School me on Takamine Acoustics
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Gone_Shootin
New member
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
Every one I've heard or played sounded great. Their tone and quality is close, if not as good as Martin, IMHO, and that's saying alot since I'm a Martin fanboy.
Every one I've heard or played sounded great. Their tone and quality is close, if not as good as Martin, IMHO, and that's saying alot since I'm a Martin fanboy.
ginormous
Understatmentologist
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
US distributor, FMIC through the Kaman (Ovation) subsidiary.
They did get some unofficial noise from Martin re: the early-model F-340.
No "lawsuit" per se, but a cease-and-desist letter. The design was changed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takamine_Guitars
US distributor, FMIC through the Kaman (Ovation) subsidiary.
They did get some unofficial noise from Martin re: the early-model F-340.
No "lawsuit" per se, but a cease-and-desist letter. The design was changed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takamine_Guitars
NecroPolo
New member
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
I've played / recorded some Takamine axes in the studio during the years and we used a '90s one (I can't remember the model but somewhere around the entry-mid range) that was not electro acoustic a couple of months ago in one of my acoustic projects. Unfortunately I can't post a clip as the track is unreleased. That Takamine was great but for the feel around the range I like Yamaha F and Taylor 110 better. Never mind, I bet they are great value for the money.
I've played / recorded some Takamine axes in the studio during the years and we used a '90s one (I can't remember the model but somewhere around the entry-mid range) that was not electro acoustic a couple of months ago in one of my acoustic projects. Unfortunately I can't post a clip as the track is unreleased. That Takamine was great but for the feel around the range I like Yamaha F and Taylor 110 better. Never mind, I bet they are great value for the money.
phil_104
Cheesesteakologist
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
I had a black G series cutaway dread. Not a bad guitar at all. I have a japanese made 12 string at the moment, and for the money, it is by far one of the better guitars I have owned. I'm very picky about what I play when it comes to acoustics and yet I have always been impressed by Takamine. For a bar gigging guitar, they would be at the top of my list because they sound great, and I've had good success amplifying them in pretty much any situation, which is a big deal for me, and anyone using acoustics in a live situation.
I had a black G series cutaway dread. Not a bad guitar at all. I have a japanese made 12 string at the moment, and for the money, it is by far one of the better guitars I have owned. I'm very picky about what I play when it comes to acoustics and yet I have always been impressed by Takamine. For a bar gigging guitar, they would be at the top of my list because they sound great, and I've had good success amplifying them in pretty much any situation, which is a big deal for me, and anyone using acoustics in a live situation.
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
I have two, a C-128 from 1981 or 1982 (it's a nylon classical) and a EN-12 C (12-string) from the mid-nineties. They are both great sounding. The 12-string is later production and needed a nut and saddle adjustment. The classical is perfection.
I picked up a couple recent ones in GC and wasn't impressed.
I have two, a C-128 from 1981 or 1982 (it's a nylon classical) and a EN-12 C (12-string) from the mid-nineties. They are both great sounding. The 12-string is later production and needed a nut and saddle adjustment. The classical is perfection.
I picked up a couple recent ones in GC and wasn't impressed.
Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
I have a 1992 LTD model which was the top of the range in their steel strings at that time. I also have a 132SC classical. They are both solid workhorses. The reason i like takis is because they sound great plugged in. There are definitely nicer acoustics out there in both the steel and nylon categories, but not many that can match them as an amplified acoustic.
I think taki have gone down the route more recently of making a range of budget axes in china, but i cant comment on those cos ive never used any.
I have a 1992 LTD model which was the top of the range in their steel strings at that time. I also have a 132SC classical. They are both solid workhorses. The reason i like takis is because they sound great plugged in. There are definitely nicer acoustics out there in both the steel and nylon categories, but not many that can match them as an amplified acoustic.
I think taki have gone down the route more recently of making a range of budget axes in china, but i cant comment on those cos ive never used any.
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
My only experience with Tak is with a black Jumbo electric cutaway, G523SC, that I bought in '98. It has a very even balance and good projection. I have an early 60's cheapo Kay dread that is still after over 50 years one of the best acoustics I've played...it has a crisp but rich and full low end and a very sparkly high end with sweet crisp mids. (I'll never get rid of this guitar). I'm not sure which one I like the best, they are so different sounding yet both sound terrific. The Tak's electrics sound amazing through my amps.
My only experience with Tak is with a black Jumbo electric cutaway, G523SC, that I bought in '98. It has a very even balance and good projection. I have an early 60's cheapo Kay dread that is still after over 50 years one of the best acoustics I've played...it has a crisp but rich and full low end and a very sparkly high end with sweet crisp mids. (I'll never get rid of this guitar). I'm not sure which one I like the best, they are so different sounding yet both sound terrific. The Tak's electrics sound amazing through my amps.
Studflower
New member
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
This is me talking based on my experiences only (aka talking out of my @$$).
Takamines from $200~600 all sound like crap to me. They feel like toys and sound tinny and I'd rather play a $200 Yamaha acoustic ($200 Yamahas are fantastic...)
