Fender CN 140SCE Nylon Natural with hardcase

The Fender CN-140SCE is a popular acoustic-electric nylon-string guitar from Fender's Classic Design CN series. It's specifically engineered to bridge the gap between traditional classical guitars and steel-string acoustics or electric guitars, making it very appealing to players who want the warm tone of nylon strings but prefer a more familiar, comfortable playing feel. A significant bonus is that it typically comes bundled with a hardshell case.

Here's a detailed look at its features:

• Body:

  • Body Shape: Thinline Concert with a Cutaway. This body style is shallower than a traditional classical guitar, making it more comfortable to hold and reducing the likelihood of feedback when amplified on stage. The single cutaway provides easier access to the upper frets.

  • Top Wood: Solid Cedar. Cedar is a popular tonewood for classical guitars, known for its warm, mellow tone, rich overtones, and quick response, particularly to a lighter touch (ideal for fingerpicking).

  • Back & Sides Wood: Laminated Ovangkol (some older or regional models might state Walnut or Rosewood laminate). Ovangkol offers a balanced tone, often described as falling between mahogany and rosewood, with a pleasing aesthetic.

  • Bracing: Classical Fan Bracing, which is traditional for nylon-string guitars and helps to enhance the top's resonance and projection.

  • Finish: Gloss finish (available in Natural, Black, and sometimes other colors), providing a classic and polished look.

• Neck & Fingerboard:

  • Neck Material: Mahogany.

  • Neck Profile: Fender's "Easy-to-Play" shape with rolled fingerboard edges. This is a crucial feature designed to make the neck feel more like a steel-string acoustic or electric guitar neck, significantly more comfortable for players not accustomed to the wide, flat necks of traditional classical guitars.

  • Scale Length: 25.3" (643 mm), which is slightly shorter than a standard classical scale, contributing to easier playability.

  • Fingerboard Material: Walnut.

  • Fingerboard Radius: Flat (or sometimes listed as 12" / 305mm), further contributing to the familiar feel for steel-string players.

  • Frets: 18 Vintage-style frets.

  • Nut Width: 1.69" (43 mm), which is significantly narrower than a typical classical guitar nut width (usually 50-52mm), making it feel much more like a steel-string acoustic guitar.

  • Nut Material: Graph Tech NuBone, a synthetic material designed to enhance sustain and tuning stability.

  • Truss Rod: Dual-action truss rod for neck adjustments, a practical feature often absent on traditional classical guitars.

• Electronics:

  • Preamp System: Equipped with a Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp system. Fishman is a well-regarded brand in acoustic amplification.

  • Controls: The onboard preamp typically includes Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass controls for comprehensive tone shaping when plugged in.

  • Tuner: Features a convenient built-in chromatic tuner, essential for stage use.

• Hardware:

  • Bridge: Walnut, with a pin-less design for easy string changes.

  • Tuning Machines: 3-In-Line with Amber Pearloid Buttons (classical style), providing reliable tuning.

  • Hardware Finish: Chrome.

  • Strings: Comes with Fender 100 Nylon Classical Tie-End strings.

• Included Accessory:

  • A significant value add for this model is that it includes a hardshell case, offering excellent protection for transport and storage.

The Fender CN-140SCE is a solid choice for players seeking the warm, nuanced sound of nylon strings in a more comfortable and stage-ready package, particularly those transitioning from steel-string instruments. Its combination of a solid top, quality electronics, comfortable neck, and included hardshell case makes it a very appealing option at its price point.<