Demo.mov

Video thumbnail for Fender CD-160SE 12 string Demo.mov by Ray Gareau

Fender CD-160SE 12 string Demo.mov

Ray Gareau

Ray Gareau

Video thumbnail for Fender CD 160SE 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar by Dennis Ginn

Fender CD 160SE 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar

Dennis Ginn

Dennis Ginn

Video thumbnail for Fender CD-160SE 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural by marolanca

Fender CD-160SE 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

marolanca

marolanca

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Acoustic-Electric CD-160SE 12 String.

Setup and maintenance

  • Elixirs are recommended for their longevity, reducing the frequency of restringing a 12-string, which can be labor-intensive.

    Source
  • Owners recommend leveling and crowning frets instead of a full refret for cost-effectiveness and maintaining playability over years.

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  • Stainless steel frets are suggested for those considering a refret to improve durability and reduce wear.

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Comparisons

  • Dean Markley Helix strings are noted for a less bright tone than D'Addario, offering a softer feel, though they may not be available for 12-strings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Martin 80/20 or phosphor bronze strings are suggested for blues and mellow chord mash-ups, providing warmth and tonal depth suitable for these styles.

    Source
  • The guitar excels in playing songs like "Give a little bit" and "Wild Horses," showcasing its suitability for specific musical pieces.

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User experience

  • Switching to Ernie Ball Earthwood Light Strings significantly improves playability, especially for bar chords, turning the guitar into a joy to play.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Fender CD-160SE is noted for its respectable build quality despite being a $400 Chinese-made guitar, providing good value for its price.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

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