Best Cutaway Acoustic Guitars for Easy Upper-Fret Access

The best cutaway acoustic guitars for most players are the Yamaha FGX830C for a solid-top workhorse, the Takamine GD51CE for a stage-friendly dreadnought, and the Yamaha APX600 if you want a thin, comfortable body with a pickup. A cutaway is a scooped-out section of the upper bout that lets your fretting hand reach the high frets, which is why lead players and gigging singers favour them. This guide ranks the best cutaway acoustic guitars by access, comfort and plug-in readiness, then answers the thinline and electric-acoustic questions that come up when you shop for one.

Our top picks

Top pickYamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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Also greatYamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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Also greatYamaha APX600 OBB Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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Also greatYamaha FGX830C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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Key takeaways

• A cutaway adds upper-fret access at the cost of a little body volume and bracing area; for most players the access is worth it.
• Most cutaway acoustics are sold as acoustic-electrics, so check the preamp, tuner and output jack as much as the wood.
• Venetian (rounded) cutaways look traditional; Florentine (pointed) cutaways look sharper and some players find them easier to reach into.
• Thin-body models like the Yamaha APX600 are the most comfortable and the least prone to feedback, but sound smaller unplugged.

What a cutaway actually changes

On a regular flat-top the neck joins the body at the 14th fret (or the 12th on some models), and the shoulder of the body gets in the way of your hand beyond that point. Cutting away a section of that shoulder lets your thumb and fingers wrap higher, so notes up to the 20th fret and beyond become playable in a comfortable position. According to maker explanations from Yamaha, Takamine and Taylor, the cutaway removes a small amount of internal bracing area and air volume, so you may notice a touch less low end than on the non-cut version of the same model.

In practice most players who need the upper frets never miss the lost bass. The bigger variable is how the cutaway guitar is built: those aimed at stage use usually include an undersaddle pickup and preamp, which is why cutaway guitars and acoustic-electric guitars are so often the same product.

Quick comparison of the best cutaway acoustic guitars

1. Yamaha FGX830C: Best overall cutaway acoustic

• Dreadnought body with a cutaway
• Solid top, as the model name in the listing states
• Onboard system for plugging in (the “X” in the model code)
• Natural and black finishes appear in the listings
• Mid price tier

Yamaha’s FG line is the long-standing recommendation for players who want a lot of guitar without luxury pricing, and the FGX830C adds the cutaway and electronics. It sits in the sweet spot between the entry models and the premium tier, offering a solid top and a recognisable Yamaha build. If you want one guitar for the porch, the bedroom and the occasional gig, it’s the safe pick.

What to check: confirm the preamp layout (volume, tone, tuner) and that the endpin jack feels secure. A fresh set of strings and a light setup improves the feel of any factory guitar. Best for: players who want the least risky purchase. Skip if: you prefer a smaller body or mahogany warmth.

Beyond the spec list, the FGX830C is a good example of how cutaway guitars are bought: most buyers care about three things at once, namely upper-fret reach, a reliable plug-in sound and a top that will sound better over the years. A solid top tends to open up as it vibrates, so a guitar that is played daily can sound noticeably fuller after a year or two than it did on day one. That ageing effect is one reason players choose a solid-top cutaway over a fully laminated one even when the cost difference is only one tier.

Pros:

• Solid top at a fair price
• Proven Yamaha consistency
• Cutaway and electronics included

Cons:

• Dreadnought body is large for some
• Plain looks compared with the Epiphone

2. Takamine GD51CE: Best for a gigging dreadnought

• Dreadnought cutaway in Natural in the listing
• Takamine G Series build with onboard preamp and tuner
• 12-string cousins exist in the same family
• Mid price tier

Takamine made its name with stage-ready acoustics, and the GD51CE is a good example. Expect a pickup system designed for live sound, which often means less time fiddling with the PA and more time playing. It appeals to singer-songwriters who need a guitar that will plug into whatever the venue provides.

What to check: test the tuner and EQ response if you can, and confirm what battery the preamp uses and how to access it. Best for: coffeehouse and church gigs. Skip if: you play only unplugged and want a woody, vintage tone.

