Best Acoustic Cutaway Guitar Reviews 2025

We’ve been fascinated by the warmth, intimacy, and unmistakable musicality of the acoustic guitar for years. That being said, this instrument has now been a means of connecting with players and audiences from indoor to outdoor settings. Sure, this instrument is available in a variety of styles. But the best acoustic cutaway guitar is gaining particular acceptance among contemporary players.

There are many musical reasons behind choosing this type of guitar. We will highlight just a few of the notable reasons below:

Many players choose cutaway designs. The reason is that they can access higher frets without straining their wrists. This feature changes the way a guitarist plays when playing solos or experimenting with upper-register chords.

These types of guitars offer a comfortable and contemporary look. As a result, guitarists are drawn to them. Also, they’re ergonomically advanced to hold, so players will want to choose them for long practice or performance sessions.

Mostly advanced cutaway acoustics are available with built-in electronic pickups. As a result, they become suitable for the stage performance. You can plug in and play with great tone and volume control, which is crucial for gigs or recording.

From country and folk to pop, rock, and even blues, a better cutaway acoustic guitar fits into any genre. It offers both rich acoustic warmth and the agility needed for fast, expressive playing.

When you think of growing as a guitarist, having a cutaway acoustic implies you are pondering your future. Honestly, you won’t consider it just as a musical instrument. Rather, think of it as a tool for your professional expression and creative development.

You are seeking an instrument that is affordable and comfortable to play. Okay, the Jasmine S34C is the product. Indeed, it’s a cheap acoustic guitar that contains a warm tone, playability, and comfort.

The brand has designed it, including a grand orchestra body and a Venetian-style cutaway. As a result, this model gives players easy access to higher frets. Therefore, both beginners and intermediate players love it very much.

The S34C contains a laminate spruce top with sapele back and sides to give a balanced sound with clear highs and deep lows. Also, the slim neck profile and smooth satin finish improve playability. Thus, it becomes suitable for long practice sessions.

Pros:

• Excellent construction and easily playable
• Suitable for various song genres
• Better performance for the price

Cons:

• Some professionals may not find it suitable for them.

The players who love versatility and reliability will select this item from Fender. Its single-cutaway dreadnought design produces a full and resonant melody and provides easy access to the higher frets.

In the question of durability, Fender is uncompromising, so the brand uses a solid spruce top, including mahogany back and sides, to make the instrument robust. This construction type produces a warm, balanced sound that is lovely for strumming and fingerpicking.

What must be said is that the company provides built-in Fishman electronics to make recording and live performance easier.

The features that set it apart from others are its fantastic build quality, comfortable neck profile, and captivating tonal projection. Overall, this instrument is better for beginners and intermediate players.

Pros:

• Fishman classic design pickup/preamp included
• Effortlessly accessible to higher frets
• Easily playable neck, including rolled fingerboard edges

Cons:

• Somewhat bulky for smaller hands

This time, we are about to review the product that is perfect for those who love versatility. The item is the Yamaha APX600 NA, which comes with features to perform at home, on stage, or studio.

The APX600 NA, constructed with a spruce top, Mahogany back, and sides, helps players blend comfort, quality tone, and style. Also, the model features a thin, lightweight body that makes it a perfect choice for those preferring a lightweight design.

What goes without saying is that despite its thin profile, the instrument produces a clear, balanced sound. Moreover, to achieve amplified performance, the company incorporates built-in electronics.

Pros:

• Effortlessly accessible to higher frets
• Slim body design to ensure comfortable play
• Default electronics for live play

Cons:

• Less resonance than full-bodied guitars

This article is the first time we’re covering a 12-string acoustic cutaway guitar. Honestly, the company introduces the Oscar Schmidt OD312CE for musicians, offering full sound and stage-ready features.

The most notable thing is that the model has a dreadnought body to give strong projection. On the contrary, its cutaway design lets users permit easy upper fret access. The OD312CE delivers an enriched and bright tone to shine in strumming and rhythm playing.

The brand supplies built-in electronics, so you will effortlessly connect to amps or sound systems. Plus, you can easily handle its thinner neck than many 12-string models. Overall, the model comes with a natural look and solid build to make it durable and captivating.

Pros:

• Enriched 12-string tones
• Solid projection with stiff construction
• Best value for the money

Cons:

• Somewhat bulky compared to standard guitars

For the second time in this guide, we are going to review another Fender product. In truth, we think this model is best for those on a limited budget.

