1. Tradition and Aesthetics: Classical guitars have a long history and tradition dating back centuries. The design, materials, and construction techniques used in classical guitars have been passed down through generations and are considered an integral part of their aesthetic and sonic characteristics. Many guitarists and luthiers believe that adding a cutaway would alter the traditional look and feel of a classical guitar and compromise its authenticity.
2. Structural Integrity: Classical guitars are typically constructed with thinner soundboards and lighter bracing than steel-string acoustic guitars. This construction style contributes to the instrument's distinctive mellow and resonant sound. Adding a cutaway would require removing a portion of the soundboard and altering the bracing pattern, which could potentially affect the structural integrity and tonal qualities of the guitar.
3. Playability and Technique: Classical guitars are primarily designed for playing classical guitar music, which typically involves a lot of fingerpicking and plucking techniques. The traditional rounded contour of the body and the absence of a cutaway provide a comfortable playing surface and support for the guitarist's right hand. Some classical guitarists argue that a cutaway could interfere with their playing techniques and alter the instrument's response to their touch.
4. Sound Projection: Classical guitars are not typically used for loud, amplified performances and are primarily designed for smaller, intimate settings like solo recitals, chamber music, and accompanying vocalists. The traditional body shape and soundhole placement of classical guitars are optimized for projecting sound directly towards the audience without the need for a cutaway.
5. Cost and Availability: In general, classical guitars tend to be more affordable than other types of guitars. Adding a cutaway would require additional materials, labor, and craftsmanship, which would increase the production costs and potentially make classical guitars less accessible to certain guitarists.
Despite these reasons, it is worth noting that some modern classical guitar builders and manufacturers do offer classical guitars with cutaways to cater to certain preferences and playing styles. These cutaways are often designed to minimize structural and tonal impact, and are popular among guitarists who want the convenience of reaching higher frets while maintaining the traditional characteristics of the instrument.