|
13 Apr 02 - 10:52 PM (#689559) Subject: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 I think that Takamine makes the best sounding acoustic electric guitar in the market, or a least one of the best sounding guitars. Anybody have any thoughts about this matter? |
|
13 Apr 02 - 11:20 PM (#689567) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Little Hawk They're quite good, but not necessarily the best. Try a Larrivee, with a Fishman Prefix Plus pickup. - LH |
|
13 Apr 02 - 11:21 PM (#689569) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: DonMeixner You may be right for certain purposes Bob. I played a mess of A/E guitars before I settled on My Martin JC-16. The Taks weren't in the top 5 for my playing style. BUT! One of the nicest A/E guitars I ever played was a Tak 12 string with a carved back. Owned by a fellow in a Scots band from up in Ontario. Don |
|
14 Apr 02 - 12:29 AM (#689601) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: simon-pierre Indeed, it's the only guitar I ever played!... Waiting for the Dobro, Tele, Strato, Martin, sigh... |
|
14 Apr 02 - 04:39 AM (#689661) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Genie I have a Takamine Jasmine [nylon-string] acoustic/electric cutaway. It sounds fine and plays as easily for me as any nylon-string guitar, but they're all too wide in the neck to be comfortable for my short fingers, so I want to sell it and stick to playing my steel-string Martins and Gibson. Genie |
|
14 Apr 02 - 08:33 AM (#689715) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Midchuck I'm very partial to the early (before the mid-'80s) taks, which were exact copies of Martins (mostly) or Guilds or Gibsons (once in a while). The imitation was so exact, it's funny. Even to the typeface and layout of the lettering on the headstock. The interesting thing is, the sound is a pretty good imitation too; even though they're mostly laminated woods. And they're cheap. But beginning to get more expensive for one in good shape. Peter. |
|
14 Apr 02 - 09:17 AM (#689725) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,jonesey Finally, a Takamine thread! I've used the Tak-A/E's over the years and find them great value for the money. Found a 'flying V' A/E years ago and was wondering if anyone else out there had ever seen one? It was made by Takamine and while it sounded crap acoustically it had a built in piezo(under the saddle, I think) that was/is as good as anything else around at the time. Should have bought it as it was really strange looking. |
|
14 Apr 02 - 09:23 AM (#689727) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Willie-O I have a different type of Takamine. A GZ-300 solid body double cutaway electric. No acoustic component. My favourite electric guitar I've ever owned. It feels great to play or to look at (nice dark wood-grain body) and has never had a problem with the electronics or the neck. (Good thing too, cause its a one-piece body with neck attached.) I play it far too infrequently. The sound has a great bite and while it's definitely an electric setup, it's just stiff enough that I'm comfortable with it as a primarily acoustic guitar player. I gather it's a bit of a rare bird. Was inexpensive as well, $350 Cdn used. W-O
|
|
14 Apr 02 - 09:44 AM (#689734) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,jonesey Sorry guys, should've explained better...The A/E 'flying V' of which I speak was, actually an acoustic guitar shaped like a 'flying V'. It had a soundhole in the same place as the standard acoustic guitar and the bridge was the same, too. It had a saddle/bridge pin configuration like a Martin. Was the same width as a 'dreadnaught' and the points of the 'V' were more rounded than on the elctric guitars, i.e. Gibson, B.C. Rich, Jackson, etc. It didn't have any sort of magnetic pick-up just a piezo with a 1/4" jack. I can't remember if it had volume/tone pots, but I don't think so. Anyway, I'd love to hear from anyone who's seen one of these beasts. I've played the Tak solid body elecs and find 'them' excellent value for the money as well. |
|
14 Apr 02 - 10:39 PM (#690147) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 I have a LTD 90 which is a great guitar for stage work, and then I also have a GS330S which I use just to bum around on, both are great guitars. |
|
15 Apr 02 - 02:58 AM (#690231) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Seamus Kennedy Yeah, I've got 3, which I play on stage, customized for me, and I love them. I also have a Martin 1927 0-18K which I don't play on stage, a Guild something-or-other, and an original Adamas which I played for years, but became too heavy (both me and the guitar). I LoveTakamines! Seamus |
|
15 Apr 02 - 04:44 AM (#690249) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,vcjp I have a takamine 12 string that i paid 300 dollars for brand new in 1981. I found it in a music shop on the gold coast in queensland, australia. It has been at times the only thing i have had that was worth having. I have played it most days since then. I bought it for it's sweet sound and it still has it to this day. It has done nothing particularly famous but then nor have I but it has had its moments and then so have I. vp |
