Guide to the Faith Naked Acoustic Guitar Series

Quick Summary

The Faith Naked series was first launched to allow acoustic players to experience the benefit of owning an all solid acoustic guitar, at a more affordable price point.

Read on to find out the difference between the models in the range. 

What is the Faith Naked Guitar series?

The Faith Naked acoustic guitar range was introduced back in 2012 with three models. 

The goal of this range was to create a no nonsense series of acoustic guitars at a lower price point than the rest of the Faith lineup.

You’re probably thinking ‘cheaper guitars mean a low quality build’ - but this isn’t true! 

The Faith Naked series was designed around an all solid tone wood construction with a stripped back look and a breathable satin finish. 

Led by Patrick James Eggle, the Faith design team did such a good job on this first Naked range that the Faith Naked Venus Electro acoustic was voted the UKs best acoustic guitar 2013. 

This set the bar high, and since then the range has continually been expanded and refined to the lineup you see today. 

What is the difference between the Faith Naked Guitar models?

For those unfamiliar with Faith, the naming of the different models is probably a bit confusing. I mean, what do the planets have to do with acoustic guitars? 

This naming convention refers to the shape of each guitar. 

So, the key difference between each model in the lineup is simply the shape and size of the body. 

Here is a quick guide to the shapes on offer in the range and what they are best suited to.

The Faith Naked Venus

Venus is now an iconic shape in the Faith line up, and is by far the most popular. 

It ticks the not too big, not too small box, and is comfortable to play thanks to a shape similar to that of an OM or Auditorium guitar.

The lower bout of the Faith Naked Venus is 15 inches across giving the guitar just enough bass output. 

The overall voicing has been engineered to give a pleasing mid range clarity and cut, making it the ultimate singer songwriter guitar unplugged or on stage.

All Naked Venus guitars feature mahogany back and sides, with three options for the top wood: solid spruce, solid mahogany or solid cedar. 

The Faith Naked Neptune

The Faith Neptune has the curvy look of a Jumbo without the excessive size. 

Based on Patrick Eggles acclaimed "Saluda" shape, the 16" width across the lower bout delivers rich and deep bass tones without overpowering the mix.

Faith Naked Neptune guitars come in three configurations: solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, all-solid-mahogany, or all-solid-trembesi.

The Faith Naked Mercury

The Faith Naked Mercury is a short scale parlour shaped guitar with a 12th fret neck joint. 

The strings are at a slightly lower tension than a guitar with a standard scale length meaning that in order to maintain intonation, the bridge is mounted further along the top of the guitar. 

This results in the Naked's solid spruce top being driven in a more central area giving phenomenal mid range growl and power.

The Faith Naked Mercury range is only available with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides.

The Faith Naked Saturn

The Faith Naked Saturn is a good old traditional Dreadnought shape acoustic guitar which has been part of the Faith guitars range since the early 2000s.

Although the Naked Saturn is probably the most traditional shaped acoustic guitar you can buy, it employs all the modern Faith manufacturing standards to bring this classic shape to life. 

The Saturn will deliver the most balanced of tones across the guitar world with even bass, middle and treble response.

Faith Naked Saturn guitars all features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides.

Comparing the Faith Naked Acoustic Guitar Range

Which Faith Naked series acoustic guitar should you get?

So, now you know the difference between each model in the lineup - but which one should you buy? 

The answer lies in the shape you prefer, and the type of sound you wish to create. 

A good place to start would be the Faith FKV venus - this is the original, award-winning model. As an great alternative,  the Faith Naked Venus with solid mahogany top, back and sides might offer a more warm, rich tone, with even-sounding notes, great for precise fingerstyle playing. 

The Solid Trembesi Faith Naked Neptune offers a punchy, resonant tone, bridging the gap between the mid-range focus of mahogany and the sparkle of rosewood, perfect for those after a more versatile sound. 

Each guitar has their own unique benefits based on their shape and tonewood, so the best one for you is completely dependent on your personal sound. 

Here’s a brief breakdown of the sound you might expect from each tonewood combination.

All-solid-mahogany 

If you decide to opt for an all-solid-mahogany build, you can expect a warm, woody and focussed tone, ideal for folk and americana. 

This combination is only available for the Faith Naked Venus and Faith Naked Neptune ranges.

Solid Spruce Top & Mahogany Back and Sides

When mahogany is paired with solid spruce, you can expect an excellent balance of articulation and warmth, creating a strong, balanced tone that compliments vocals without overpowering them.

A great choice for singer-songwriters and live performers, this combination is available across all of the Faith Naked ranges. 

Solid Cedar Top & Mahogany Back and Sides

When pairing mahogany with solid cedar, you can expect a deeper, more mellow sound, suited to fingerstyle playing and recording. 

The softness and flexibility of this wood means it vibrates easily, creating a rich and loud volume even without heavy strumming. 

This combination is only available for the Faith Naked Venus range.

Key Takeaways

• The Faith Naked series is a range of solid-wood acoustic and electro acoustic guitars, designed to offer quality build at a more affordable price point

• The planets in the different model names refer to the shapes of each range of guitar 

• Each range feature a variety of solid tonewoods, including mahogany, cedar, spruce, and trembesi