7 Best Cutaway Acoustic Guitars: 2026 Top Picks

Struggling to hit those high notes on your bulky dreadnought? A great cutaway acoustic unlocks the entire fretboard, turning frustrating solos into fluid melodies. That extra space for your hand makes all the difference, especially when you need to reach beyond the 14th fret. Finding the right one, however, can be a challenge. We tested dozens of models to find the best cutaway acoustic guitars that offer superior playability without sacrificing that rich, full-bodied acoustic tone.

These guitars are designed for players who refuse to be limited. Whether you're a singer-songwriter adding melodic fills, a fingerstyle virtuoso, or a lead guitarist in an acoustic setting, the right cutaway is your ticket to total freedom on the neck.

The Best Cutaway Acoustic Guitars: A Quick Comparison

We've laid out our top picks to help you see the key differences at a glance. Each of these guitars excels in its category, offering a unique combination of tone, playability, and features.

Model	Body Shape	Top Wood	Electronics	Best For
Taylor 214ce	Grand Auditorium	Solid Sitka Spruce	Taylor ES2	All-Around Performance
Martin D-10E	Dreadnought	Solid Sitka Spruce	Fishman MX-T	Powerful Strumming
Yamaha FGX800C	Dreadnought	Solid Sitka Spruce	System 66	Budget-Conscious Players
Gibson G-45 Studio	Round Shoulder	Solid Sitka Spruce	Fishman Sonitone	Songwriters & Recording
Seagull S6 Concert Hall	Concert Hall	Solid Cedar	Godin QIT	Fingerstyle & Folk
Fender Newporter Player	Newporter	Solid Sitka Spruce	Fishman Flex	Live Performance & Style
Ibanez AE245	AE Body	Solid Mahogany	Ibanez T-bar II	Modern Players & Lead

Detailed Reviews of Our Top 7 Cutaway Guitars for 2026

Here’s a deeper look at what makes each of our chosen guitars stand out. We've focused on sound, feel, build quality, and overall value to give you a complete picture.

1. Taylor 214ce: The All-Around Champion

The

is often the first name that comes to mind for modern acoustic-electric cutaways, and for good reason. It strikes a perfect balance between comfort, tonal clarity, and stage-ready electronics. Taylor's signature Grand Auditorium body shape is the secret sauce here; it's narrower at the waist than a dreadnought, making it comfortable to play sitting down, but large enough to produce a robust, balanced sound.

The solid Sitka spruce top provides a bright, articulate tone that cuts through a mix, while the layered rosewood back and sides add warmth and depth. What truly sets it apart is the playability. Taylor necks are famously slim and comfortable, and combined with the soft Venetian cutaway, reaching the 20th fret feels effortless. The onboard Expression System 2 (ES2) electronics are revolutionary, capturing more of the guitar's dynamic properties for a natural, authentic plugged-in sound. This isn't just a guitar; it's a reliable musical partner for any situation.

Pros:

• Exceptionally comfortable and playable neck.
• Balanced tone suitable for any playing style.
• Industry-leading ES2 electronics for superb amplified sound.
• Includes a high-quality, durable gig bag.

Cons:

• Higher price point for an instrument with layered back and sides.
• The bright Taylor sound may not suit players seeking a vintage, darker tone.

2. Martin D-10E: The Modern Dreadnought

For those who crave the iconic Martin dreadnought bass and volume but need modern playability, the

is the answer. Martin practically invented the dreadnought sound, and this model delivers it with authority. The solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides create a powerful, resonant tone with punchy mids and a strong low end, perfect for flatpicking and aggressive strumming.

The cutaway is expertly integrated, providing access to the upper frets without compromising the guitar's structural integrity or iconic shape. The Performing Artist neck profile is slimmer and more comfortable than traditional Martin necks, making it easier for players with smaller hands or those used to electric guitars. The discreet Fishman MX-T electronics include a soundhole-mounted tuner, which is an incredibly useful feature for quick adjustments on stage. This is one of the best cutaway acoustic guitars for anyone who wants that classic boom with modern functionality.

Pros:

• Classic Martin dreadnought tone with deep bass.
• Comfortable, modern neck profile.
• Useful built-in soundhole tuner.
• All-solid wood construction at a reasonable price.

Cons:

• The large dreadnought body might be uncomfortable for smaller players.
• Sapele back and sides offer a slightly brighter tone than traditional mahogany.

