What do you think of Takamine guitars?

[Rudals]

I got a 2004(?) Takamine EAN10C with a good wear and tear on the cedar top. It was about $800 when I bought it new. I don't like the neck and I don't like its sound anymore. Maybe I've gotten too used to my Taylor sound since that's all I play.

[mervgriffen]

I have a EG124C Cutaway Classical with a pickup that my wife got me for my birthday a couple years ago. All ply construction, and nothing special about its tone, but playability and finish are nice (once I got used to the classical nut widths ) I think they sell for around $350 new. Plugged in it sounds awesome....had more than one sound guy say he didn't have to adjust anything....just perfect with everything flat. Hadn't even played it in a while and pulled it out when i got my Spectrum DI and HOLY CRAP does it sound good with the right Aura image!!!!

I guess what others were saying......average quality, great plugged-in sound.

[Wolfi65]

I got a Jasmine cutaway (acoustic only) in January and have been playing it every day since.
Cost $ 94.00 on Amazon, shipping included, had to tune it only about 3 times so far.
Great guitar for the money, matches up well with guitars that cost 3-4 times as much.

[800rate]

The Eagles use them on every tour. The above mentioned great sound through complicated sound systems almost daily changing venues is, I sure, the reasoning. Glen Frey has spoken out as a big fan of Takamine. I'm not sure, but he may be a paid spokesperson for Tak.

[fd943]

If you havn't played Taks higher end models like the Nashville series, really not giving them a fair shake. Most of the lower end stuff most places sell, and most of us see/play in the stores, is nothing like their higher end stuff. Even made in a different factory. I traded for a RW "bluegrass" model 6-7 months ago, and it has really changed my opinon of Takamine guitars. Not only does it sound good unplugged, but the cool tube preamp is in a league of it's own, both for live work, and recording. Reminds me of a Martin HD-28, with the D-28 Marquis neck, with a really killer pre-amp. Kinda the best of both worlds, if you ask me!

[VKB]

I really like the looks of their...

-N series guitars in general. Love the natural look. The all matte finishes with no sparkle, gloss, or abalone anywhere. Wood inlays etc. I just wish they made some higher end models in this style, with all solids, as it looks like they all have laminate sides, maybe ebony fb, & their most premium electronics (although I still can't figure out that hierarchy, & do the etn60c & etn30c take 9v or AA batteries btw?). I'd be all over a 740fs in this style, would not even think about it, even though I can't find any in person.

-TH90 for two ridiculous reasons & one legitimate one. The tone in all samples I've heard so far is incredible. That oval soundhole, which is a really squared off oval makes a very pleasing "sound", & not the actual sound that comes out of the hole, but the sound the shape itself makes (I sometimes can hear particular shapes & colors); like the deep warm hum of an early 1980's office building. Also one of the few tak model numbers I don't hate for no good reason. Really wish I could find these to check out in person. Just so I don't find out why they have one that's already been returned six times.

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by pete12string

Import. Go for a US made. Martin, Taylor, etc. Just my opinion.

Based on national pride or empirical evidence?

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by Mr Peebuddy

Cooltube= my favorite sounding onboard electronics

Mine, too.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by Guitarplayer_PR

Based on national pride or empirical evidence?

Why not begin a new thread on Taks? This one's so old that one of the early contributors isn't even alive any more!

I'm a fan of Jap Taks, by the way. I've owned at TF87PT and recently bought a TF430SS 'Songwriter' on GC Used Online. It's a fine instrument.

[Truckjohn]

I think they are great guitars in general - but I also think they are appropriately priced...

If you want a guitar that sounds great plugged in - I don't think you can go wrong with a Tak.

Thanks

[Looburst]

I agree, one of my first guitars was a Takamine jumbo, Cedar top with mahogany back and sides. Very playable and sounded great plugged in. Course, that was over twenty five years ago. Don't know how they are now.

[DenverSteve]

A 10-year old resurrection. Nice. And, there just was a Tak thread a couple of days ago.

[lodi_55]

Yes, 10-year zombie threads are very impressive!

[jp2558]

I've got a '92 EF341C and unplugged it can't even come close to my M-36. But it plays well, and plugged into the PA it does the job and offers a distinct sound to compliment our other guitarist. It's also a good guitar for the campground. I'm currently gassing for a Martin OMCPAx but I would be interested in trying some of the comparable Taks too.

[Irish Pennant]

My stable of guitars are mostly Takamine's. I'm biases when it comes to the brand. I have chased around the "Acoustic" sound, some what. I have tried different pedals, mixers, amps, mics and combinations and have settled in on something that sounds pleasing, doesn't give me grief when setting up and playing live and does't take a trained professional sound engineer to make it work. Someday I'll have something other than a Takamine, but the choices are so vast, it can be overwhelming. I play what works for me, those that listen to what I give to them, don't complain about the offering.