Dreadnought bodies like this one are the stock answer for strumming, and the cutaway gives the occasional lead lines a home. The practical advantage of a stage-first preamp is repeatability: you dial in a setting at home, mark it down, and expect to get close to it at the venue. Carry a spare battery and a short patch cable so a dead preamp never ends a set.

Pros:

• Stage-first electronics
• Cutaway access
• Good fit for amplified performance

Cons:

• Tone leans modern rather than vintage
• Dreadnought size again

3. Cort Essence ES-GA4: Best grand auditorium cutaway for balance

• Grand Auditorium cutaway body
• Natural Semi Gloss finish, with a black-top variant in the line
• Acoustic-electric
• Mid price tier

The grand auditorium shape sits between a dreadnought and a smaller concert body, which makes it comfortable and versatile. Cort’s Essence series targets players who want modern looks and a balanced voice without paying for a boutique name. If a dreadnought feels too boomy for fingerstyle and too large for comfort, this shape is the one to try.

What to check: inspect the finish and fret ends, and check the actual spec on the maker page for the top wood. Best for: mixed strumming and picking. Skip if: you want the deep bass of a dreadnought.

The grand auditorium compromise is popular because it avoids the two common complaints about big acoustics: too boomy in a band, too wide for the arm. The narrower waist sits more neatly against the ribs, and the voice has enough midrange clarity for both chords and single lines. It also pairs well with a capo, since the smaller air volume keeps the high-register notes clear.

Pros:

• Comfortable body shape
• Modern finish options
• Balanced tone

Cons:

• Less brand recognition than Yamaha or Taylor
• Resale value is weaker

4. Yamaha APX600: Best thin-body cutaway acoustic

• Thin-body cutaway design
• Acoustic-electric with onboard system
• Many finishes: Black, Natural, Old Violin Sunburst, Oriental Blue Burst, Vintage White, plus a matte variant
• Entry price tier

Thin-body guitars have a shallower body, which makes them far more comfortable and noticeably more resistant to feedback on stage. The APX600 is the classic example, and it’s popular with players who spend hours standing with a guitar or who want an electric-guitar-like feel. Unplugged it is quieter and thinner sounding than a dreadnought, so think of it as a plug-in-first instrument.

What to check: hold it at your regular playing position and judge the neck feel, since many players choose the APX for neck comfort. Best for: stage players, travellers and small-framed players. Skip if: you want a big unplugged sound.

Thin bodies are a recurring answer to the question of stage feedback. A shallow chamber has less air to resonate at low frequencies, so the system can run at higher volume before it squeals. They are also a good fit for players who rely on effects: with a reverb or chorus pedal in front of the PA the sound is clean and controlled, whereas a deep-bodied guitar may need more careful EQ cuts around the low mids.

Pros:

• Very comfortable body depth
• Resists feedback
• Wide finish choice

Cons:

• Smaller unplugged volume
• Laminated construction

5. Fender CD-60SCE: Best entry-level cutaway with a solid top

• Dreadnought cutaway with a solid top, per the model name
• All-mahogany version in the listed bundle
• Includes hard case, cable and extras in the listed bundle
• Entry to mid price tier

The CD-60SCE offers a solid top, a cutaway and a pickup in an affordable guitar, and the bundle in the listing includes a case and cable. All-mahogany construction gives it a warm, slightly compressed tone that sits well under a voice. It’s a good pick for a new player who already knows they want to plug in.

What to check: confirm which bundle you’re buying and what is in it, as bundles from third-party sellers vary. Best for: beginners graduating from a starter guitar. Skip if: you want premium electronics.

For many students this is the point where they realise a good acoustic matters. Moving from a laminate starter to a solid top changes how the guitar reacts to touch: soft playing gets quieter and rich, hard playing opens up instead of choking. Keep the original case and receipt, as bundles sometimes ship with a thin gig bag and a basic cable that you may want to upgrade within a few months.

Pros:

• Solid top at an affordable tier
• Warm mahogany voice
• Bundle includes accessories

Cons:

• Basic electronics
• Bundle contents vary by seller

6. Taylor 114ce: Best brand-quality plug-in with cutaway

• Grand Auditorium shape with cutaway
• Taylor 100 Series, the brand’s entry line
• Acoustic-electric, with Taylor’s onboard electronics
• Upper-mid price tier

Taylor is known for well-set-up, comfortable guitars, and the 114ce is the entry-level way into that world. The grand auditorium shape and the build quality mean it suits both strumming and light fingerstyle. It costs more than the Yamaha or Fender options but offers a more refined feel, and the brand has a strong resale market.