The Fender FA-125CE has a spruce top, including the basswood back and sides. This build type produces a warm but bright tone. Also, the brand includes built-in Fishman electronics to confirm amplification for recording sessions and live performances.

As a player, you will expect sleek playability. The instrument will meet your demand because it is not only lightweight but also sturdy with a comfortable neck profile.

Since it has a cutaway body, accessing the higher frets becomes easier, no doubt.

Pros:

• Affordable price despite having robust construction
• Quality amplified sound for the Built-in Fishman pickup system
• Best quality considering the price

Cons:

• Limited tonal depth can be a problem for a laminate construction.

Among modern musicians, the acoustic cutaway guitar has gained popularity. The fact is that combining classic acoustic tones to reach higher frets comfortably is its actual ability.

Maybe you are a beginner or a seasoned player, and want to opt for a musical instrument. In this sense, understanding how to pick one can create a difference in your musical journey.

This article will discuss everything you need to understand before your choice, from tonewood to electronics, playability, and price range.

You’ll commonly find two main types of cutaways. These are:

• Venetian Cutaway: This type contains a rounded bout. It provides players with easy access to higher frets without compromising the instrument’s tone.
• Florentine cutaway: This type holds a sharp bout. It also offers improved access to higher frets.

Also, the squared-off cutaway is a less common third type. Manufacturers use it on the Selmer-Maccaferri guitar and some nylon-string guitars.

Cutaway guitars offer unique benefits to meet the different needs of different players. For instance:

For chords and higher notes, singer-songwriters expect a balanced tone. Again, from the cutaway, fingerstyle players hope for complex melodies that run up the neck. In reverse, lead guitarists accustomed to electric guitar solos opt for a cutaway acoustic to make the transition smoother.

That’s right, tonewoods determine your instrument’s sound. We’ll show some popular options below:

• Mahogany: It is suitable for blues and folk due to giving a warm, mid-focused tone.
• Rosewood: It has rich bass and sparkling highs that are beloved for fingerstyle.
• Maple: You’ll find crisp, bright sound, including strong projection.
• Spruce: It comes with a bright and clear tone that is excellent for strumming and versatile playing.

The size of the musical instrument influences comfort and sound projection.

• Concert/Grand Concert Cutaway: It is small in size and also more comfortable and suitable for fingerstyle.
• Dreadnought Cutaway: This size has a loud and full-bodied sound. So, it is ideal for strumming and live performance.
• Jumbo Cutaway: This size features powerful projection with deep bass, making it perfect for performers.

A lot of cutaways are available in preamps and built-in pickups.

If you are a live performer, it is better to opt for an acoustic-electric cutaway with EQ controls. On the contrary, for home use, a simple non-electronic cutaway might be better for guitarists.

A guitar might be nice to look at. But if playing it is uncomfortable, you will avoid playing it. Consider the matters:

• Neck profile: Thick necks feel stiff to play, while thin ones are better for small hands.
• Action: If it is too high, pressing the strings is hard. Again, if it is too low, you’ll start to buzz.
• Fretboard material: For smooth playability, the rosewood or ebony may be better.

You will find better cutaway guitars across all price ranges:

• Under $300: These are suitable for beginners.
• $300–$800: These bring great mid-range options, including better tonewoods and electronics.
• $800–$1500: You will find professional standards in these price ranges.
• Above $1500: You will find premium craftsmanship and top-notch electronics in these price ranges.

There are several trusted brands on the market. All brands are well. But some are particularly famous for reliable cutaway guitars. We are mentioning here. These are Martin, Yamaha, Taylor, Takamine, Fender, Ibanez, etc. You can opt for one among them that goes with you.

We show the difference between a cutaway and a non-cutaway guitar below. However, if you prioritize performance and versatility, we believe a cutaway will be a better option.

A: The answer in a word is minimal. Some players reason that a cutaway lessens low-end resonance. But most do not observe. Indeed, the extra playability more than makes up for the tonal trade-off.

A: No. New players can also take advantage of its comfort and versatility.

A: Indeed, it’ll depend on your plan. If you want to go to a live performance or frequently record, it is best. Otherwise, an authentic acoustic is okay.

A: A concert or grand auditorium body, including rosewood or spruce top, functions well.

A: Taylor and Martin excel in professional categories. On the contrary, Yamaha and Fender provide the best value for beginners.

We have come to the end of this guide. Therefore, we suggest that you select the best acoustic cutaway guitar by considering your future goals.

Bear in mind: Keep an eye on the tonewood and electronics before buying. Indeed, a musical instrument is not just an instrument; rather, it is your companion.

You can also check this bass guitar.