|
15 Apr 02 - 07:37 AM (#690324) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: English Jon I've got an EF407 which I keep in D modal, and a mid eighties blonde top - don't know the number. Both great guitars. Not the best in the world, but more than adequate for my level of playing! EJ |
|
15 Apr 02 - 08:50 AM (#690359) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,redhorse at work I've beeen playing an EF261SAN (I think)since Mrs Redhorse won it as a raffle prize at Merlefest '98 (it didn't come with any paperwork so I'm not certain of model). A bit light on bass, maybe, but nice and easy to play, nice sound amplified or unplugged and stays in tune. Not too heavy a sound for accompanying a solo voice. Love it. |
|
15 Apr 02 - 11:15 AM (#690486) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Cocky I regret not buying the green 2.0 ghia from the chinky`s. |
|
15 Apr 02 - 09:54 PM (#690898) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 Like I said earlier, to me Takamines have the best amplfied sound of any guitar made. It has to do with their preamp system. |
|
15 Apr 02 - 10:28 PM (#690925) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: catspaw49 Not all of the Lawsuit Taks were made of laminates. The guitar in this picture is a 1980 "Lawsuit Tak" and this one is all solid woods, mahoghany and spruce, and an exact copy of a D-18 and the sound is the equal of any Martin D-18 I've heard or played. I've changed some things over the years including nuts and saddles as well as machine heads and pickguard. I've not treated her kindly but I have never had a guitar I enjoyed more or felt better with. Absolutely Sweet Marie. And I would never dream of giving her up. The new Taks are pretty decent guitars and very popular road instruments plugged in. Kaman improved the onboard electronics tremendously. Spaw |
|
16 Apr 02 - 09:14 PM (#691658) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST ...bought a bottom of the line, sight unseen G-240, and have not regretted it. Its quality is about even with my playing, so it's like a match made in heaven - however ... The neck had a slight bow which I tried to correct, and now the neck has a dead spot on the third fret, 1st string (high G in the standard G chord, which is about all I play in) ... it's driving me crazy. Loosening the truss rod to reintroduce the bow didn't help. |
|
16 Apr 02 - 10:45 PM (#691725) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 Take the guitar to a good repairman and I'm sure that he'll be able to fix it for you. Bob |
|
17 Apr 02 - 07:49 AM (#691954) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST ....probably, but that would likely cost more than the guitar is worth. If nothing else - the guitar will be useful for setup experimentation, etc. |
|
17 Apr 02 - 12:46 PM (#692236) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Murph10566 Have a mid-70's Tak 12 string - (a Guild Wannabe right down to the Logo, as Midchuck noted)... It's always had a pleasing ring unplugged, but I've been disappointed with the sound electronically since I had a shop install a Fishman pickup... (Bass & high E strings are weak)... One of the finest guitarists I've ever heard, Bill Bridges, has played Takamine A/E's exclusively on stage for the last few years... I'm really impressed with the sound... It would make a nice addition to my modest collection someday... Regards, M. |
|
17 Apr 02 - 05:40 PM (#692361) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 Oh well, go for the setup practice. |
|
17 Apr 02 - 07:12 PM (#692425) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Peg the 12-strings ARE nice; a friend of mine had one with a dark mahogany finish..lovely sound... I would be interested in hearing if any of you hear of a six-string lawsuit Tak for sale... peg |
|
15 Oct 02 - 03:10 PM (#803771) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 refresh |
|
15 Oct 02 - 03:24 PM (#803780) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: NicoleC I used to have a Jasmine A/E -- it had a lovely mellow acoustic sound, particularly since I picked it up on sales for about $150 (US). The pickups, though, didn't sound as good as the Takamine labels, but were still pretty decent. |
|
15 Oct 02 - 04:12 PM (#803814) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Bee-dubya-ell Well, after all the glowing endorsements of Takamines I regret to say that my one experience with them is not so positive. A few years ago, a friend got it in his head that he wanted a Takamine. He tried out every one in the store and finally settled on an acoustic-electric with a body the size of a Martin J. Well, when he brought it over to show it to me and we played a few songs together it sounded like pure crap up beside my DC-28. He took it back to the store the next day and traded up to a Taylor 710. I don't doubt that they make some good guitars, but that one sure wasn't one of them. He later admitted to having fallen in love with the plugged-in sound of the Tak, which is kinda dumb since he rarely plays plugged-in. Also, the music store from which he bought it keeps a California Blonde acoustic amp set up to demo AE's. Not exactly a fair test to my mind since the Cal Blonde is such a great amp that it will make anything sound good. If you're gonna try out AE's you need to bring your own amp. Bruce |
