Ahh, Koa is pretty pretty. Now be wary, acoustics arent "normally" played in the those registers, and Ive noticed that some companies cheap out for those who dont play up there, but Im sure you've played it and are happy with it. With a cut away, you are able to reach those frets easier, though you sacrifice volume/tone, since your making the sound chamber smaller. An acoustic axe w/out a cut away gets both of them back, though if it's electric also, then that doesnt really matter. Agressive players, like Don Ross, dont seem to mind the missing cut away, well to me at least. Its all a matter of opinion, and opinions vary.