What to check: compare it against the Taylor 214ce, which swaps the back and sides to a different wood according to Taylor, if you can stretch the budget. Best for: intermediate players who want a long-term guitar. Skip if: you only need a cheap stage guitar.

Taylor’s reputation rests on neck comfort and consistent setups, and that matters more on a cutaway guitar because you spend time in the upper positions. A comfortable neck profile with smooth fret ends turns practice into something you want to do. If you play hours at a time, ergonomic details like edge bevels and neck shape are worth more than a tonal upgrade.

Pros:

• Refined playability
• Strong resale market
• Versatile body shape

Cons:

• Costs more than other picks
• Laminate back and sides at this tier

7. Epiphone Hummingbird Studio EC: Best for vintage looks and upper-fret reach

• Hummingbird-style square-shoulder body with cutaway (“EC”)
• Studio series, acoustic-electric
• Heritage Cherry Sunburst and Natural finishes in the listings
• Includes a bag in the listing
• Mid price tier

The Hummingbird is a classic, and this Epiphone puts the look into a cutaway format with a pickup. It’s a head-turner on stage and has the warm, strummy voice square-shouldered dreadnoughts are known for. If you like a vintage appearance but need to solo above the 12th fret, this is the option on this list that offers both.

What to check: the finish is a key part of the appeal, so check the photos of the exact colour you’re ordering. Best for: strummers who care about style. Skip if: you want the lightest, thinnest body.

Square-shoulder bodies tend to sound warm and strummy, with a strong midrange and a compressed attack that fits behind a vocal. The cutaway on the Studio version is what separates it from the standard acoustic Hummingbird for players who need to climb the neck. Consider a strap with a rubberised underside, because the smooth finish plus the body width can make the guitar shift on a sweaty stage.

Pros:

• Striking looks
• Cutaway access
• Bag included in the listing

Cons:

• Bag is not a hard case
• Large body

Setting up a cutaway acoustic-electric for the stage: step by step

1. Fit fresh strings and stretch them. New strings settle faster and keep tuning stable through a set, which matters because a tuning drift is more obvious when amplified.
2. Check the action at the 12th fret. Around 2 to 2.5 millimetres on the bass side is a common target; if you can’t tell, ask a tech for a quick setup.
3. Set the preamp flat first. Start with bass, mid and treble at the centre, then adjust to taste with the guitar in the room.
4. Find the feedback point. Raise the amp or PA monitor slowly while holding the guitar in your normal playing position. Back off a notch when it starts to ring.
5. Use the phase or notch control if available. A small turn often removes a persistent howl without hurting tone.
6. Carry spares. A battery, a short cable and a spare set of strings cover most gig problems.

Which cutaway fits which player: a quick decision matrix

Ownership realities: what wears first on a cutaway guitar

The cutaway edge is the weak point. The binding near the horn is thin and catches on straps, stands and car doors, so chips and finish cracks appear there before anywhere else. The output jack on the endpin loosens over time, which creates crackle; tightening the nut inside the jack plate is a five-minute fix, and a secure strap lock prevents cable tugs from damaging the jack. The preamp battery should be replaced once a year or before any important gig. Pickup piezo elements are durable but sensitive to humidity swings, and a dry winter can cause bridge lift on any acoustic. Maker guidance recommends 40 to 50 percent relative humidity, so a humidifier in the case and a hygrometer are small purchases that protect a larger investment.

Also consider

• Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Studio Cutaway: a budget cutaway with a distinctive narrow-waist body.
• Fender FA-25CE: a beginner-level dreadnought cutaway with a pickup.
• Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline: a very low-cost thinline package; treat it as a starter and check the seller return window.
• Takamine GD30CE: a more affordable sibling of the GD51CE.