However, from $700~, I've played some great Takamines. I actually purchased a $900 Takamine about 10 years ago and it still sounds like a $2000 guitar. It was one of those cedar top ones that barely have any finish on them (I think EN10C, gotta check at home). It also has solid electronics and sounds great through the PA system. It's been my main acoustic in the church worship setting for years.
This is me talking based on my experiences only (aka talking out of my @$$).
Takamines from $200~600 all sound like crap to me. They feel like toys and sound tinny and I'd rather play a $200 Yamaha acoustic ($200 Yamahas are fantastic...)
However, from $700~, I've played some great Takamines. I actually purchased a $900 Takamine about 10 years ago and it still sounds like a $2000 guitar. It was one of those cedar top ones that barely have any finish on them (I think EN10C, gotta check at home). It also has solid electronics and sounds great through the PA system. It's been my main acoustic in the church worship setting for years.
JOEBACCA
New member
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
I played a Takamine GN51CE-BSB at my local candy store. Its a looker and played great BUT it lacked mids and projection. It felt like the finish was so thick that it sounded muffled. I even had one of the dudes behind the counter play a few chords on it to hear it from another perspective and it was a dud IMO. The Tak G series are the lower end line and I didn't care for it much.
Then I picked up a Takamine Pro Series the P3NC model and WOW what a difference! The projection was their in spades, the neck, back, and sides had a thin satin finish that seemed to allow the wood to breathe plus it made for easier playability up and down the neck. I would take that one for a spin if there is one in stock at your local fiddle shop.
I even copied and pasted the specs for you. You're Welcome
Series: Pro Series 3
MSRP: $1594.99
Color: N/A
Body Finish: Satin
Body Shape: NEX Cutaway
Bracing: Scalloped X
Rosette: Concentric Rings
Body Binding: Ivory
Body Back: Solid Sapele
Body Sides: Sapele
Body Top: Solid Cedar
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Finish: Satin
Scale Length: 25.3" (643 mm)
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12" (305 mm)
Number of Frets: 20
Nut Width: 1.675" (42.5 mm)
Position Inlays: Wood Dot-In-Dot
Controls: Volume Control, 3-Band EQ
Special Electronics: CT4B II Preamp System with 3-band EQ, Volume Control and Built-in Tuner
Bridge: Rosewood with Split Bone Saddle and Pin-less Base
Hardware Finish: Gold
Tuning Machines: Gold Die-Cast with Amber Buttons
Strings: D'Addario® EXP 16 Coated Phosphor Bronze (.012-.053 Gauges)
Unique Features: Ivory Body Binding, Venetian Cutaway, Wood "Dot-in-Dot" Inlays
I played a Takamine GN51CE-BSB at my local candy store. Its a looker and played great BUT it lacked mids and projection. It felt like the finish was so thick that it sounded muffled. I even had one of the dudes behind the counter play a few chords on it to hear it from another perspective and it was a dud IMO. The Tak G series are the lower end line and I didn't care for it much.
Then I picked up a Takamine Pro Series the P3NC model and WOW what a difference! The projection was their in spades, the neck, back, and sides had a thin satin finish that seemed to allow the wood to breathe plus it made for easier playability up and down the neck. I would take that one for a spin if there is one in stock at your local fiddle shop.
I even copied and pasted the specs for you. You're Welcome
Series: Pro Series 3
MSRP: $1594.99
Color: N/A
Body Finish: Satin
Body Shape: NEX Cutaway
Bracing: Scalloped X
Rosette: Concentric Rings
Body Binding: Ivory
Body Back: Solid Sapele
Body Sides: Sapele
Body Top: Solid Cedar
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Finish: Satin
Scale Length: 25.3" (643 mm)
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12" (305 mm)
Number of Frets: 20
Nut Width: 1.675" (42.5 mm)
Position Inlays: Wood Dot-In-Dot
Controls: Volume Control, 3-Band EQ
Special Electronics: CT4B II Preamp System with 3-band EQ, Volume Control and Built-in Tuner
Bridge: Rosewood with Split Bone Saddle and Pin-less Base
Hardware Finish: Gold
Tuning Machines: Gold Die-Cast with Amber Buttons
Strings: D'Addario® EXP 16 Coated Phosphor Bronze (.012-.053 Gauges)
Unique Features: Ivory Body Binding, Venetian Cutaway, Wood "Dot-in-Dot" Inlays
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
No, they are garbage. Somebody decided to make a line of guitars with zero regards to how they sound.
Sharp contrast to the older or better ones which sound exceptionally great.
No, they are garbage. Somebody decided to make a line of guitars with zero regards to how they sound.
Sharp contrast to the older or better ones which sound exceptionally great.
agentzero12
New member
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
+1. I think deans are one of the best values around. In the price range, I haven't found anything I like better.
+1. I think deans are one of the best values around. In the price range, I haven't found anything I like better.
agentzero12
New member
Re: School me on Takamine Acoustics
But for the actual post, I like every takamine I've played. I like the deans a bit better for the lower end stuff and if I'm after a high end acoustic the gibson jumbo is at the top of my list.
But for the actual post, I like every takamine I've played. I like the deans a bit better for the lower end stuff and if I'm after a high end acoustic the gibson jumbo is at the top of my list.