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Guitar model choices
I am in danger of becoming a guitar collector, ha ha! I have 3. But what I am looking for is a cutaway style, NON-dreadnought, smaller acoustic guitar that is 14 frets to the body and has good sound. Doesn’t have to have electronics, but most cutaways I’ve seen do. I’ve seen Ovation, Ibanez, and Esteban on Marketplace, used, for under $200. Are these good models? Should I wait and save up for a better one?
I currently have a used Johnson 3/4 that is a nice fit that I keep tuned to DADF#AD, hoping to find a bunch of good songs I can learn for it; a used Baby Taylor which is easy to play but doesn’t have that great a sound due to its size; and a new Zager electric-acoustic parlor, which sounds great and is a perfect size but only goes to 12 frets and no cutaway. The Johnson and the Taylor both have 14 frets but no cutaway, which, to be honest, is less of an issue with them.
Suggestions, anyone? Or just tell me to be happy with what I’ve got!
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9 Replies
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Have you tried a GS Mini Mahogany without the Electronics They are $499 new and you can fined them used for ~$400 sometimes less.
sweetwater.com
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar - Natural with Black Pickguard
6-string Acoustic Guitar with Mahogany Top, Sapele Back and Sides, Sapele Neck, and Ebony Fingerboard - Natural
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No I have the GSMini Koa. But I have been very happy with it.
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Martin makes a small cutaway. GPC-X2e. You can probably find a used one for much cheaper. It is laminate back and sides, however has a solid spruce top. Very durable guitar. 14 fret.
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/x-series/11GPCX2ECOCO.html?dwvar_11GPCX2ECOCO_color=cocobolo
I had a GS Mini Mahogany. I thought it was OK. I eventually sold it due to the scale length being too small. My replacement was a Martin o-X2e. Same scale as my other martins, and is a great camping guitar.
martinguitar.com
Martin GPC-X2E Cocobolo Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Martin Guitar
Shop GPC-X2E and other Martin Guitar apparel, accessories, and guitar straps!
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There is also this junior guitar. 24″ scale length. Nice slender neck as well.
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/000CJR-10E-StreetMaster.html?cgid=guitars
martinguitar.com
Martin 000CJR-10E StreetMaster® Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Martin Guitar
Shop 000CJR-10E StreetMaster® and other Martin Guitar apparel, accessories, and guitar straps!
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The 14 frets simply is the length of the neck from where it meets the body. Actual frets are 17 up to I think 24. Typically you find the full scale and cut aways on larger guitars, but there are some smaller sizes that have cutaways. The smaller the guitar, and cut aways can take away from sound too. There really isn’t a need for 14 frets or cut aways, unless you’re playing a solid body electric and need to rip all the way up the neck. The cut away allows you to reach the higher frets.
But if your mind is set on a cut away, the Martin’s do have one of the biggest voices, and there’s no need for electronics. But don’t limit yourself to only Martins. There are many great guitars out there. I would try and stick with a parlor, 00 or 000 size, just because of your stature. That might limit your choices for guitars with cutaways, but there are a several choices.
Here’s a link. copy & paste it to your browser. These are already sorted out by size and cutaway. Many great guitars. I don’t know what your budget. You mentioned buying some used off Marketplace. You can probably find a cutaway for less that way too, but you run the risk of whether a guitar needs work or not.
sweetwater.com
Cutaway 6-string Acoustic Guitars - Sweetwater
Looking for Cutaway 6-string Acoustic Guitars? Sweetwater has 55-Point Inspections, Easy Payments, and FREE Shipping for 6-string Acoustic Guitars!
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You’re right, Loraine. With a guitar with 14 frets to the body I wouldn’t really need a cutaway, and since I would need a smaller guitar, I don’t want to take away from the tone. Compared to my Zager Parlor (12 frets), the Baby Taylor (14 frets) sounds cheap. I don’t as a rule play way up there, but like I said, some of Tony’s lessons require it. I guess I don’t really need to go there just for the sake of learning a scale or two.
I did see a nice little Martin on Marketplace, maybe I’ll check that one out.
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Be careful. I have 4 Martins now. 🙂 Was a Taylor guy.
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I’m using a Martin Backpacker… I like it but sometimes it sounds like a banjo.
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I strongly advise to save up a little more rather than purchase one of those listed. There are much better options around $500 to $600. Eastman builds quality guitars with excellent playability and tone over a range of prices. They have an OM model with cutaway and pickup for about $500. Also take a look at the old tried and true Yamaha models.
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