Best Parlor Guitars With Cutaways for Easy Access
Looking for a parlor-sized guitar that’s comfortable to play and easy to reach the higher frets? The best options below are compact, steel- or nylon-string compatible, and include cutaways for upper-fret access. This guide highlights five solid choices suited for beginners who want a smaller body, players who travel, and seasoned players seeking gig-friendly compact instruments. Each pick targets different needs—from built-in electronics to classic acoustic tones—so you can choose based on play style, amplification needs, and budget.
| Product | Body Type | Cutaway | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, Natural | Parlor | Yes | Fingerstyle and small-body players | Solid spruce top; rolled fingerboard edges |
| Fender CC-60SCE Acoustic Electric Guitar, Cutaway Concert, Black | Concert | Yes | Players needing built-in electronics | Solid spruce top; Fishman preamp |
| Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, 3-Color Sunburst | Parlor | Yes | Compact stage-ready acoustic | Solid spruce top; mahogany back & sides |
| Gretsch G5021WPE Penguin Parlor Acoustic Electric Jumbo | Parlor | Non-cutaway | Classic Penguin style with pickup | Isys III pickup system; solid spruce top |
| Washburn R310K Victorian Parlor Acoustic Guitar | Parlor | Non-cutaway | Vintage-inspired parlor tone | Spruce top; Trembesi back and sides |
Buyer tips: For a cutaway model, prioritize ease of access to the high frets, integrated electronics if you plan to plug in, and a comfortable neck profile for long practice sessions. The five picks above balance compact size with playability and tonal character, helping you choose the best fit for practice at home, small venues, or studio work.
Fender CC-60SCE Acoustic Electric Guitar, Cutaway Concert
The CC-60SCE is a cutaway concert guitar with built-in Fishman electronics for amplified sound. It features a solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, delivering bright projection and sustained tone. This model is best for players who perform live or record, needing a reliable pickup and easy access to higher frets. The cutaway facilitates upper-fret playing, while the smaller body remains comfortable for practice sessions. A potential limitation is electronics dependency; if you don’t need amplification, you might prefer a purely acoustic option.
Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, 3-Color Sunburst
This model emphasizes a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, offering clear dynamics across a compact parlor body. The rolled fingerboard edges provide a smooth fret-hand feel, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate players who value comfort. It’s best for players who want a standalone acoustic with traditional tone and a compact form. A caution: the cutaway is present, but the neck profile is designed for a balanced, easy-playing experience rather than extreme brightness or aggression.
Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, Natural
Another CP-60S Parlor option, but in a natural finish. It features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides for a balanced, clear tone with good note separation. The cutaway provides access to the upper registers, making it a practical choice for players who need performance-ready capability without sacrificing the intimate feel of a parlor-sized instrument. Use this pick if you prefer a natural wood aesthetic and classic Fender playability. A limitation to consider is that electronics, if any, are not specified here; this is more of a traditional acoustic.
Gretsch G5021WPE Penguin Parlor Acoustic Electric Jumbo
This parlor-size guitar offers a distinctive Penguin aesthetic with a pickup/preamp system for amplified playing. It uses a solid spruce top with maple back and sides, delivering bright tone and projection for a small-body instrument. It’s best for players who want stage-ready aesthetics and a quick accent for live setups. The non-cutaway design limits access to the highest frets, so evaluate whether you need frequent upper-fret access before choosing. It remains a good option for those prioritizing vintage Gretsch style.
Washburn R310K Victorian Parlor Acoustic Guitar
The Washburn R310K offers a Victorian-inspired parlor silhouette with a spruce top and Trembesi back and sides, delivering a warm, intimate voice typical of parlor guitars. It’s best for players who prefer a vintage look and a balanced midrange. The neck may be comfortable for smaller hands, but the non-cutaway design reduces upper-fret access. Choose this if you value classic aesthetics and a vintage touch in a compact size.
Buying Guide
- Cutaway necessity: If you need easy upper-fret access, prioritize cutaway models like the CC-60SCE and CP-60S Parlor options. Non-cutaway parlor guitars are still compact and comfortable but limit high-fret playing.
- Electronics: Decide whether you require built-in pickup/preamp. Guitars with electronics are better for live gigs or recordings in larger rooms.
- Tonewood and build: Spruce tops with mahogany or maple back/sides offer different tonal character. Spruce-top parlor guitars typically provide bright, articulate tone with good projection.
- Neck feel: Look for rolled fingerboard edges and comfortable neck profiles, especially if you’re new to guitar or have a lighter grip.
- Size-to-play comfort: Parlor bodies are smaller; ensure you can rest the guitar comfortably on your lap or against your torso during long practice sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a parlor guitar? A parlor guitar is a smaller-bodied acoustic guitar designed for comfortable, intimate playing, often with a narrower waist and shorter scale.
- Is a cutaway necessary on a parlor guitar? Not necessary, but it helps access higher frets, which is beneficial for players who solo or play in higher register.
- Are cutaway parlor guitars suitable for beginners? Yes, especially models with comfortable necks and clear projection. Electronics can help with practice rooms and small gigs.
- What should I consider when choosing between parlor and concert body styles? Parlor bodies are more compact and comfortable for seated playing; concert bodies offer more room and often louder projection with a similar scale length.
- Do parlor guitars require a different setup? Setup considerations are similar to other acoustics, including string height, neck relief, and intonation. Choose a guitar that fits your hand size and playing style.
- Can I use any amplifier with a cutaway parlor guitar? If the guitar has built-in electronics, use the output jack with an appropriate amp or DI box. If not, you’ll need an external mic or pickup installation for amplification.