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Post by Derick on Jan 27, 2023 10:47:53 GMT
Was looking at my Acoustic guitars recently, some with a cutaway some without, and came to the conclusion that I prefer guitars with a cutaway. Anyone else have a preference.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 27, 2023 11:17:55 GMT
good thought for a thread! I've never owned a cutaway acoustic - always feel the aesthetics suffer from having bits missing! I especially dislike the look of pointy cutaways on acoustics, and any where the heel isn't blended in with the cutaway, leaving a sticky outy triangular shelf sort of thing. The one exception I have re pointy cutaways is for the Adrian Lucas "sweep" cutaway which is really well thought out aesthetically and ergonomically - and as the guitars are so well made and great sounding, I could be tempted... Some makers will do a 12/14 style body, where the bass side is built as a 12 fretter and the treble side is shaped as a 14 fretter, which although not a cutaway in the conventional sense does work well for something of a 12/14 best of both worlds without having to hack a cutaway into a 12 fretter. And, as my playing requirements don't reach the dusty end I'm quite happy to play non-cutaway instruments. Keith
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Post by scorpiodog on Jan 27, 2023 11:22:32 GMT
I'm generally in the without camp. Couldn't honestly say why, but I don't need a cutaway. I do have one or two guitars with cutaways and don't feel that they are awful or anything, but all my favourites are without.
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delb0y
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Post by delb0y on Jan 27, 2023 11:51:04 GMT
I always fancied a cutaway dreadnaught after seeing Dan Crary playing one. I figured it would make access to the top end easier. Then I realised I rarely go up the top end, and I, also, much prefer the non-cutaway look. That said, my gypsy jazz oval hole has that typical Maccaferri "straight" cutaway, and on that one I do venture up to the dusty end now and again. So I guess I'm on the fence...
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Post by borborygmus on Jan 27, 2023 12:15:04 GMT
All this is very subjective, but this is my *very beautiful* Bashkin SJ…
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Post by fretter on Jan 27, 2023 13:05:03 GMT
My 'go to' guitar is a 1991 Nigel Thornbory 12 fret cutaway. Very easy action and the cutaway is handy on occasional forays to the dusty end!
I must admit though that I do prefer the aesthetic of a non cutaway. Can't really explain why of course.
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Post by Derick on Jan 27, 2023 13:13:08 GMT
All this is very subjective, but this is my *very beautiful* Bashkin SJ… And a very beautiful guitar it is.
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Post by Derick on Jan 27, 2023 13:18:06 GMT
Think I must be the odd ball, I prefer a guitar with a cutaway.
It looks sexy. It makes no difference to the sound of the guitar. It shows the skill of the guitar builder. Easy access to the 12 fret and beyond, if you need it.
I'm sure there is something else, but can't think of it.
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Post by otis1960 on Jan 27, 2023 13:21:54 GMT
I have to say that is rather special, borborygmus
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Post by mandovark on Jan 27, 2023 14:06:39 GMT
I like guitars with cutaways because I play a bit of slide and I like to be able to get to the higher frets, ideally to about the 17th.
In terms of aesthetics, I think cutaways are like most other parts of guitar design in that they can be done well and they can be done badly. The possible issue with cutaways is that the aesthetics can have an impact on the practical uses. If you plan to make use of the higher frets, you do need to think about how deep you need the cutaway to be and where your hand would need to be (different if you're playing slide rather than fretting). No point having a nice cutaway if you still have something around the neck join and heel that's going to get in your way.
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Post by forestdweller on Jan 27, 2023 14:26:11 GMT
Ive only ever owned one guitar with a cutaway (a custom Brook) and have long since come to the conclusion that they are unnecessary. I have always been able to access the notes and frets I need without one. Aesthetically I prefer a guitar without one.
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Jan 27, 2023 15:58:15 GMT
I far prefer the look of acoustic guitars without a cutaway. I don't own a single guitar with a cutaway, but I did own a beautiful Larrivee Tommy Emmanuel signature guitar with a cutaway that I regret selling. Played/sounded great, just a bit missing.... I also play a few songs now where the capo position means that I regularly need access to the 12-16th frets and it's challenging, so I do see the utility in having one. Just prefer the look of guitars without it
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Post by stain on Jan 28, 2023 19:15:45 GMT
I find myself going up the dusty end more and more recently after lessons with Jonny Moss. No longer scared by it. Although 14-16 fret stretches are a bit much and you need to practice getting them accurately. I too have a Bashkin fanfret SJC and it’s a lovely beast. I’ll bring it along in April. The cutaway really is beautifully done and makes it all a lot easier when you need to get up high. Some guitars don’t sound that good up there either. However I too prefer the look of a non cutaway.
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Post by NikGnashers on Jan 29, 2023 7:23:21 GMT
I think this 'choice' basically boils down to asthetics. I have tried and owned a few of both styles, and sonically there is no difference really, and in fact, for my personal taste, a couple of the full bodied models I owned sounded muddy and boomy. On the other hand, I owned a full bodied Takamine many years ago that was far too bright for my ears.
I'm more of a one guitar person now, I love the tone of my Lowden 32se and it certainly doesn't lack anything for having a cutaway.
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Post by bobcarter on Jan 29, 2023 19:32:49 GMT
Cutaway definitely for easier access to the higher frets. The aesthetic doesn't bother me at all. On the other hand, Clive Carroll (and many others I'm sure) has no problem playing right up the neck with no cutaway, so it's probably just my rubbish technique!
The downside is there's no proper bit to slap on some percussive pieces.
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