|
15 Oct 02 - 05:26 PM (#803844) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: vectis Tried one but was not impressed. I much prefer the feel and sound of my 1968/9 Yamaha FG140. |
|
15 Oct 02 - 06:56 PM (#803914) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,The Banjoest I like playing my Takamine, especially when I go camping. It makes an excellent canoe paddle. |
|
16 Oct 02 - 11:23 AM (#804438) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 It is the best guitar for the money. |
|
16 Oct 02 - 02:03 PM (#804629) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Greycap I've a D-18, a D-28, a Santa Cruz F-128 and a Takamine Santa Fe. The Tak is my box of choice for amplified bookings. Not so good on acoustic, but through the pa, works just fine, nice actionm and brings home money so I can buy other acoustic stuff. Horses for courses!! They are ok. |
|
16 Oct 02 - 03:30 PM (#804714) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Little Hawk I have mixed feelings about them, but have played some that are quite nice (and some that were really crummy). Overall I like Yamaha better. For really hitting the cream of the crop I recommend Larrivee, Collings, Taylor, and some (but not all) Martins. The thing is, though, you might just find a Takamine you really like, in which case other people's opinions aren't going to make any difference, are they? - LH |
|
17 Oct 02 - 06:52 AM (#805204) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Allan Dennehy Had an EN10. Lovely looking guitar. Sounded great plugged in but any old piece of plyboard would beat it unplugged. Come to think of it, I've never heard a new Takkie that could really do the business unplugged.I've often heard it said that a Takkie will take more belts and mistreatment than any other guitar. Does that ring a bell with anybody? |
|
17 Oct 02 - 07:00 AM (#805212) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Fingerbuster They sound fabulous, but unfortunately i have fingers like chipolatas so to me the necks are too narrow. Incidentally is the name pronounced; Take(mine) as in "i own it", or "meeny" as it is usually enunciated? |
|
17 Oct 02 - 07:54 AM (#805242) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Herring_brother I've got an EN40c and it's great for PA gigs, but not fantastic acoustically(sp?). Looks nice though :) HB |
|
17 Oct 02 - 10:26 AM (#805338) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Little Hawk Pronunciation of Japanese words rendered into English spelling is easy... Pronounce an "e" like our "ay" in stay, or shorten it a bit to "eh"...a little clipped or shortened. Pronounce an "i" like "ee" or shorten it a bit to "i" as in hit, in a word like Yamashita (Yah-mah-shi-ta or almost Yah-mah-sh'-ta) You do NOT put an accent on the 3rd syllable of a 4 syllable Japanese word. It's not Hi-Ro-SHEE-Mah...it's Hi-Ro-Sh'-Mah or Hi-Ro-Shi-Mah...nice and smooth all the way with no accent. The easiest way to achieve that, for a North America, is probably to put a slight emphasis on "Ro", the second syllable. So, Takamine is pronounced... tah-kah-mee-neh or tah-kah-mee-nay To call one of those guitars a "take-mine" sounds truly horrible. - LH |
|
17 Oct 02 - 11:21 AM (#805387) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Jack the Sailor Posted By Bob (53) It is the best guitar for the money. My comment HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA |
|
17 Oct 02 - 11:28 AM (#805396) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 Takamines have a good resale value to them also. |
|
17 Oct 02 - 09:14 PM (#805729) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST darn right! I am still looking to buy a lawsuit Tachamine like the one I sold off years ago...lovely sound. |
|
17 Oct 02 - 09:30 PM (#805745) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Little Hawk I think you'll find that new country music guys like them a lot these days, probably because of the pickup system. - LH |
|
17 Oct 02 - 09:41 PM (#805751) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Thomas the Rhymer After playing many Taks over the years, I have a consistant feeling about them now... I reserve my judgement untill after I've played it. It seems that many were made (some years back) with mediodcre materials, and some were 'just right'. I have a real affection for 'good' Tak 12 string guitars, and some have excellent acoustic sound. I have little experience with Tak electronics, but it wouldn't supprise me in the least that thay got it right... I'm of the opinion that most any guitar you can play that doesn't buzz can be made to sound great with electronics... nice to 'get it' of the shelf tho...ttr |
|
17 Oct 02 - 10:06 PM (#805764) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Little Hawk A friend of mine has one that is an absolute beauty, acoustically or electricly. I've played others that sounded like they were made out of cardboard. It all depends which one, that's all... - LH |
