Have you ever tried to reach those high notes on your acoustic guitar, only to find your hand blocked by the bulky wooden body? That frustration is a common hurdle for many players who want to explore the full range of their instrument. While a standard guitar body offers a classic, full sound, it often makes playing beyond the twelfth fret feel like a physical struggle.
Choosing the perfect acoustic cutaway guitar can feel overwhelming. You have to balance the need for easy access to higher frets with the desire for a rich, resonant tone. Many musicians worry that cutting away a piece of the guitar body will sacrifice the volume or depth they love. It is easy to get lost in a sea of different shapes, woods, and price points without knowing exactly what you need.
In this guide, we will clear up the confusion. You will learn how the cutaway design changes your playing experience and how to find a model that keeps your tone sounding full and bright. We will break down the pros and cons so you can feel confident in your next purchase. Whether you are a lead player or just love experimenting with new melodies, this information will help you find the right tool for your music. Let’s dive into the details and find your perfect match.
Top Acoustic Cutaway Guitar Recommendations
- One right-handed Fender California Debut Redondo CE acoustic guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Designed by the most trusted name in guitar and backed by a 75-year legacy of quality and craftsmanship
- This beginner guitar comes with a 30-day subscription to Fender Play that includes lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love, all with no additional cost
- The California Debut Redondo Series Acoustic Guitar features the iconic 6-in-line Fender headstock shape and dreadnought body shape with a reslient laminate construction for durability
- The easy to play "C" - shaped neck, walnut fingerboard and light weight all-laminate body allow for a comfortable playing feel; the onboard electronics make tuning and amplification a breeze, so this guitar is always ready for practice or performance
- AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL 130 years of history is at the root of our foundation building high quality instruments. Many of the biggest names in music have played Washburn and some of the most significant trendsetting songs has been played on a Washburn
- THE GO-TO COMPANION The Washburn WA90CE dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar is a go-to companion for the living room, the campfire or the stage, with a solid balance of stability, tone and aesthetics
- BODY & FINISH The cutaway makes it easy to reach the uppermost frets. It has Okoume wood back and sides, and Transparent Black Burst color with gloss finish. The WA90CE is ideal for strumming, playing some blues or bluegrass flat picking
- BARCUS BERRY ELECTRONICS The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp with built-in tuner means you’ll always be ready to plug in and in perfect tune. Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume, Tuner on/off controls makes this perfect to take anywhere and play anytime!
- NECK & HARDWARE Additional features include chrome die-cast tuners, a walnut bridge and an ABS saddle and nut. Great guitar for adults
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Nato Back & Sides
- Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge
- Diecast Tuners
- System 66 feature an under-saddle piezo pickup with a 3-band EQ, an adjustable mid-range frequency control, and a precision chromatic tuner for optimum sound tailoring.
- Single-cutaway concert body style
- Fishman low-profile pickup/preamp
- Solid spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing
- Mahogany back and sides
- Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
- 【Most Complete Steel String Guitar Set】: Donner acoustic guitar kit includes guitar, gig bag, strap, tuner, capo, pickguard, extra strings, picks, clean cloth, and Allen wrench; Comes with all necessary accessories for beginners; Ready to play right out of the box. Ideal for beginners, professionals, adults, teens, and children
- 【Well Made Craftsmanship】: Spruce top, mahogany back and sides with X bracing; Exquisite black spray paint. 20 brass frets with position marks at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets; A solid instrument built to last
- 【Rich Warm Clear Sound】: Spruce top and mahogany body deliver a rich, warm, and clear sound with balanced tone and full mid-range; Prolongs resonance for a more vibrant sound
- 【Stay in Tune】: Phosphor bronze strings with high carbon steel hex core and high hardness bridge saddle and plastic steel nut; Donner beginner guitar is easy to tune and holds tune after initial string stretch
- 【Playability】: Full-size 41-inch dreadnought body for a full and vibrant tone suitable for all music styles; Donner acoustic guitar offers excellent playability and tone for starters
- Rich, Balanced Acoustic Tone – Orchestra-style body with a select spruce top and sapele back & sides delivers warm lows, clear highs, and a well-balanced sound ideal for strumming, fingerpicking, and everyday practice.
