Guild cutaways

[ac1dt3st]

o.k., so i'll admit it up front: i've long considered cutaway acoustics a crime against nature.

if i want the full, round, rich tone of an acoustic, i'm not going to want to cut into the body.
it's like having a rock in my cereal bowl taking up space, when all i want is the good stuff!
plus, i'm mostly a strummer / finger picker these days.

however... the other day i was playing some (very amateur) Brazilian jazz on my GF-25,
and as i did some lead work on the upper strings, i realized i could probably use a few more frets. /

so, who here has Guild acoustic cutaways, who doesn't, why and why not, and how do they compare
with "standard" acoustics for tone, sustain, etc... are they better suited for plug-in work vs. mic'd? etc...

if i ever decide to "cave" and consider one cutaway model, which models should i test drive?

thanks for any thoughts and comments...

 

[cuthbert]

o.k., so i'll admit it up front: i've long considered cutaway acoustics a crime against nature.

if i want the full, round, rich tone of an acoustic, i'm not going to want to cut into the body.
it's like having a rock in my cereal bowl taking up space, when all i want is the good stuff!
plus, i'm mostly a strummer / finger picker these days.

however... the other day i was playing some (very amateur) Brazilian jazz on my GF-25,
and as i did some lead work on the upper strings, i realized i could probably use a few more frets. /

so, who here has Guild acoustic cutaways, who doesn't, why and why not, and how do they compare
with "standard" acoustics for tone, sustain, etc... are they better suited for plug-in work vs. mic'd? etc...

if i ever decide to "cave" and consider one cutaway model, which models should i test drive?

thanks for any thoughts and comments...

I mostly use cutaway models because I also play solo, and the access over the 14th fret is uncomfortable at best. For instance, my D-25 is a beautiful guitar, and the fretboard could be used until the 20th fret, but I can't, therefore I was thinking about getting a D-40C that may suit better my playing.

In general, acoustically speaking, a cutaway should be less louder than its equivalent, because the inner volume is smaller, but in reality many other factors influence the total acoustic volume of a guitar...among my guitars, the loudest is the sunburst Cv-2C, which is much louder than my dred and the blond Cv-2C, my luthier told me that it's one of the rare guitars with a "magic" inside...besides that personally I think that Guild cutaways are "special", because our brand is and was the only one to offer the florentine option as standard, while venetian models are relatively rare.

The F-47MC is imo one of the best designs of grand auditorium cataways, along with the Martin MCs, and the sharp cutaway plays a significant role in its look, while the non cut grand orchestra is IMO sort of ugly, therefore I would suggest either these or the Contemporary Cv-1Cs and CV-2Cs. Not completley fond of the orchestra cutways with venetian style, though, but I never played one.

Mic...there is no difference between a cutaway and non cutway guitar when you mic them, the D-tar system works for all of them, but in general cutaways tend to be sold with electronics because the customer is supposed to play solo and therefore the makers think that he will use some PA, but in general I noticed that cutaways have a better built fretboard with lower action, again because they are supposed to be used on the entire range.

Oh, please note that all the grand orchestra Guilds have the trademark thick heel, therefore in reality the access on my Cv-2C is difficult beyond the 19th fret, but still I can play most of the solos that I usually play on a electric guitar, therefore I can play the complete acoustic versions of songs like Iron Maiden's "prodigal son", G'n'R's "knocking on heaven's doors" or Led Zep's "Babe I'm gonna leave you".

 

[guildzilla]

If I were you, I'd be looking for an F-65CE. While you won't find one in my signature, I sold the one I scored in 2007 to my best music buddy. We borrow back and forth, so I still have the ability to play it whenever I want.

When I got it, I could not put it down. The shorter scale (24.75") lengthens your reach. The thinner (3" deep?) body is as comfortable as it gets, and there is very little sacrifice in volume. Built to withstand medium PB strings, which feel significantly lighter with the lighter tension of a shorter scale.

G-shield and top of line ebony fingerboard ornamentation. Bright maple tone with arched back projection. Comes standard with top line Fishman active pickup system.

Just a whale of fun to play.

 

[cuthbert]

If I were you, I'd be looking for an F-65CE. While you won't find one in my signature, I sold the one I scored in 2007 to my best music buddy. We borrow back and forth, so I still have the ability to play it whenever I want.

When I got it, I could not put it down. The shorter scale (24.75") lengthens your reach. The thinner (3" deep?) body is as comfortable as it gets, and there is very little sacrifice in volume. Built to withstand medium PB strings, which feel significantly lighter with the lighter tension of a shorter scale.

G-shield and top of line ebony fingerboard ornamentation. Bright maple tone with arched back projection. Comes standard with top line Fishman active pickup system.

Just a whale of fun to play.

Guildzilla, who I have to kill to get one of them? I've been searching for a F-65CE for months, but no luck...

 

[guildzilla]

:lol:

I guess that would be my pal, Harry. He loves the guitar and won't give it up easily.

Also a former All-Big 10 baseball catcher. So bring a shovel or something.

 

[john_kidder]

Cuthbert, PM sent, check your inbox.

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Maybe this is a question for Hans, but I thought some of the F-65CE's were not short scale...maybe there are two different versions. And, personally, I'm wondering which scale length the 12 string version had...

 

[hansmoust]

Maybe this is a question for Hans, but I thought some of the F-65CE's were not short scale...maybe there are two different versions.

