[u]First the guitar.[/u]
Problem isn't the Fender CC-60 per se, which isn't to say it isn't your guitar (how it's set up).
[br]Buying another different Concert acoustic even if it costs $1k won't alter a thing about the issue you're experiencing. [u]Acoustics are harder to fret[/u]. That's simply an unalterable characteristic which goes with the territory. All acoustics aren't equal, but that's nothing to do with price, rather design by intent. e.g. Yamaha AXP600 action accomplished through a combination of design scale length, bridge & saddle height, nut, radius, profile & string spacing. But that's another discussion entire.
[br][u]Now the fingertips[/u]
[br]Couple of tips. I'm not going to explain why, you'll just have to take it as gospel based upon experience.
-Don't press so hard. Classic beginner error. [u]We've all done it[/u].
-Fresh good condition strings are important. If in doubt, replace.
-Keep 'em clean (wipe down after) and your hands too before playing.
-[u]Use a string lube[/u]. Tone Finger Ease spray is superb, or Dunlop 65 String Conditioner and lube for a longer lasting contact applicator.
I'm not an advocate of stepping down from .12s it'll almost certainly be fitted with as a beginner pack guitar. They're [u]already light gauge[/u] strings. Of course you can if you want to but if you do, get a luthier to set up neck relief for you at the same time.
The truthful answer is that all you probably really need is to persevere in order to build hand and finger strength as well as fingertip resilience. Your join date shows the 21/04, that's approx 2 weeks. A little discomfort is normal for the first month or so, perhaps longer depending upon how much hands on your are putting in in that time. Work through it -sensibly.
[br][u]Tune[/u]. I don't own a CC-60 but I couldn't forsee Fender any more than any other Starter Pack manufacturer looking for fresh meat catchment to their brand fitting tuners so bad as to be constantly going out of tune. If not just old and worn out, which they won't be if a new guitar, causes could be junk quality strings (?) IDK what Fender fit OEM to their CC-60, you live in a wildly varying daily climate, or the strings aren't original fitment and whoever fitted a replacment set didn't pre-stretch them or wind them on the tuner mechs properly?
[br][u]Replacement strings[/u]. A million to choose from. Go with a profile brand. Elixir, D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Curt Mangan, etc. If you must, step down to 11s perhaps? Personally I wouldn't go lower tension than that. I didn't need to step down at all and I'm no power twenty something any more or physical hulk. I just don't perceive it necessary from my experience except perhaps for children or a petite girl. Hand strength and tip resilience is simply something you will have to attain through hands on work. There's no avoiding it if you want to play guitar. Ref Tommy Emmanuel.
All the best.
