Best Cutaway Acoustic Steel-String Guitars of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Cutaway acoustic steel-string guitars are a popular choice for musicians who want a versatile and high-quality instrument. These guitars are designed with a cutaway on the body, which allows for easier access to the higher frets. They produce a bright and crisp sound that is perfect for a variety of styles, from folk to rock. The steel strings provide a rich and full-bodied tone, while the acoustic design allows for a natural resonance. Overall, cutaway acoustic steel-string guitars are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players who want a reliable and versatile instrument.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ibanez PC12MHCE-OPN Grand Concert Guitar Cover #TOP 1
Ibanez PC12MHCE-OPN Grand Concert Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Pyle 36" Acoustic Guitar Kit for Beginners Cover #TOP 2
Pyle 36" Acoustic Guitar Kit for Beginners
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Applause E Traditional Black Satin 12 String Cover #TOP 3
Applause E Traditional Black Satin 12 String
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cutaway Acoustic Steel-String Guitars

Ibanez PC12MHCE-OPN Grand Concert Guitar

PC12MHCE-OPN
Open Pore Natural
Electro-acoustic
Ibanez PC12MHCE-OPN Grand Concert Guitar Cover
Ibanez Performance Series PC12MHCE-OPN - Grand Concert Electro-Acoustic Guitar with Cut-Away - Open Pore Natural

The Ibanez PC12MHCE Guitar is designed for fingerstyle and detailed playing, making it ideal for genres like blues, jazz, and country. Its Grand Concert body size offers a well-balanced mid-range tone with impressive clarity. With the Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp and onboard tuner, you can easily tune and control your sound during performances or recordings. The guitar features a classic low gloss 'Open Pore' finish that enhances the resonance of the wood, ensuring a rich sound every time you play.

What We Like
Great for fingerstyle playing
Excellent sound clarity
Built-in tuner and EQ
Classic aesthetic finish
Responsive neck design
#TOP 2

Pyle 36" Acoustic Guitar Kit for Beginners

PGA550CAB
Grey
3/4 Size
Pyle 36" Acoustic Guitar Kit for Beginners Cover
Pyle Cutaway- Acoustic Guitar Kits, 3/4 Guitar, Small Guitar-Size 36"/91cm, Guitar For Beginners,Kids,Adults, 2Month Free Courses, 6Strings,Gig Bag,Tuner,Picks,Strap, Grey

The Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit is an all-in-one solution for aspiring musicians. With a 91.4 cm cutaway body, this guitar is perfectly sized for lessons or performances, making it ideal for both children and adults. Its hand-rubbed matte black finish adds an elegant touch, while the handcrafted construction ensures durability. You will appreciate the included accessories, such as a gig bag and tuner, which make starting your musical journey straightforward and convenient.

What We Like
Complete beginner-friendly kit
Stylish and durable design
Perfect size for various users
Includes essential accessories
#TOP 3

Applause E Traditional Black Satin 12 String

Applause
AB24CS-4S
black satin
AB2412-5S *NEU*
Applause E Traditional Black Satin 12 String Cover
Applause E Akustikgitarre Traditional, Black Satin, Mid Cutaway 12 String, AB2412-5S

The Applause E Traditional 12 String boasts a selected spruce top with scalloped, quartersawn X-bracing, ensuring excellent sound quality and resonance. Its mid-depth lyrachord body with a cutaway design allows for easier access to higher frets, making it perfect for diverse playing styles. The nato neck, complemented by an ovangkol fingerboard and bridge, provides a smooth playing experience. With a scale length of 643 mm and a nut width of 47.6 mm, this guitar is designed for comfort and playability, enhancing your performance and enjoyment.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Comfortable neck design
Easy access to higher frets
Stylish black satin finish
#TOP 4

TIGER ACG1-BL34 Small Body Acoustic Guitar

ACG1-BL34
Blue
TIGER ACG1-BL34 Small Body Acoustic Guitar Cover
TIGER ACG1-BL34 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar - Steel String Small body Acoustic Guitar for Ages 9+ with Bag, Strap, Spare Strings and Plectrums - Blue - Now with 6 Months Free Lessons Included

The TIGER ACG1-BL34 Guitar is an excellent choice for players aged 9 and above. Its steel-string design and smaller body enhance playability, making it easier for you to handle. The geared machine heads ensure that tuning is precise and simple, providing you with a stable sound every time. Additionally, the cutaway design lets you access higher frets with ease, allowing for greater musical expression as you progress in your playing. This guitar is built to withstand everyday use, making it a reliable companion for your musical journey.

What We Like
Easy to tune
Small body for comfort
Cutaway design for access
Durable for everyday use

World Rhythm 3/4 Acoustic Guitar for Beginners

WR-204
black
World Rhythm 3/4 Acoustic Guitar for Beginners Cover
World Rhythm 3/4 Acoustic Guitar - Small Body Cutaway Guitar for Beginners in Black

The World Rhythm Acoustic Guitar is designed specifically for younger players, featuring a full-size short scale neck that measures 23.125 inches. This makes it easier for you to reach all the frets, enhancing your playing experience. Its small cutaway body is manageable whether you are sitting or standing, providing comfort while you learn. The enclosed geared machine heads ensure that tuning the steel strings is precise and effortless, allowing you to focus on your music. With a striking high gloss black finish and pearl white binding, this guitar stands out among beginner instruments.

