I swear by them. Much better value for money than any of the "big name" guitars, especially at the top of the Takamine range. My 6-string cost around 650 pounds (UK) and I would not change it for the world.

And in Australia I have a Takamine 12-string which holds its tuning and has a sweeter tone than any other at its price (AU$ 1700). The only better 12-string (always counting value-for-money) I know is my Cort Jumbo Custom at 750 pounds (UK).

Martins? Taylors? Gibsons? *ptui*...:-) Sure, the top Gibson 12-string models are excellent, but at a minimum of double the price of my Cort (and Corts themselves were being rebadged as Gibsons anyway 3 years ago).