nashville cutaway

What is Nashville Cutaway in Guitars?

The Nashville cutaway, sometimes referred to as a Florentine cutaway, is a specific design element found on acoustic and electric guitars. It features a sharp, pointed horn shape on the upper bout of the guitar body, allowing easier access to the higher frets. This design is primarily about enhancing playability and expanding the instrument’s tonal range for guitarists.

The Purpose of the Nashville Cutaway

The main reason for including a Nashville cutaway on a guitar is to improve access to the upper frets. Without a cutaway, the body of the guitar can obstruct the player’s hand, making it difficult to reach the higher notes, typically beyond the 14th fret. The cutaway removes this obstruction, enabling comfortable and precise playing in that register. This is particularly useful for guitarists who frequently play solos, lead lines, or complex chords high up the neck.

Nashville vs. Venetian Cutaway

The Nashville cutaway is often compared to the Venetian cutaway, another common type of cutaway found on guitars. The key difference lies in their shapes. While the Nashville cutaway is characterized by its sharp, pointed horn, the Venetian cutaway has a rounded, smooth curve. The Nashville cutaway offers a more aggressive, angular aesthetic, while the Venetian cutaway provides a more traditional, flowing look. Functionally, both cutaways serve the same purpose of improving upper fret access, but the choice between them often comes down to personal preference regarding aesthetics and how the shape feels against the player’s hand.

Aesthetic and Build Considerations

Beyond functionality, the Nashville cutaway also contributes to the overall aesthetic of the guitar. Its sharp lines can give the instrument a more modern and edgy appearance. However, the construction of a Nashville cutaway can be slightly more complex than a Venetian cutaway, as it requires more precise woodworking to create the sharp point without compromising the structural integrity of the guitar. Some guitar makers believe that the sharp angles might affect the guitar’s resonance slightly differently than the rounded Venetian cutaway, although this is often a matter of debate and depends on other factors like the guitar’s wood and bracing.

Guitar Models Featuring the Nashville Cutaway

The Nashville cutaway is found on both acoustic and electric guitars from various manufacturers. It’s especially popular on guitars designed for performance and versatility. Some notable examples include certain models from Gibson, Epiphone, and many custom guitar builders. You can find more information about guitar cutaways and their history on Wikipedia’s Cutaway (guitar) article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a cutaway and a non-cutaway guitar?

A cutaway guitar has a section of the body removed to allow easier access to higher frets, while a non-cutaway guitar has a full, uninterrupted body.

Does a cutaway affect the sound of a guitar?

While opinions vary, some believe that a cutaway can subtly alter the guitar’s resonance and tonal characteristics, though other factors like wood and bracing play a more significant role.

Is a Nashville cutaway better than a Venetian cutaway?

Neither is inherently “better.” The choice depends on personal preference regarding aesthetics and how the shape feels against the player’s hand and playing style.

Can I add a cutaway to an existing guitar?

Adding a cutaway to an existing guitar is a complex and potentially risky modification best left to experienced luthiers. It can significantly impact the structural integrity and value of the instrument.

Are Nashville cutaways only on acoustic guitars?

No, Nashville cutaways can be found on both acoustic and electric guitars.

Summary

The Nashville cutaway is a valuable feature for guitarists seeking enhanced access to the upper frets, facilitating more complex playing styles and expanding the tonal range of the instrument. Its sharp, angular design differentiates it from the rounded Venetian cutaway, offering a modern aesthetic choice. While the impact on sound is debatable, the primary benefit remains improved playability in the higher registers of the guitar.