Faith Eclipse Venus Cutaway Electro‑Acoustic Guitar Review

The Faith Eclipse Venus Cutaway is a stunning electro-acoustic guitar built for both elegance and stage performance. With its sleek onyx-black gloss finish, unique electronics package, and ethical design, it’s one of the most impressive offerings from Faith’s Eclipse Series.

Faith Eclipse Venus Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar
Faith Eclipse Venus Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar

Design & Build

  • Body Shape: The iconic Venus body features a 15″ lower bout and a shallower depth inspired by OM/Auditorium shapes—ideal for players who want full tone in a comfortable package.
  • Tonewoods: Solid Engelmann spruce top paired with solid mahogany back and sides delivers balanced warmth and resonance.
  • Finish: Gloss black lacquer tames the wood’s resonance for stage performance while retaining natural tonal qualities.
  • Ergonomics: A figured maple forearm contour enhances comfort, and sustainably sourced figured maple binding replaces traditional abalone.

Electronics & Amplified Performance

  • Pickup System: The Fishman INK BODY system combines a Sonicore undersaddle piezo with a body sensor, allowing you to blend resonance and articulation.
  • Control Interface: Subtle rotaries let you adjust blend, EQ, and even stereo pan—offering string-by-string volume control via the Nanoflex 6 system.
  • Stereo Capability: With a stereo Y-cable, individual string signals can be sent to separate amplifiers for unique spatial effects—a filmmaker’s delight.

Pros:

  • Precise tone shaping
  • Immersive stereo possibilities

Cons:

  • Tiny dials can feel fiddly on stage
  • Some dialed outputs may feel too artificial live

Tone & Acoustic Character

  • Sound Profile: Full-bodied and articulate, the Venus offers crisp highs, rich mids, and warm bass response whether unplugged or amplified.
  • Performance Versatility: Fingerstyle feels clear and dynamic, strumming rings with clarity, and midrange punch cuts through any mix.

Neck, Hardware & Playability

  • Neck & Fingerboard: Mahogany neck joined with Macassan ebony fingerboard and bridge ensures clarity and sustain. The ‘F’ inlay on the 12th fret adds a refined touch.
  • Tuners & Setup: Grover Rotomatic chrome tuners with TUSQ nut and compensated saddle ensure perfect intonation and tuning stability.
  • Comfortable depth and Venetian cutaway allow easy access to higher frets, ideal for extended playing sessions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Luxurious gloss-black aesthetic and elegant binding
  • Composite pickup system with a body sensor and stereo option
  • Ergonomic design with maple arm contour
  • Solid tonewoods, premium hardware, and case included

Cons

  • Small control knobs may be challenging to manipulate live
  • Stereo features require extra equipment
  • Slightly higher price range reflects tech and craftsmanship

Value & Pricing

Retailing around £1,259 in the UK (approx. $1,600 USD), the Eclipse Venus delivers boutique acoustic-electric performance at a competitive price—especially considering its onboard Fishman electronics and high-grade woods.

Final Verdict

The Faith Eclipse Venus Cutaway Electro‑Acoustic is a beautifully balanced instrument—perfect for stage performers, recording artists, and discerning players. Its combination of boutique materials, sustainable craftsmanship, and innovative electronics make it a standout offering.

** Rating: 9/10 — Stylish, sonically rich, and ingeniously designed.

Community Feedback

From Reddit users and owners:

“It’s so nice to play and sounds awesome—I find it hard to put down.”
“Excellent guitars, great value—and super easy to play.”

Faith guitars continue to earn praise for their build quality and unique finishes—often described as sounding comparable to models costing twice as much.

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