Hello folks,

Yes, there were short and long scale versions of the F-65CE but it was not just the scale length that was different but the entire design and playability of the instrument. This does not only apply to the F-65CE but to the entire group of 'Cutaway Electric' guitars.

And, personally, I'm wondering which scale length the 12 string version had...

I'm not sure which 12-string you are referring to. If you mean your FS46-12CE then the answer is 'short scale'.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Thanks, Hans.

My FS46-12CE is short scale...that's why I keep it.

But I thought there was also a 12 string version of the F-65CE, or maybe that is just wishful thinking...especially a short scale version of it.

The only other short scale 12 string CE that I remember is the 12 string version of the F-45CE which I think might have been only a short time in production...I've seen a couple of pictures but never played one.

As you can probably tell, my preference is for shorter scale, thinner body...and if you wonder why, just look at my avatar... :lol:

 

[hansmoust]

But I thought there was also a 12 string version of the F-65CE, or maybe that is just wishful thinking...especially a short scale version of it.

Never heard of a 12-string version of the F-65CE but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. If it does, there won't be that many though!

The only other short scale 12 string CE that I remember is the 12 string version of the F-45CE which I think might have been only a short time in production...I've seen a couple of pictures but never played one.

Yes, there was a 12-string version of the F-45CE and it had a short scale. Only made for a very short time.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[ac1dt3st]

anyone else have any thoughts or reflections on cutaways vs. non-cutaways?

i'm reasonably sure i've never played a short-scale acoustic, either 6- or 12-string.
i'll have to check one out, just to say i did...

 

[adorshki]

Hi Acid;
Basically just another thumbs up for F65ce, also if you do a search on Marcellis' threads you'll find more reviews and raves. As far as volume it actually gives up very little compared to my dreads, and I'm getting fonder and fonder of the shallow body although it took some getting used to. Mine's a 25.5" scale by the way, but the nut is still only 1-5/8th so it still has a bit of an electric neck type feel. Also as one of the last built F65's mine has dual transducers: a soundhole mic and a UST with a slider for balancing how much signal from each goes to the jack. In truth though, 99% of the time I play unplugged. Tone is unique for these too, because of maple back/sides.
Al

 

[guildzilla]

I didn't realize there was a longer scale version. :roll:

For the record, the F-65CE I mentioned above is a 1993. It didn't have the abalone soundhole rosette.

What year was the change made?

 

[adorshki]

I didn't realize there was a longer scale version. :roll:
For the record, the F-65CE I mentioned above is a 1993. It didn't have the abalone soundhole rosette.
What year was the change made?

Until last week, I didn't know there was a SHORTscale version! :lol: Hans informed me in a PM about F65 necks and I didn't want to pester him any further with THAT next question!
Maybe he'll see this and take pity on our curious souls... or maybe he hasn't been able to narrow it down yet !

 

[Scratch]

anyone else have any thoughts or reflections on cutaways vs. non-cutaways?

i'm reasonably sure i've never played a short-scale acoustic, either 6- or 12-string.
i'll have to check one out, just to say i did...

I have a 12 String Guild cutaway and a CV-1 cutaway. Both have electronics. They're the most comfortable guitars in the Scratch Guild corral. Sold my F47ce to Graham many moons ago and I'm convinced I'll never find a more comfortable, playable guitar than that one. Someday, Lord willing, a D-40 cutaway...

 

[hansmoust]

I didn't realize there was a longer scale version.
For the record, the F-65CE I mentioned above is a 1993. It didn't have the abalone soundhole rosette.
What year was the change made?

Until last week, I didn't know there was a SHORTscale version! Hans informed me in a PM about F65 necks and I didn't want to pester him any further with THAT next question!

Hey folks,

As I posted earlier in this thread, it was not just the scale length that was different but the entire design and playability of the instrument. This does not only apply to the F-65CE but to the entire group of 'Cutaway Electric' guitars.

It's not something I can explain in a few sentences and I also don't want to give too much info away, so you will have to wait till Part II of The Guild Guitar Book comes out. I can tell you though that the change from short to long scale on the F-65CE took place during 1994.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[guildzilla]

Thanks, Hans. I was second-guessing myself and hoping I hadn't provided inaccurate information.

 

[adorshki]

It's not something I can explain in a few sentences and I also don't want to give too much info away, so you will have to wait till Part II of The Guild Guitar Book comes out. I can tell you though that the change from short to long scale on the F-65CE took place during 1994.
Sincerely,
Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

Thanks again Hans, that'll hold us 'til Vol 2!

 

[Graham]

It's not something I can explain in a few sentences and I also don't want to give too much info away, so you will have to wait till Part II of The Guild Guitar Book comes out.
Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

There's a Part II? :shock: :wink:

I've heard rumours.....

 

[cuthbert]

I didn't realize there was a longer scale version.
For the record, the F-65CE I mentioned above is a 1993. It didn't have the abalone soundhole rosette.
What year was the change made?

Until last week, I didn't know there was a SHORTscale version! Hans informed me in a PM about F65 necks and I didn't want to pester him any further with THAT next question!

Hey folks,

As I posted earlier in this thread, it was not just the scale length that was different but the entire design and playability of the instrument. This does not only apply to the F-65CE but to the entire group of 'Cutaway Electric' guitars.

It's not something I can explain in a few sentences and I also don't want to give too much info away, so you will have to wait till Part II of The Guild Guitar Book comes out. I can tell you though that the change from short to long scale on the F-65CE took place during 1994.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

Hans you can't leave us with a cliffhanger until season 2 is released!