3. Yamaha FGX800C: Unbeatable Budget Value

Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for building high-quality instruments at prices that seem almost too good to be true, and the

continues that legacy. This guitar is a workhorse, ideal for beginners who want their first serious instrument or experienced players needing a reliable backup. The key feature at this price point is the solid Sitka spruce top, which will mature and sound even better over time.

Its tone is surprisingly rich and loud for its price, with a clear high end and a warm midrange. The cutaway dreadnought body gives you the best of both worlds: strong volume for strumming and easy access for learning solos. The onboard System 66 electronics feature a 3-band EQ and an adjustable mid-range frequency control, giving you impressive tonal shaping capabilities when plugged in. For the money, you simply won't find a better-built, better-sounding acoustic-electric cutaway.

Pros:

• Solid spruce top offers excellent tone and value.
• Versatile and reliable electronics with a built-in tuner.
• Durable construction and great quality control.
• Extremely affordable.

Cons:

• Laminate back and sides lack the complexity of all-solid wood.
• Action may need a professional setup out of the box for optimal playability.

4. Gibson G-45 Studio: American-Made Soul

Hand-built in Bozeman, Montana, the

brings legendary Gibson craftsmanship into a more accessible price range. This is a guitar for songwriters. Its round-shoulder body shape, similar to the iconic J-45, produces a warm, woody, and wonderfully balanced tone that sits perfectly with a human voice. The solid Sitka spruce top combined with walnut back and sides offers a unique tonal flavor: direct and focused like mahogany, but with some of the overtone richness of rosewood.

The "Advanced Response" neck profile is slim and fast, encouraging long playing sessions without fatigue. The Fishman Sonitone pickup is simple and effective, with controls tucked neatly inside the soundhole to preserve the guitar's clean aesthetic. This model is a versatile tool for the studio and small gigs, serving as an excellent soloing acoustic guitar that also excels at rhythm.

Pros:

• Handmade in the USA.
• Warm, balanced tone that's perfect for vocal accompaniment.
• Unique and sustainable tonewood combination (walnut).
• Very comfortable neck.

Cons:

• The simple electronics lack advanced features like a tuner or EQ.
• The satin finish may not appeal to everyone.

5. Seagull S6 Concert Hall: Fingerstyle Dream

The

is a standout choice for fingerstyle players. Made in Canada by Godin, Seagull guitars are known for their quality craftsmanship and excellent value. This model features a solid cedar top, a key ingredient for its warm, responsive tone. Cedar responds beautifully to a lighter touch, producing rich overtones and a "played-in" sound right out of the box.

The Concert Hall body size is smaller and more focused than a dreadnought, which helps with note separation and clarity, essential for intricate fingerpicking. Combined with a slightly wider 1.72-inch nut width, it provides ample string spacing for complex chord voicings and picking patterns. The Godin QIT electronics are straightforward and sound great, making this an excellent guitar for coffee shop gigs or recording detailed instrumental pieces. Some players find that a specific set of strings really makes this model sing; our guide to the best guitar strings for jazz has some great options for achieving a warm, mellow tone.

Pros:

• Solid cedar top is highly responsive to a light touch.
• Wider nut is ideal for fingerstyle playing.
• Excellent craftsmanship and value.
• Made in North America.

Cons:

• Cedar is a softer wood and can dent more easily than spruce.
• The focused tone may lack the booming low end of a dreadnought.

6. Fender Newporter Player: Bold Looks, Bold Sound

Breaking away from traditional acoustic design, the

offers a unique look and feel that's sure to turn heads. Its mid-sized Newporter body shape and vibrant color options are inspired by Fender's electric guitar legacy, as is the comfortable Slim "C" neck profile and Stratocaster-style headstock.

But this guitar is more than just looks. It features a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides, delivering a balanced and articulate tone that's surprisingly versatile. The Fishman-designed preamp system is simple to use and sounds fantastic plugged in, making this a natural choice for live performers. The cutaway provides excellent access to the upper frets, encouraging players to explore the neck just like they would on an electric. It's a fantastic instrument for the musician who wants to stand out from the crowd.

Pros:

• Unique and stylish appearance.
• Slim, comfortable neck feels like an electric guitar.
• Solid top for great acoustic tone.
• Optimized for live performance.

Cons:

• Non-traditional aesthetics might not be for everyone.
• The body shape produces a slightly less resonant tone than a dreadnought.

