Why are there not more 12-fret cutaway dreads?

[ewalling]

I'm surprised that this kind of dread isn't in the mainstream market - it just seems an excellent way of making a great-sounding but uncomfortable guitar a little more comfortable!

If I were ever of a mind to commission a custom build, a 12-fret cutaway dread would be high on my list of preferences. Anyone else like the idea of them?

[jacot23]

Maybe because cutaways on a dread look terrible?

I also have learned that I don't like 12 fret guitars.

[jaymarsch]

I would imagine that if musicians who play 12 fret dreads needed cutaways then they would be more prevalent.
Best,
Jayne

[AfterViewer]

A 12 fret dread is not a real dread. Even my mini-dreads have 14 fret necks, cut-aways would be unfathomable. I guess you could say it would be a crossover of sorts for people who avoid dreads but still want the sound.

[Uncle Pen]

Originally Posted by AfterViewer

A 12 fret dread is not a real dread.

That's like saying a 1-ton dually isn't a real truck.

[AfterViewer]

Started out as a rare bird : https://acousticguitar.com/great-aco...-12-fret-d-28/

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by jacot23

Maybe because cutaways on a dread look terrible?

No, you've got that the wrong way round - on 000s and OMs they don't look too hot. On dreads and classicals - cool!

Seriously, the 12-fret would bring things a bit closer, and the cutaway would remove some of the 'managing-a-small-cupboard-on-your-lap syndrome' that dreads have.

We have to think outside the box a bit, people!

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by jacot23

Maybe because cutaways on a dread look terrible?

I also have learned that I don't like 12 fret guitars.

I love 12-fret guitars (own one)

I very much like cutaway dreads (own one)

I DO NOT LIKE 12-fret cutaway dreads

[Corndog]

Two things come to mind.

I agree with jacot23 about cutaway dreadnoughts being ugly. They are!

But more to the point, or lack thereof...
A cutaway allows one greater access to the upper frets -and- a 12 fret guitar makes those upper frets less accessible. Hmm..

[Corndog]

Originally Posted by AfterViewer

A 12 fret dread is not a real dread. Even my mini-dreads have 14 fret necks...

A 12 fret dreadnought is not a dread, but a mini-dread is for it's 14 frets?

I'm really "learning" things here on this thread

What does that make a 000 with 14 frets? Never mind.

[Coler]

Originally Posted by AfterViewer

A 12 fret dread is not a real dread. Even my mini-dreads have 14 fret necks, cut-aways would be unfathomable. I guess you could say it would be a crossover of sorts for people who avoid dreads but still want the sound.

A mini dread is a dread but a 12 fret dread is not...well I'm just confused as all get out now.

[Guitars44me]

I have commissioned six BIG cutaway 12 frets from (AGF Sponsor) John Kinnaird over the last 8 years or so.

Not all dreadnaughts, three are JUMBOS!

They have all the custom features for comfort as well as playability, and all have spectacular TONE. And a LOT of volume as well.

I am not a big guy. 5’10” with small hands, too. So I have had John carve me some interesting necks 1.75 to 1.78” nuts, with slightly asymmetrical C/V feel.

We put short scale, cuts, bevels front and back, Manzer Wedge, elevated fretboard extension, CF struts to reinforce the top for light bracing, soundports, etc.

These guys will more than keep up with anything. Really.

So, why indeed aren’t there more?

Well, John is still building….

Hahahaha

Get one while ya can

Oh, the Original Dreadnoughts were 12 frets. Just saying’

Link to last year’s model. https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=582062
Glamour shots at end, and Al Pettiway plays it.

Paul

[Silurian]

12 fret dreds hark back to a different era. I believe they are often bought for their vintage aesthetic as much as for any tonal or comfort factors. I can't see a cutaway being particularly popular.

The same as 12 fret parlours and 00s. I can't imagine there is much call for cutaways. I think it's unlikely that Collings would produce a 12 fret cutaway Waterloo. Of course Taylor produce 12 fret cutaways but I think they're chasing a different market to the "vintage" vibe.

I'm sure there is a market for 12 fret dreds but I think it would be a relatively small market.

[jacot23]

Originally Posted by ewalling

No, you've got that the wrong way round - on 000s and OMs they don't look too hot. On dreads and classicals - cool!

Seriously, the 12-fret would bring things a bit closer, and the cutaway would remove some of the 'managing-a-small-cupboard-on-your-lap syndrome' that dreads have.

We have to think outside the box a bit, people!

We'll have to agree to disagree. I think small guitars with a cutaway look ok, but the bigger the guitar the worse a cutaway looks. Guess that's why builders make different style guitars.

[Skarsaune]

Originally Posted by jacot23

Maybe because cutaways on a dread look terrible?

I also have learned that I don't like 12 fret guitars.

Completely with you on the first, but disagree on the 2nd.