is the tone much different than a comparable full body guitar? (i’m referring to acoustic ones)
or is there a big difference?
No. A cutaway on a full bodied acoustic, makes a neglible
difference in tone.
On that type of guitar, whether so called ‘jazz archtop’, or ‘dreadnought’, the cutaway makes little difference in tone, just easier high fret access.
If you don’t play much up above the neck joint, it don’t mean nuthin at all.
On that size guitar, its more, what gauge of strings you got on it, how its tuned, and what amp your playing thru, (if any).
Oh yeah, and how you hit it, play it.
Cutaway, non cutaway, very little difference.
Tone don’t care how it’s produced.
You can get it on anything.
**
[/QUOTE]
Tone don’t care how it’s produced.
You can get it on anything.
**
[/QUOTE]
Exactly, 99% of the guitar industy is marketing bullshit.
chief asked:
Yes, it’s different, but not in a “non-cutaway vs. cutaway” type of difference but more of a “this is one of the many factors that contribute to the unique tone of this particular instrument.”
As BugZap said, the primary reason for a cutaway is easier access to higher frets. I am not familiar with any arguments that assert the cutaway itself is a major tone factor.
IMO, for acoustic guitars, construction methods, the type of wood used for the body and soundboard, neck and bridge construction are the important tone factors. Different strings will also enhance different aspects of that instrument’s tone. Each instrument will have it’s own tone, and you should choose based on that and ease of playing.
If you need access above the 12th fret or so, find a nice sounding cutaway. If you mainly strum open chords, find a nice sounding acoustic (cutaway or not.)
From HorseloverFat:
[quote]
Exactly, 99% of the guitar industy is marketing bullshit.**
I’m 99% sure this is bullshit.
The most recent issue of “The Atlantic” had a brief but informative article on guitar acoustics discussing body shape, but moreso body material, and the internal structures. A little above my head discussing harmonic and sympathetic vibrations, etc. It should be available on-line.