7. Ibanez AE245: Modern Design for Modern Players

Ibanez is renowned for building guitars with speed and precision in mind, and the

is no exception. This guitar is built for the modern player who needs comfort, speed, and a clear, articulate amplified tone. The AE body shape is sleek and comfortable, and the deep cutaway offers unrestricted access to the highest frets, making it one of the best guitars available for upper fret access.

The all-mahogany construction (solid top, laminate back and sides) gives it a warm, focused, and woody tone with a strong midrange punch that's great for cutting through a band mix. The Ibanez T-bar II undersaddle pickup and custom electronics provide a transparent and feedback-resistant sound when plugged in. Special features like the scalloped bridge and bone nut/saddle enhance sustain and resonance. If you're an electric player crossing over into acoustic territory or an acoustic player who loves to play fast leads, this is the guitar for you. The skills learned here can even translate to other instruments, like those heard in the best funk bass lines of all time.

Pros:

• Exceptional upper fret access.
• Fast, comfortable neck profile.
• Warm, focused mahogany tone.
• Excellent electronics for stage use.

Cons:

• All-mahogany sound may lack the sparkling highs of a spruce top.
• The modern design might not appeal to traditionalists.

Why Choose a Cutaway Guitar? The Upper Fret Access Advantage

The single most important reason to choose a cutaway acoustic guitar is unrestricted access to the upper frets. On a standard non-cutaway acoustic, typically a dreadnought or concert body, your hand physically bumps into the guitar's body around the 14th fret. This makes playing notes, chords, and solos in the higher register difficult, if not impossible.

A cutaway carves out a section of the guitar's upper bout, allowing your hand to move freely up the neck. This design is essential for:

• Soloing and Lead Playing: If you want to play intricate melodies or take a guitar solo in an acoustic setting, a cutaway is non-negotiable. It allows for the same freedom of movement you'd expect from an electric guitar. Many of the techniques found in the most iconic guitar solos of all time are much easier to execute on a cutaway.
• Complex Fingerstyle: Modern fingerstyle arrangements often use the entire fretboard, incorporating high-register melodies and harmonics. A cutaway makes these techniques possible.
• Alternative Tunings: Many alternate tunings for acoustic guitar open up new chord voicings and melodic possibilities high up the neck, which are far easier to reach with a cutaway.
• Vocal Accompaniment with Fills: Singer-songwriters can benefit from a cutaway by adding high-register melodic fills between vocal phrases, adding texture and interest to their arrangements.

Essentially, a cutaway transforms the acoustic guitar from a rhythm-focused instrument into one that is equally capable of playing lead and melody.

Venetian vs. Florentine: Understanding Cutaway Styles

Not all cutaways are created equal. While they serve the same function, they come in two distinct styles: Venetian and Florentine. The choice between them is largely aesthetic, but there are subtle differences.

Venetian Cutaway Models

The Venetian cutaway is the most common style you'll see on acoustic guitars. It features a soft, rounded horn.

• Appearance: Smooth, flowing lines that blend organically with the guitar's body shape.
• Construction: Generally considered easier and less labor-intensive to manufacture.
• Prevalence: You'll find this style on the vast majority of cutaway acoustics, including most models from Taylor, Martin, and Yamaha.

Florentine Cutaway

The Florentine cutaway is much rarer on acoustics and features a sharp, pointed horn.

• Appearance: A more aggressive and striking look, often associated with jazz archtops and some high-end or custom acoustics.
• Construction: More complex to build, as it requires precise joinery to create the sharp point.
• Prevalence: Less common, but favored by builders who want to make a bold visual statement.

Feature	Venetian Cutaway	Florentine Cutaway
Shape	Soft, rounded horn	Sharp, pointed horn
Aesthetic	Smooth, traditional	Aggressive, modern
Prevalence	Very common	Rare on acoustics
Example	Taylor 214ce	Gibson ES-175 (Archtop)

For most players, the Venetian style offers all the function needed with a classic look, which is why it dominates the market for single-cutaway acoustics.

Does a Cutaway Really Affect an Acoustic Guitar's Tone?

This is one of the most debated topics among acoustic guitar purists. The question is simple: if you remove wood from the guitar's body, do you lose tone?

The technical answer is yes, but the practical answer for most players is no, not really.

Here's the breakdown: removing a piece of wood from the upper bout does slightly reduce the internal air volume of the guitar's body. In theory, this can lead to a very minor reduction in bass response and overall volume. However, the area of the guitar that is cut away is one of the least resonant parts of the soundboard. The main "engine" of an acoustic guitar's tone is the lower bout, which remains fully intact.

