For guitar players, especially those transitioning from electric guitars, the term “cutaway” is quite familiar. But what exactly is a Cutaway Acoustic Guitar, and why might you choose one? Essentially, a cutaway refers to the indentation or scoop in the upper bout of the guitar’s body, specifically on the treble side near the neck. This design modification is primarily intended to provide easier access to the higher frets on the guitar’s fretboard. Many guitarists, particularly those who enjoy playing lead guitar or exploring chords in the upper register, find cutaway acoustics to be a natural and comfortable choice. Beyond enhanced playability, many players are also drawn to the distinctive aesthetic appeal that a cutaway adds to an acoustic guitar.
A common concern among acoustic guitar enthusiasts is whether incorporating a cutaway negatively impacts the instrument’s sound. The reality is that any reduction in tonal output is minimal. The area of the soundboard removed by a cutaway doesn’t contribute significantly to the guitar’s overall tone. Factors like the guitar’s waist shape actually have a more pronounced influence on its sonic character. For most players, the improved access to the upper frets offered by a cutaway far outweighs any negligible change in tone.
Taylor Guitars, a renowned acoustic guitar manufacturer, offers a variety of cutaway styles to cater to different player preferences and body shapes. Among these, two primary styles stand out: the Venetian and the Florentine, along with variations like the soundport, soft, and beveled cutaways.
Venetian Cutaway
The Venetian cutaway is characterized by its smooth, rounded contours, lending a gentle and flowing aesthetic to the guitar. The slope of the Venetian cutaway can vary depending on the guitar body style. For instance, Grand Concert and Grand Auditorium models typically feature a steeper slope, while Dreadnought guitars exhibit a slightly flatter curve. Even Taylor’s Grand Concert nylon-string guitars incorporate a subtle, flatter Venetian cutaway, and the 200 Series cutaway models showcase the flattest slope within this style.
Soundport Cutaway
Exclusively featured on Taylor Grand Symphony guitars, the soundport cutaway represents an innovative approach. It delivers the enhanced playability and comfort of a traditional cutaway while simultaneously contributing to a richer, more immersive sound experience. From a visual perspective, the soundport cutaway bears a resemblance to a partial Florentine cutaway from the front, echoing its sharp, horn-like silhouette. However, the guitar’s back remains solid, preserving a degree of resonance and maintaining a traditional feel. The addition of a strategically positioned soundhole, angled approximately 45 degrees to the soundboard, introduces an extra dimension to the guitar’s acoustic voice. This results in a robust, almost orchestral tone that envelops the player and fills the surrounding space.
Florentine Cutaway
In contrast to the soft lines of the Venetian, the Florentine cutaway is defined by its sharp, pointed shape, creating a distinctive horn-like appearance. Crafting a Florentine cutaway is a more complex and labor-intensive process compared to the Venetian. The guitar is initially constructed as a non-cutaway model. Subsequently, a section of the upper bout on the treble side is carefully removed. The resulting cutaway section is then filled with a separate piece of carefully bent, fitted, and glued matching wood. Additional trim work is required to meet Taylor’s exacting aesthetic standards. The Florentine cutaway is often featured on Grand Orchestra and Grand Symphony body styles.
Soft Cutaway
The soft cutaway offered by Taylor presents a variation on the Venetian style, characterized by a flatter slope than the standard Venetian cutaway. This subtler approach is particularly evident in Grand Concert nylon-string models, where the soft cutaway is even more understated.
Beveled Cutaway
Introduced as part of the Builder’s Edition line in 2018, the beveled cutaway prioritizes player comfort, especially for guitarists who frequently utilize the upper reaches of the fretboard. This design incorporates a compound bevel, featuring a smoothed edge along the body’s corner where the cutaway meets the neck heel. This contour enhances the comfort for the fretting hand as it moves into the higher positions. The beveled cutaway also includes a finger bevel on the guitar’s top, providing a resting surface for the pinky finger when playing on the highest frets. These combined features enable players to access the entire fretboard with greater ease and without needing to drastically shift hand positions.
Non-Cutaway
While cutaways offer undeniable advantages for upper fret access, the traditional non-cutaway acoustic guitar holds its own appeal. For players who primarily play in the lower and middle registers or simply prefer the classic, symmetrical figure-eight shape of a traditional acoustic guitar, a non-cutaway model remains an excellent choice. The clean lines and timeless aesthetic of a non-cutaway acoustic are appreciated by many, emphasizing the instrument’s traditional form.
In conclusion, cutaway acoustic guitars provide significant benefits for players seeking enhanced access to the upper frets, whether for lead playing or complex chord voicings. While different styles like Venetian, Florentine, soundport, beveled, and soft cutaways offer varied aesthetics and subtle tonal nuances, the core advantage remains consistent: expanded playability across the fretboard. Ultimately, the choice between a cutaway and non-cutaway acoustic guitar comes down to individual playing style, musical preferences, and aesthetic considerations.
