Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar: Timberline's Modern Approach to Electric-Acoustic Performance
The cutaway acoustic electric guitar has become essential equipment for contemporary performers who need both unplugged authenticity and amplified power. Timberline Guitars produces cutaway acoustic electric models across their entire range, from the entry-level T20 Series to the premium T70 Series, each featuring dual K&K Pure Mini pickup systems and classical Venetian cutaway designs. These instruments serve musicians who perform in multiple contexts, from intimate acoustic sets to full-band electric performances.
Evolution of Cutaway Design
Historical Development
The cutaway design emerged as electric guitars gained popularity in the 1950s, but acoustic guitar manufacturers were slow to adopt the concept. Early acoustic players rarely needed access to upper frets, and builders worried that removing wood from the upper bout would compromise structural integrity and tone quality.
Modern construction techniques have resolved these concerns, allowing builders like Timberline to create cutaway acoustic electric guitars that maintain full tonal quality while providing complete fretboard access. The classical Venetian cutaway shape has become the industry standard, offering the best balance between playability and structural strength.
Structural Engineering
Creating a cutaway acoustic electric guitar requires careful attention to internal bracing patterns. The removed wood from the upper bout must be compensated through modified bracing designs that maintain the instrument's structural integrity under string tension.
Timberline addresses these challenges through reinforced X-bracing patterns that distribute stress effectively around the cutaway area. The neck joint receives additional attention to handle the altered stress patterns that result from the modified body shape.
Timberline Construction Methods
Solid Wood Framework
All Timberline cutaway acoustic electric guitars use solid wood construction throughout, avoiding the plywood materials common in entry-level instruments. The T20 Series features solid mahogany construction, while premium models incorporate exotic species like tropical acacia and silkwood.
This construction approach allows the instruments to develop tonally over time, with the sound characteristics improving as the wood ages and settles. Solid wood also provides better coupling with pickup systems, resulting in more natural amplified tone.
Electronic Integration
Timberline installs dual K&K Pure Mini pickup systems in all acoustic-electric models. This system uses one pickup under the bridge saddle to capture string vibrations and a second pickup mounted inside the guitar to capture body resonance. The combination provides a balanced tone that maintains acoustic character when amplified.
The pickup system includes passive electronics that preserve the guitar's natural dynamics without requiring battery power. This approach eliminates concerns about battery failure during performances while maintaining signal quality.
Performance Applications
Live Performance Versatility
The cutaway acoustic electric guitar serves musicians who perform in various contexts requiring different volume levels and tonal approaches. Coffee house performances may use minimal amplification, while full-band contexts require higher output levels and feedback resistance.
Timberline's pickup system design addresses these varying requirements through balanced output that works effectively with different amplification systems. The passive electronics eliminate the compressed sound often associated with active pickup systems.
Recording Applications
In recording environments, cutaway acoustic electric guitars provide flexibility for both direct recording and microphone techniques. The pickup system allows for consistent direct signal capture, while the acoustic properties remain suitable for traditional microphone recording.
Many recording engineers prefer instruments that work well with both approaches, allowing for mixed signals that combine the immediacy of direct pickup sound with the ambient qualities of microphone capture.
Upper Fret Access
The cutaway design provides complete access to frets above the 12th position, essential for lead guitar work and extended chord voicings. This capability makes cutaway acoustic electric guitars suitable for musical styles that require frequent upper fret work.
Jazz, fusion, and contemporary acoustic styles often incorporate techniques that require upper fret access, making cutaway designs necessary rather than optional for serious practitioners of these genres.
Model Range & Specifications
T20 Series
The entry-level T20 Series cutaway acoustic electric guitars feature solid mahogany construction with the dual K&K pickup system. These models provide professional-quality sound and electronics at accessible price points, making electric-acoustic performance practical for working musicians.
Standard features include classical Venetian cutaways, high-comfort arm bevels, and professional-grade tuning machines that maintain stable tuning under performance conditions.
T60 & T70 Series
Premium series models incorporate upgraded materials and appointments while maintaining the same electronic system architecture. The T70 Series features silkwood construction with Macassar ebony fingerboards, providing amped up tonal depth and visual appeal.
These models target professional performers and recording musicians who require the highest build standards and tonal sophistication available in production instruments.
Amplification Considerations
Sound System Compatibility
Cutaway acoustic electric guitars must work effectively with various sound reinforcement systems, from small practice amplifiers to large concert sound systems. The K&K pickup system provides consistent impedance and output levels that interface well with different amplification equipment.
The passive electronics eliminate the need for phantom power or battery maintenance, simplifying setup procedures and reducing possible failure points during performances.
Feedback Control
One challenge facing all acoustic electric guitars is feedback control in high-volume situations. Timberline addresses this through careful pickup placement and internal construction details that minimize unwanted resonances.
The solid wood construction contributes to feedback resistance by providing controlled resonance characteristics that remain predictable across different volume levels and room acoustics.
Maintenance & Setup
Electronic System Care
The K&K pickup system requires minimal maintenance due to its passive design and quality construction. However, proper installation and periodic inspection ensure optimal performance over the instrument's lifetime.
String changes require attention to pickup positioning, as the bridge saddle pickup must maintain proper contact with the strings for balanced output across all six strings.
Structural Considerations
Cutaway acoustic electric guitars require the same basic maintenance as standard acoustic guitars, with additional attention to the cutaway area where stress concentrations can develop over time.
Regular professional setup ensures that the neck relief, string height, and intonation remain optimal, while periodic inspection of the cutaway joint prevents possible structural issues.
Market Position & Value
Timberline has positioned their cutaway acoustic electric guitars to compete directly with instruments costing significantly more from boutique manufacturers. Their production methods allow for consistent quality control while maintaining pricing that working musicians can afford.
The combination of solid wood construction, professional electronics, and thoughtful design details creates instruments that serve both amateur and professional players effectively.
Conclusion
The cutaway acoustic electric guitar is the modern standard for performers who need versatility across acoustic and amplified contexts. Timberline Guitars has created a line of these instruments that combines traditional construction quality with contemporary electronics and design features.
For musicians seeking instruments that can handle both intimate acoustic performances and high-energy amplified shows, Timberline's cutaway acoustic electric guitars provide the reliability and sound quality necessary for professional applications.