Fender debuts trio of new acoustic guitars, including 2 exotic wood models

(Image credit: Fender)

Fender’s acoustic guitar expansion continues apace with the release of three new models: the ultra-affordable CD-60 Dread V3, as well as two limited-edition exotic wood models: the FA-235E Concert with striped ebony top, and FA-345CE Auditorium with spalted maple top.

Besides that striking top, the FA-235E ($329) features all-laminate mahogany construction, a mahogany neck, Viking bridge and Fishman electronics.

The cutaway FA-345CE ($449) is spec’d similarly, albeit with laminate lacewood back and sides and tortoiseshell binding, as well as the spalted maple top.

Beginners, meanwhile, will want to check out the CD-60 Dread V3, the latest version of Fender’s most affordable acoustic.

It features a spruce top with scalloped ‘X’ bracing and mahogany back and sides, with a walnut fingerboard/bridge and Black, Natural or Sunburst finish, plus a hardshell case, all for $199.

Pop on over to Fender for more info on the limited-edition exotic wood models and CD-60 Dread V3.

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

More about acoustic guitars

“Exceeds in playability, looks, and affordability”: Cort promises the pinnacle of affordable acoustic guitars with its $449 Essence series

Mike Dawes in New York City composite image next to an airplane taking flight

“Loosening your strings before flying is kind of nonsense”: The do’s, don’ts and myths of flying with your guitar, busted by a hard-touring pro musician

Joe Satriani performs at MGM Grand Garden Arena on August 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada

“After a minute, I realize I can’t see the fretboard, I can’t breathe and it’s suddenly 120 degrees in my head”: That time Joe Satriani took a Surfing With the Alien encore a little too far

See more latest

“I auditioned for a guitar commission with a carload of basses! I laid them all out on the floor, and he went, ‘OK, let's make a guitar’”: James Hetfield's luthier on how he went from crafting basses to becoming the Metallica guitarist's go-to axe maker

“There’s nothing more Spinal Tap than going to one of the epicenters of the blues and drawing zero people”: Joe Bonamassa reflects on the worst show of his career

“I actually got to the point of doing a show and Ozzy hired me – he said he wanted me to do the gig”: Alex Skolnick looks back on his brief tenure as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist – and why it only lasted one show

“Ronnie was a really nice guy – but let’s face it: he ain’t no Mick Taylor, and he’s no Harvey Mandel. He’s what I call a C-plus guitar player”: Harvey Mandel nearly became a Rolling Stone – here’s why he thinks he would have been a better fit

“I was so exhausted that whole day. But I couldn’t help but light up from the electricity of Iggy Pop’s energy”: Deryck Whibley appeals to Hard Rock Cafe to return his guitar from the Iggy Pop feat. Sum 41 era

“Some friends helped me get back on my feet. I hadn’t been on stage in a few years and I was scared about performing after losing my hearing”: Former Incubus bassist Ben Kenney returns to the stage for the first time since undergoing brain surgery

“He went to Guitar Center and did the most humble thing. He bought a $200 Yamaha acoustic. He didn’t show up with a $2,000 guitar and he could have”: Bob Dylan may have played Gibson, but Timothée Chalamet started his transformation with a budget acoustic

“I really don't want to do this this way, but I pretty much have no choice now”: The jury's out on new Pantera material, but Dimebag Darrell-channeling shredder Kayla Kent is making the next-best thing – all she needs is a singer

“Like all young artists, sometimes you run into somebody that's one of your heroes”: Jerry Cantrell recalls the time he tried – and failed – to pass an Alice in Chains demo tape to Axl Rose

“The ‘industry’ strings you along with these empty accolades but labels paying you on time can keep your life from falling apart”: Beyoncé session guitarist Justus West says awards don't pay the bills – and labels need to take more accountability

“I managed to stay behind at The Marquee when everyone had gone home. I asked him, ‘How do you get that sound?’ He said, ‘Well, it’s easy...’” In 1969, a young Brian May hid in a venue to speak to Rory Gallagher – and it led to his tonal breakthrough

Get The Pick Newsletter

Most Popular