Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Black vs Guild OM-320 Orchestra Acosutic Guitar Natural

Overview of the Fender CD-60 and Guild OM-320

Both the Fender CD-60 and Guild OM-320 are priced at $299.99, offering competitive options for acoustic guitar enthusiasts. The Fender CD-60 features a dreadnought body style, while the Guild OM-320 presents an orchestra shape. Understanding their unique features and construction will help you make an informed choice.

Body Shape and Design

The Fender CD-60 is designed with a classic dreadnought body shape, which is known for its robust sound projection and traditional appearance. This makes it ideal for various playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking. In contrast, the Guild OM-320 utilizes the orchestra model shape, which provides a more focused sound and a comfortable playing experience, particularly for fingerstyle players. Each shape caters to different playing preferences, with the CD-60 being slightly more versatile due to its broader appeal.

Tonewood and Sound Quality

Both guitars offer quality sound, but they approach it differently. The Fender CD-60 features a spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, ensuring dynamic sound and rich tonal clarity. This construction is designed to enhance the overall tonal quality, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. On the other hand, the Guild OM-320 is constructed with solid top wood, which contributes to a bold and balanced tone. The open pore satin finish on the Guild allows for maximum resonance, enhancing its sound quality. This difference in tonewood construction can significantly influence the sound characteristics of each guitar.

Accessories Included

The Fender CD-60 comes bundled with a variety of accessories, including a hard case, strap, tuner, strings, picks, and an instructional book. Additionally, it provides access to online lessons and an instructional DVD, making it a comprehensive package for beginners. In contrast, the Guild OM-320 does not include any accessories in its price, which may require additional purchases for new players. This could be a deciding factor for those looking for an all-in-one solution versus a standalone instrument.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetically, the Fender CD-60 is available in a striking black finish that offers a classic yet modern look. Its design combines functionality with visual appeal, making it suitable for performance settings. The Guild OM-320, on the other hand, boasts a natural finish, complemented by black binding and a matching black tortoise pickguard. While both guitars are visually appealing, the choice between them may come down to personal style preferences.

Playability

In terms of playability, the Fender CD-60 features die-cast tuners that provide precise tuning and stability, which is essential for players at all levels. The dreadnought shape also offers a comfortable grip for various playing styles. The Guild OM-320, with its orchestra shape, is designed for comfort, particularly for fingerstyle playing. While both guitars are easy to handle, players may find the Guild's design more suited to intricate fingerpicking techniques.

Sales and Popularity

The Fender CD-60 has a bestseller rank of 43,086, while the Guild OM-320 ranks slightly lower at 48,938. This indicates that the Fender model is more popular among buyers, possibly due to its bundled accessories and versatile design. Popularity can often reflect user satisfaction and performance, suggesting that the Fender may hold an advantage in terms of market appeal.

Price Comparison

Both guitars are attractively priced at $299.99, making them comparable in terms of affordability. However, because the Fender CD-60 includes a comprehensive accessory bundle, it may offer more value for the same price. In contrast, the Guild OM-320, while still an excellent instrument, requires additional investments for accessories, making the total cost potentially higher for new players starting out.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Fender CD-60 and the Guild OM-320 ultimately depends on your playing style and needs. If you prefer a versatile guitar with a complete accessory package, the Fender CD-60 is the better choice, especially for beginners. However, if you are seeking a guitar that excels in fingerstyle playing with a bold, balanced tone, the Guild OM-320 may be worth considering. Both guitars are quality options priced identically, but their differences in design, sound, and included accessories will guide your decision.