Cutaway Acoustic Guitars

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  1. Takamine GD30 Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar

    Takamine GD30 Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar

    $699.00
    The GD30CE is a stage-worthy acoustic/electric dreadnought guitar that features solid-top construction, a soft Venetian-style cutaway and a superior-sounding Takamine electronics system. Ready for any performa...

    12 Payments of $58.25

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  2. Guild F250CE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar Flame Maple

    Guild F250CE Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar Flame Maple

    $799.99
    For that something extra, the F-250CE Deluxe is a jumbo guitar featuring a solid spruce top with a stunning arched flamed maple back and flamed maple sides. This tonewood gives the F-250CE a loud, crisp voice with a...

    12 Payments of $66.67

  3. Gretsch G5022CBFE Rancher Falcon Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric

    Gretsch G5022CBFE Rancher Falcon Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric

    $589.95 - $699.99
    Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon Jumbo Acoustic Electric Dripping in gold sparkle, the Gretsch Rancher Falcon Jumbo kicks down the door wearing a tailored tuxedo. It blends the massive, room-filling resonance of ...

    12 Payments of $58.33

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  4. Gibson Exclusive J165 Non-Cutaway Jumbo Acoustic Electric Guitar with Case

    Gibson Exclusive J165 Non-Cutaway Jumbo Acoustic Electric Guitar with Case

    $2,199.00
    Gibson Exclusive J165 Non-Cutaway Jumbo Acoustic Electric Guitar Let’s address the contradiction in the name: the "Small Jumbo." It might sound odd, like "jumbo shrimp," but the J-165 makes it clear. This guitar ...

    18 Payments of $122.17

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  5. Alvarez AD66CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar

    Alvarez AD66CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar

    $629.99
    Outstanding tonewoods, craftsmanship and pro electronics separate the Alvarez AD66CE acoustic electric guitar from every other guitar anywhere near this price range! Character and personality are really hard to find...

    12 Payments of $52.50

  6. Yamaha FSC-TA Cutaway TransAcoustic Guitar

    Yamaha FSC-TA Cutaway TransAcoustic Guitar

    $779.99
    Yamaha® FSC -TA cutaway guitars transport you to new creative spaces via immersive reverb and lush chorus effects that resonate within the body of the instrument itself. Whether playing by yourself or for others, th...

    12 Payments of $65.00

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  7. Alvarez MDA66CE Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar Shadowburst w/Gig Bag

    Alvarez MDA66CE Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar Shadowburst w/Gig Bag

    $1,099.00
    Beautifully voiced, professional guitars made from all-solid, seasoned tone woods. All solid wood really does make a difference, and Alvarez made sure each Masterworks gets the best out their solid wood construc...

    12 Payments of $91.58

  8. Yamaha FGC-TA Cutaway TransAcoustic Guitar

    Yamaha FGC-TA Cutaway TransAcoustic Guitar

    $779.99
    Imagine being totally immersed in the sound of your acoustic guitar, hearing and feeling it reverberate around you as you play. That’s the experience you’ll have when playing a Yamaha® FGC-TA cutaway guitar. Onboard...

    12 Payments of $65.00

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  9. Alvarez AF66CE Folk Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar

    Alvarez AF66CE Folk Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar

    $619.99
    The AF66CE produces a ton of warmth and character in your acoustic tone combined with top-shelf fit and finish at a great price. With standard features normally only found on high-end instruments, the AF66CESHB del...

    12 Payments of $51.67

  10. Gretsch G5022CE Rancher Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar

    Gretsch G5022CE Rancher Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar

    $599.99
    The Gretsch G5022CE Rancher Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar is the biggest and fullest-sounding of the Gretsch Rancher series. The G5022CE produces great volume and broadly expansive tone complemented by an...

    12 Payments of $50.00

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  11. Alvarez AD30CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar
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    Alvarez AD30CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar

    $399.99
    The Alvarez AD30CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar is a high quality instrument with class-leading value. The classic Dreadnought tone of the AD30CE is enhanced with advanced scalloped bracing and other premi...

    8 Payments of $50.00

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  12. Alvarez AB60CE Acoustic Electric Cutaway Bass Guitar

    Alvarez AB60CE Acoustic Electric Cutaway Bass Guitar

    $699.99
    The Alvarez AB60CE Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar unleashes that huge low ‘E’ that you've been searching for. Alvarez's unique bi-level rosewood bridge creates more down pressure on the genuine bone saddle, which a...

    12 Payments of $58.33

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Cutaway Acoustic Guitars – Access the Upper Frets

A cutaway acoustic guitar features a scoop carved into the upper bout near the neck joint, making it easier to reach the high frets. On modern guitars, the tonal difference compared to a non-cutaway is minimal. It’s more of a practical feature that can be added to many body shapes — not necessarily a body shape in its own right.

If you've ever tried to play a lead run above the 12th fret on a full-body acoustic and felt like you were wrestling the guitar, a cutaway acoustic guitar might be exactly what you need. The good news is getting there doesn't cost you as much tone as you might think.