What We Like
Ideal for younger players
Easy to play sitting or standing
Precise and effortless tuning
Stylish high gloss finish
Comes with essential accessories
#TOP 6

TIGER ACG3-WH Acoustic Guitar Beginners Pack

ACG3-WH
White
Full Size
TIGER ACG3-WH Acoustic Guitar Beginners Pack Cover
TIGER ACG3-WH Full Size Acoustic Guitar Package - Beginners Guitar Pack with Gig Bag, Strap and Spare Strings - White - Now with 6 Months Free Lessons Included

The TIGER ACG3-WH Guitar is perfect for both children and adults starting their musical journey. Its slim neck offers comfort, making it easier for you to learn how to play. The 40" cutaway dreadnought design allows for easy access to higher frets, which is beneficial for expanding your playing skills. With great low action, pressing the strings down becomes a breeze, enabling you to focus more on your playing rather than struggling with the instrument.

What We Like
Comfortable slim neck
Easy fret access
Low action for ease of play
Includes gig bag and accessories

Vangoa Left Handed Acoustic Guitar Starter Set

Black
Vangoa Left Handed Acoustic Guitar Starter Set Cover
Vangoa Left Handed Acoustic Guitar 4/4 Full Size Cutaway Lefty Folk Guitar Starter Set with Beginner Kits, Black

The Vangoa Left Handed Guitar is specifically designed for left-handed players, making it easier for you to play, tune, and maintain. Its premium fittings, including a spruce top and sapele back, provide a crisp and bright sound that enhances your musical experience. With precise tuning thanks to the chrome-plated tuning pegs, you can keep your guitar in tune effortlessly. The scientific design, featuring a built-in truss rod, ensures a comfortable playing experience and allows you to reach higher notes with ease.

What We Like
Designed for left-handed players
High-quality sound materials
Precise tuning capabilities
Comfortable and durable design
Comprehensive starter kit included
#TOP 8

TIGER ACG1-BK-SM Acoustic Guitar - Matte Charcoal Black

Tiger Music
ACG1-BK-SM
Black
Full
TIGER ACG1-BK-SM Acoustic Guitar - Matte Charcoal Black Cover
TIGER ACG1-BK-SM Acoustic Steel String Guitar - Matte Charcoal Black - Full Size Small Body Parlour Guitar for Ages 12+

The TIGER ACG1 Guitar features a visually stunning charcoal black matte finish, enhanced by a pearlescent rosette and white trim, making it an attractive choice for any player. Its smaller body design ensures optimum playability, allowing you to comfortably hold and play for extended periods. With steel strings, you can enjoy more power and volume, while also benefiting from less frequent tuning compared to nylon strings. The cutaway design grants easy access to the entire fretboard, enabling you to explore a wide range of musical possibilities.

What We Like
Visually appealing design
Comfortable small body
Powerful steel strings
Easy fretboard access
#TOP 9

Lindo Fractal Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag

Lindo
42C_FRAC
Blue/Black
Full Size
Lindo Fractal Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag Cover
Lindo Fractal Acoustic Guitar - Graphic Art Finish Designed in the UK (Gig Bag Included) | Ideal for Beginners to Intermediates | Solid Walnut Fretboard and Bridge

The Lindo Fractal Guitar is a beautifully designed acoustic instrument, perfect for both beginners and intermediates. Its unique graphic art 'flame fractal' finish not only looks stunning but also makes it stand out. The basswood dreadnought body shape, featuring a cutaway, allows you to access higher notes easily. You will appreciate the slim C-shape neck, which ensures comfortable playability, making long practice sessions a breeze. Additionally, the solid walnut fingerboard and bridge enhance the overall sound quality, providing you with great tone and sustain.

What We Like
Unique graphic art finish
Easy access to higher notes
Comfortable slim neck design
Great tone and sustain
#TOP 10

Washburn HD10SCE Heritage Acoustic Guitar

Washburn
HD10SCE-O
Natural
Washburn HD10SCE Heritage Acoustic Guitar Cover
Washburn HD10SCE Heritage 10 Series Acoustic Cutaway Guitar, Natural

The Washburn HD10SCE Guitar is a beautifully crafted dreadnought acoustic, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top that enhances sound quality and projection. The mahogany back and sides provide warmth and richness to your music, making it perfect for any genre. With a satin mahogany neck and a two-way truss rod, you can easily adjust the neck for optimal playability. Additionally, the Ovankol fretboard with 20 frets allows for smooth performance and easy chord transitions, ensuring a comfortable playing experience for you.

What We Like
Solid Sitka spruce top
Warm mahogany back and sides
Adjustable two-way truss rod
Smooth Ovankol fretboard
Dreadnought shape for better sound
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a cutaway guitar better?

Guitars with a cutaway tend to be more treble heavy sound, and produce a slightly brighter sound – all else being equal. Which sound you prefer will depend on your own tastes. Some people find the sound of a cutaway guitar to be more balanced.

2. Does cutaway affect sound acoustic guitar?

Practically speaking, a cutaway encourages easy fretting of the highest notes on the fretboard. Meanwhile, the slightly smaller lung capacity and extra vocal-cord tautness from the cutaway guitar body shift the guitar's frequency response up, which helps to make those high notes sound good.

3. What guitar does Ed Sheeran use?

The guitar that Ed Sheeran most commonly uses is a Martin LX1 Series acoustic guitar. This guitar is perfect for the pop artist as its ¾ size makes it the perfect travel and stage companion as it is lighter and smaller making it easier to move.

4. Are cutaway guitars better for beginners?

A low action – the height of the strings above the fretboard – makes a beginner acoustic guitar easier and more comfortable to play. Want to play higher notes? You'll need a guitar with a cutaway in order to access the higher frets.

Editor's Notes

During our cutaway acoustic steel-string guitar research, we found 39 cutaway acoustic steel-string guitar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,268 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cutaway acoustic steel-string guitars list. We found that most customers choose cutaway acoustic steel-string guitars with an average price of £116.27.

The cutaway acoustic steel-string guitars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cutaway acoustic steel-string guitars, including Ibanez, Pyle, Applause, Tiger, World Rhythm.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.