- Advanced X-Bracing for Better Resonance – Jasmine’s Advanced “X” Bracing strengthens the top while enhancing vibration and projection, producing fuller tone and improved sound quality.
- Smooth Playability & Comfortable Neck – Features a slim neck profile and full 25.5” scale length for comfortable fretting, easy chord transitions, and excellent playability for beginners and experienced players.
- Elegant Cutaway Design – The Venetian-style cutaway allows easy access to higher frets while adding a sleek, professional look to this stylish orchestra acoustic guitar.
- Quality Build at Great Value – Durable satin finish for enhanced resonance, full body binding, and chrome tuning machines provide long-lasting performance, tuning stability, and premium feel at an exceptional value.
- Thin-line cutaway Body design for exceptional playability
- 25" Scale Length and narrower string spacing for Enhanced comfort
- New scalloped bracing pattern for increased bass response
- Abalone sound hole rosette
- Stage-focused pickup system for shaping your sound in the mix
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Acoustic Cutaway Guitar
An acoustic cutaway guitar is a great choice for many players. The “cutaway” is the missing piece of wood near the neck. This design lets your fingers reach the higher frets easily. It is perfect for soloists and lead players.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for comfort first. A good guitar should feel balanced in your lap. Check the “action,” which is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Low action makes playing much easier on your fingers. You should also look for a built-in tuner or pickup system if you plan to play for an audience.
Important Materials
Solid Wood vs. Laminate
- Solid Top: Most experts recommend a solid wood top. It vibrates better and produces a richer sound.
- Laminate: Laminate wood is made of layers. It is very durable and handles changes in weather well. It is often cheaper but sounds less bright.
- Body Woods: Mahogany creates a warm sound. Spruce is very common and provides a clear, crisp tone.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality often depends on how the guitar is built. A well-made guitar has smooth fret edges that do not scratch your hands. The bridge should be glued tightly to the body. If the bridge lifts, the guitar will lose its tune quickly. Cheap plastic parts can reduce sound quality. High-quality guitars use bone or synthetic bone for the nut and saddle. These materials help the strings vibrate longer.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who should buy a cutaway guitar? If you love playing lead melodies or high-pitched solos, this design is for you. It is also excellent for performers who plug their guitars into amplifiers. Many cutaway models include electronics that make stage work simple. Beginners enjoy the cutaway because it feels modern and looks cool. It provides a wide range of notes that standard acoustic guitars cannot reach comfortably.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a cutaway change the sound of the guitar?
A: Yes, it slightly reduces the volume because there is less wood in the body. However, most players find the difference very small.
Q: Is a cutaway guitar harder to play?
A: No, it is actually easier. The cutaway gives your hand more room to move around the neck.
Q: Should I buy a solid wood guitar?
A: Solid wood sounds better as it ages. It is a great choice if you plan to keep the guitar for many years.
Q: What is the best wood for a beginner?
A: Spruce tops with mahogany sides are the industry standard. They offer a balanced sound that fits almost any style.
Q: How do I know if the action is too high?
A: If your fingers hurt after playing for five minutes, the action might be too high. A professional can lower it for you.
Q: Can I play a cutaway guitar without an amp?
A: Yes, you can. It works just like any other acoustic guitar.
Q: Do I need a case for my guitar?
A: A hard case is highly recommended. It protects your guitar from humidity and accidental bumps.
Q: How often should I change my strings?
A: Change them every three months if you play often. Old strings sound dull and can rust.
Q: Is a cutaway guitar good for strumming chords?
A: It is perfect for strumming. You do not lose any functionality by choosing a cutaway model.
Q: Are expensive guitars always better?
A: Not always. You should choose a guitar that feels comfortable in your hands and sounds good to your ears.