When shopping for an acoustic guitar, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to get a cutaway or non-cutaway design. A cutaway guitar has a portion of the body scooped out near the neck, giving you easier access to the higher frets. A non-cutaway guitar, on the other hand, keeps the traditional rounded body shape for maximum resonance and volume. So, cutaway vs non-cutaway – which guitar is right for you? Let’s break down the differences, highlight the pros and cons, and review some of the best models available.
Quick Picks
- Taylor 214ce (Cutaway) – Best Overall for versatility and modern playability (~$1,200).
- Martin D-28 (Non-Cutaway) – Best Premium for pure acoustic tone (~$3,200).
- Cordoba C12 SP (Classical Non-Cutaway) – Best Classical option (~$1,200).
Buyer’s Guide
Before diving into reviews, let’s explore what separates cutaway and non-cutaway guitars:
- Upper Fret Access – Cutaways make it easier to reach frets above the 12th, perfect for soloists and lead players. Non-cutaways limit upper fret access but are often preferred by rhythm players.
- Sound & Resonance – Non-cutaway guitars usually have a slightly bigger body cavity, producing fuller, louder tones. Cutaways sacrifice a bit of resonance for playability.
- Aesthetics – Some players love the sleek look of cutaways, while others prefer the traditional full-bodied shape.
- Genres – Cutaways are common in pop, jazz, and modern acoustic playing. Non-cutaways dominate folk, bluegrass, and traditional styles.
- Electronics – Many cutaways come with built-in electronics for stage use, while non-cutaways are often pure acoustics.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Taylor 814ce (Cutaway)
Who it’s for: Modern players who want premium playability and tone.
- Grand Auditorium body with Venetian cutaway.
- Solid Sitka spruce top with rosewood back/sides.
- V-Class bracing for enhanced projection.
Pros: Easy upper fret access, balanced tone, professional electronics.
Cons: Expensive (~$4,000).
Verdict: A flagship cutaway guitar built for serious performers.
2. Martin D-28 (Non-Cutaway)
Who it’s for: Traditionalists who want legendary tone.
- Dreadnought body, classic non-cutaway design.
- Solid Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood body.
- Powerful bass, clear treble, strong projection.
Pros: Iconic tone, unmatched projection, timeless design.
Cons: No upper fret access beyond 14th fret.
Verdict: The ultimate non-cutaway acoustic (~$3,200).
3. Gibson J-45 Standard (Non-Cutaway)
Who it’s for: Singer-songwriters who want warmth and character.
- Round-shoulder dreadnought, non-cutaway.
- Solid Sitka spruce with mahogany body.
- Warm, rich tone with excellent mids.
Pros: Legendary singer-songwriter guitar, warm tone.
Cons: Less suited for lead solos.
Verdict: A workhorse acoustic beloved by generations (~$2,800).
4. Taylor 322ce 12-Fret (Cutaway)
Who it’s for: Fingerstyle players who want comfort and responsiveness.
- Grand Concert body with 12-fret neck joint and cutaway.
- Solid mahogany top, Tasmanian blackwood back/sides.
- Warm, articulate sound perfect for fingerpicking.
Pros: Shorter scale, easy playability, built-in ES2 electronics.
Cons: Less low-end punch than larger guitars.
Verdict: A responsive cutaway designed for nuanced playing (~$2,200).
5. Collings OM2H (Non-Cutaway)
Who it’s for: Players wanting boutique craftsmanship with a traditional design.
- Orchestra Model body, non-cutaway.
- Solid Sitka spruce with rosewood body.
- Handcrafted with exceptional detail.
Pros: Boutique tone and build quality.
Cons: High-end price (~$5,000).
Verdict: A premium non-cutaway guitar with timeless sound.
6. PRS Angelus Cutaway
Who it’s for: Players who want PRS build quality in an acoustic cutaway.
- Grand Auditorium body with cutaway.
- Solid spruce top with rosewood back/sides.
- Modern styling with Fishman electronics.
Pros: Smooth playability, excellent plugged-in tone.
Cons: Not as traditional sounding as Martin/Gibson.
Verdict: A stylish cutaway built for performance (~$3,000).
Comparison Table
| Model | Design | Top Wood | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor 814ce | Cutaway | Sitka Spruce | $4,000 |
| Martin D-28 | Non-Cutaway | Sitka Spruce | $3,200 |
| Gibson J-45 | Non-Cutaway | Sitka/Mahogany | $2,800 |
| Taylor 322ce | Cutaway | Mahogany | $2,200 |
| Collings OM2H | Non-Cutaway | Sitka Spruce | $5,000 |
| PRS Angelus | Cutaway | Sitka Spruce | $3,000 |
FAQ
- Do cutaways sound worse? Not worse, but slightly less resonant than non-cutaways because of reduced body volume.
- Should beginners get a cutaway? If you plan to play solos and higher fretwork, yes. If you’ll mostly strum chords, a non-cutaway works fine.
- Are non-cutaways louder? Typically yes, due to the larger sound chamber.
- Which is more traditional? Non-cutaways are the classic design, especially for folk and bluegrass.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
So, cutaway vs non-cutaway – which guitar is right for you? If you value tradition, resonance, and pure acoustic tone, a non-cutaway like the Martin D-28 or Gibson J-45 is the way to go. If you want upper fret access, modern styling, and built-in electronics, a cutaway like the Taylor 814ce or PRS Angelus is a smart choice. Either way, your playing style should guide your decision.