Most experts and players agree that the tonal difference between a cutaway and non-cutaway version of the same model is negligible and often completely imperceptible to the human ear. In a blind test, very few people could reliably tell the difference.

Furthermore, the vast majority of cutaway guitars are acoustic-electric cutaways designed to be plugged in. Once amplified, any tiny acoustic tonal difference becomes completely irrelevant. The massive gain in playability and fretboard access far outweighs any minute, theoretical loss in acoustic volume.

What to Look For When Buying a Single-Cutaway Acoustic

Choosing the right cutaway guitar involves more than just fret access. Here are the key factors to consider.

Tonewoods: The Heart of the Sound

The woods used to build a guitar are the biggest factor in its tone.

• Solid Top vs. Laminate Top: Always prioritize a solid top. A solid piece of wood vibrates more freely than a layered (laminate) piece, producing a richer, more complex tone that improves with age. Laminate is more durable and affordable but sounds less dynamic.
• Spruce: The most common top wood. It's bright, clear, and powerful, making it great for strumming and flatpicking.
• Cedar: A softer wood with a warmer, darker tone. It's very responsive to a light touch, making it a favorite for fingerstyle players.
• Mahogany: Used for tops, backs, and sides. It has a "woody," direct, and punchy midrange tone with less complex overtones. Perfect for blues and folk.

Body Shape and Size

The guitar's body affects both its sound and comfort. Understanding the differences is key, and our comparison of dreadnought vs. parlor guitars goes into even more detail.

• Dreadnought: Large body, big volume, strong bass. The classic choice for strummers and bluegrass players.
• Grand Auditorium / Concert: A versatile, mid-sized shape. It offers a balanced tone that works well for both strumming and fingerpicking.
• Jumbo: Even larger than a dreadnought, with immense volume and presence. Less common with a cutaway but offers a huge sound.

Onboard Electronics

Since cutaways are made for performance, most come with built-in electronics.

• Pickup System: Most common is an undersaddle piezo pickup, which captures string vibrations. Some higher-end systems blend a piezo with an internal microphone for a more natural sound.
• Preamp Controls: Look for a preamp with at least volume and tone controls. A 3-band EQ (bass, mid, treble) offers more flexibility. A built-in tuner is an extremely convenient feature.

Neck Profile and Playability

The feel of the neck is critical. Since you're buying a cutaway for access, make sure the neck is comfortable for you. Neck profiles range from a chunky "C" or "V" shape to a slim, modern profile. There's no "best" shape; it's all about personal preference. Many artists, like those behind some of the best 90s acoustic guitar songs, chose their instruments based on this feel. Check the nut width too; a wider nut gives more space for fingerpicking, while a narrower nut can feel faster for strumming chords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cutaway guitar better for beginners?

Not necessarily. For a true beginner just learning basic open chords (G, C, D, etc.), a cutaway isn't needed because they won't be playing high up the neck. However, if a beginner's goal is to eventually play solos or complex songs, starting with a cutaway can be a great choice as it's an instrument they can grow into.

Do cutaway guitars cost more than non-cutaway models?

Yes, they typically cost slightly more. The process of creating the cutaway requires extra steps and labor in the manufacturing process. The price difference for the same model is usually modest, often between $50 and $150, and it almost always includes electronics, which also adds to the cost.

What's the difference between a Venetian and a Florentine cutaway?

The difference is purely aesthetic. A Venetian cutaway has a soft, rounded horn, which is the most common style. A Florentine cutaway has a sharp, pointed horn, which is much rarer on acoustic guitars and offers a more aggressive look. They both provide the same level of fret access.

Can I play lead guitar on a cutaway acoustic?

Absolutely! That's their primary purpose. A cutaway acoustic-electric is the perfect instrument for playing lead in an acoustic band, an "unplugged" set, or for solo singer-songwriter performances where you want to add melodic lines and solos. They are designed to be soloing acoustic guitars.

Which famous guitarists use cutaway acoustics?

Countless famous artists rely on cutaway acoustics for their versatility. Players like John Mayer (Martin OMJM), Tommy Emmanuel (Maton EBG808), and Dave Matthews (Taylor 914ce) are all known for using cutaway models to blend intricate chord work with high-flying melodic solos. These instruments allow them to express their full musical range.