If you need to play up high on the neck, a cutaway acoustic is worth it. Even if there's a minor trade-off in the tone department, most players barely even notice it. At the end of the day, the best guitar is really just the one that makes you actually want to pick it up and play.

What Is a Cutaway Acoustic Guitar?

A cutaway acoustic guitar features a scoop known as a bout cutaway which is carved from the upper body where it meets the neck joint. This gives the player easier access to the higher frets above the 12th.

It's worth noting that a cutaway is a feature, not a body shape. You can add a cutaway to dreadnoughts, grand auditoriums, parlors, and more — the body shape itself still drives the sound and tone.

Taylor 314CETaylor 314CE

Does a Cutaway Change the Sound?

On a modern acoustic guitar, the tonal difference is minimal — minimal enough that most players won't even notice.

The argument against cutaways is simple: removing wood from the upper bout shrinks the resonating surface and the body’s volume, which can shave off a little low-end warmth or projection. It’s measurable in a lab, but usually completely irrelevant at a gig.

What you're trading is a small amount of resonance for something genuinely useful, which is comfortable access to frets 15 through 20 and beyond. If your playing involves leads, fingerstyle voicings, or chord melody work up the neck, that extra real estate matters.

A cutaway won't hurt your tone, but it won't save it either. Pick one because you want easier access up the neck, and for no other reason.

What to Look For When Buying a Cutaway Acoustic Guitar

Before you buy, here's what to look for.

Venetian vs. Florentine Cutaway

Cutaway horns come in two shapes. Venetian cutaways have a rounded, curved horn — smooth and comfortable against the forearm. Florentine cutaways have a sharp, pointed horn that leans more electric in appearance and offers marginally better access at the very top frets.

Choose a Venetian if you want a traditional acoustic look with a softer profile. Choose a Florentine if you prefer a sharper, more electric-influenced aesthetic. Both deliver the same level of upper-fret access, so ultimately it's about finding the shape that looks and feels right to you.

Acoustic-Electric and Electronics

Most cutaway acoustics come pre-wired with a pickup and onboard preamp, and it makes sense why. Players who need upper-fret access are usually performing live. If you're considering a cutaway without electronics, make sure it actually suits the way you play.

Body Shape Underneath

The cutaway is just a notch in the body — the underlying shape still defines the tone. A cutaway dreadnought sounds like a dreadnought. A cutaway grand auditorium sounds like a grand auditorium. Browse our dreadnought, grand auditorium, and thin body acoustic pages if you want to match tone to playing style first, then filter for cutaway from there.

Taylor 314ce Studio – Solid Tonewoods Made Affordable

Everyone wants a solid top on their acoustic guitar, but it’s not always practical for the budget. However, the Taylor 314ce Studio brings premium tonewoods to a more accessible price point — all with a lovely Venetian cutaway for classic looks and upper fret access.

Taylor 314CE StudioTaylor 314CE Studio

Cutaway Acoustic Guitars at American Musical Supply

AMS carries cutaway acoustic guitars from trusted brands like Taylor, Martin, Yamaha, Alvarez, and more, with options across a range of budgets. Every order ships free, and if you'd prefer to spread the cost, AMS offers 0% interest payment plans through your existing credit card — no new accounts or fees required.

Related Acoustic Guitars

Want to dive deeper into the various body styles? Check out some of the most popular acoustic guitars we have to offer — many of which feature cutaway bodies:

Accessories

A new guitar plays better when it's set up right and protected on the road. Pair your cutaway acoustic with a hardshell case or gig bag that fits the body shape, and keep a set of acoustic guitar strings on hand for when the tone starts to dull.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cutaway acoustic guitar?

A cutaway acoustic guitar features a section of the upper body carved out near the neck joint, giving players easier access to higher frets. It's a design feature found across many body shapes — not a body type of its own.

Does a cutaway affect the sound?

The tonal impact is minimal on modern guitars. In theory, removing wood from the upper bout can reduce resonance slightly, which may trim a little low-end or volume. In practice, most players don't hear a difference. Choose a cutaway for upper-fret access — not for any tonal benefit.

Are cutaway acoustic guitars worth it?

A cutaway is worth it if you play leads, fingerstyle passages, or chord voicings above the 12th fret. If your playing stays in the open-chord and mid-neck range, a non-cutaway body gives you a marginally larger resonating surface for no practical gain. Choose based on how you actually play.

What is the difference between a Venetian and Florentine cutaway?

A Venetian cutaway has a rounded, curved horn. A Florentine cutaway has a sharp, pointed horn. Both open up access to the high frets. The Venetian is more common on acoustic guitars and tends to look more traditional. The Florentine is sharper-looking and edges closer to electric guitar styling.

Are most cutaway acoustics also acoustic-electric?

Yes, most cutaway acoustic guitars come with a built-in pickup and preamp system. Players who need upper-fret access are often playing live or recording direct, so manufacturers pair the two features routinely. It's worth confirming electronics are included if that matters to your setup.

Can I get a cutaway in any acoustic body shape?

Not every model comes in a cutaway version, but the feature is available across dreadnoughts, grand auditoriums, parlors, and thin-body guitars. The body shape underneath still determines the core tone, so it's worth choosing your preferred shape first and then filtering for cutaway from there.

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