How we chose these cutaway acoustic guitars

This is a research-based list. We did not personally play these guitars. We compared maker descriptions, listed body shapes, cutaway styles, electronics and tops, then grouped them by who benefits most. We limited the list to two models per brand, mixed price tiers and avoided claims we couldn’t attribute to a maker or a published specification. Always check the current spec sheet on the maker’s site, particularly on top wood and electronics.

Cutaway acoustic buying guide

Venetian versus Florentine

A Venetian cutaway has a rounded shape, while a Florentine cutaway ends in a point. Functionally they provide similar access, but the Florentine can feel more open to your hand and carries a sharper visual style. Choose by comfort and looks; neither is a tonal advantage according to maker explanations.

Body depth: full-depth, mid-depth, thinline

Full-depth dreadnoughts and grand auditoriums have the strongest unplugged sound, mid-depth bodies sit between, and thinline bodies like the APX600 prioritise comfort and feedback control. If you plan to play on stage with a monitor close by, the thinline reduces the risk of squeal; if you play unplugged at home, choose the deeper body.

Solid versus laminate top

A solid spruce or similar top improves resonance and ages well, while a laminate top is tougher and cheaper. Models with “solid top” in the name, such as the Yamaha FGX830C and Fender CD-60SCE, offer a real step up in sound compared with fully laminated guitars at the same price.

Electronics: what to look for

• Preamp with tuner: saves carrying a separate tuner.
• Volume and tone controls: keep them accessible on the side of the upper bout.
• Battery access: prefer an easy compartment you can open between songs.
• Feedback control: a notch or phase switch helps at louder volumes.

Strap button, case and humidity

Check for a second strap button on the heel and the endpin, since cutaway guitars are often played standing. For storage, maker guidance from Martin and Taylor recommends 40 to 50 percent relative humidity, which also protects the thin edges of a cutaway.

Best thinline acoustic guitars and thin-body choices

Search results for thinline and thin-body acoustics usually surface the Yamaha APX series. The APX600 in this list is a good reference point: shallow body, comfortable ergonomics, wide finish choices. The Ashthorpe thinline package is the budget alternative, though its quality is more variable. If you need an electric-guitar feel with an acoustic voice, thinline bodies are the best fit; if you need unplugged power, move up to a full-depth cutaway like the Yamaha FGX830C or Takamine GD51CE.

Best electric acoustic guitars: how cutaways relate

An electric acoustic guitar, also called an acoustic-electric, is simply an acoustic with a pickup and preamp. Nearly all cutaway models listed here fall into that category. When comparing them, judge the electronics as part of the package: a good pickup in a lower-tier guitar can sound better on stage than a premium acoustic with weak electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cutaway change the sound of an acoustic guitar?

Slightly. A cutaway removes a bit of body volume and bracing area, which can reduce low-end resonance a little. For most players the difference is small compared with the benefit of upper-fret access.

Do I need a cutaway?

If you play lead lines or chords above the 12th fret, yes, it makes a big difference. If you mostly strum open chords, a non-cutaway body may sound a touch fuller.

What is the difference between Venetian and Florentine cutaways?

Venetian is rounded and Florentine is pointed. Both give upper-fret access; the choice is largely about looks and feel.

Are cutaway guitars harder to play?

No, they’re often easier at the top of the neck. The body shape differences are minor for the strumming arm.

Is a thin-body acoustic good for beginners?

It can be, because the shallow body is comfortable. But the unplugged sound is smaller, so choose it only if you plan to plug in or want maximum comfort.

What strings should I use on a cutaway acoustic-electric?

Light or medium phosphor bronze strings are standard. Extra-light sets are easier on the fingers for beginners.

Which one should you buy?

• Best overall value: Yamaha FGX830C.
• Stage-ready dreadnought: Takamine GD51CE.
• Balanced grand auditorium: Cort Essence ES-GA4.
• Most comfortable and feedback-resistant: Yamaha APX600.
• Entry budget with a solid top: Fender CD-60SCE.
• Brand-quality step up: Taylor 114ce.
• Vintage looks with reach: Epiphone Hummingbird Studio EC.

Sources

• Yamaha FG and APX series information
• Takamine G Series information
• Cort Essence series information
• Fender acoustic series information
• Taylor Guitars 100 Series information
• Epiphone acoustic series information

Last updated: October 2026