|
17 Oct 02 - 10:51 PM (#805783) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Jack the Sailor The question "Which is the best acoustic electric?" is infinately debateably and completely unsolveable. The reason I wouldn't buy Takamines is that they are so closely associated with the Nashille "Hats". Leave them for Garth and Clint! |
|
18 Oct 02 - 12:11 PM (#806152) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Little Hawk The "best guitar for the money" is either... 1. Yamaha or 2. Seagull - LH |
|
18 Oct 02 - 01:26 PM (#806206) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 12 strings are another story cause they are entirely different breed of guitar. |
|
19 Oct 02 - 05:29 AM (#806545) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Baillie Yes, I have played a Takamine, they're very good, but so is my copy of a Martin c1838 model parlour guitar made for me by the English Luthier Andrew Whale, I've also got one of his Octave Mandolins as well. He is well worth checking out, have a look at his website - you'll see my guitar! |
|
19 Oct 02 - 10:41 AM (#806650) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 Go for one of these. |
|
19 Oct 02 - 12:46 PM (#806707) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Little Hawk You are the master of brevity, Bob. - LH |
|
20 Oct 02 - 09:50 PM (#807504) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,guitarfixer Check out the Takamine models that feature the 1/8 inch bridge saddle. Notice the Taiwan label. They are Yamahas. Check out the Korean models. Much lower quality. Takamines once came from Japan. They were pretty good guitars. Not as durable as Yamaha though. Yamaha even uses different finish on back & sides than on the soundboard. They perform 17 types of tests at the sawmill and grade their wood accordingly. Despite Taks reputation for good sounding pickups, often Tak owners are frustrated trying to get good sound. You can pay $100 more for the exact same Yamaha when you buy it with the Tak label. If that makes it the best guitar for the money then their advertising has worked. Seagulls (Until recently) often have inaccurate scale lengths. Sometimes the tops collapse due to the lack of significant top bracing. If these things don't bother you, get one. I remember about 7 years ago Takamine ran an ad in the trade magazines: "Give your customers the best value for their money this Christmas." The ad featured a Solid top, Yamaha Jumbo FG-411S with the Takamine label. The price was much more than the Yamaha price. At that time the same Yamaha guitar was also sold by C.F. Martin as a Sigma FD-16S. Also cheaper than the Tak. Oh, well. |
|
21 Oct 02 - 12:45 AM (#807574) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: SlickerBill Hey Willie-O! Finally another GZ-300 player! What a great electric guitar; real meaty sound, like a Gibson. Gotcha beat though; paid $200 Cdn for mine, with case. Found it in a pawn shop with three strings and a cheese cutter ste up. "Whatcha want for this piece o' crap?", i sez. Great axe. As for acoustic Taks, I got me a lawsuit Tak alrighty. solid spruce top, but no electronics. I had a piezo put in, but eventually found I just wasn't satisfied with the range for performing purposes, especially for a solo acoustic set. In a band setting the Tak was okay, though even there it lacked oomph, esp the bottom end. So i got a Larivee. I don't think I could part with the tak though; too many sweet memories; lots of songs written on her. Besides she's a great open tuning axe, and sounds particularly sweet with a slide. But I do feel bad not playing her as much as I should. SB |
|
21 Oct 02 - 08:31 PM (#808156) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: 53 Go slicker Bill |
|
21 Oct 02 - 08:48 PM (#808164) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Bill Hi Fingerbuster I always thought they were called take mine because people love to borrow them. Bill |
|
23 Oct 02 - 06:35 PM (#809622) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Fingerbuster It's all very well lending someone your prized posession Bill, just make sure they wash their hands before playing it, sometimes when you get your instrument back it looks like the borrower has used a beefburger to strum it! "Banjo players do it on a roll" ;-] ps, we are playing at the Falcon, Aberdare, Sunday night, Beer festival. Bring the Newport mob up - or vice-versa? |
|
23 Oct 02 - 10:22 PM (#809769) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: SlickerBill I've got the answer to folks wanting to borrow yer baby. Just let it drop that you're so busy that the only time you've got to play your axe is when you're on the crapper; great acoustics in there by the way. It's that old george Castanza, book in the bathroom phobia; gets em every time ;) SB |
|
07 May 07 - 11:19 AM (#2045223) Subject: Takamine GS330S From: GUEST,Raykay Just bought a Takamine GS-330S because my son has one and loves it. Sounded pretty good in the store and the price was real good. We compared them and I see that mine is Korean and his is made in Taiwan. Can anyone go down the list of differences? I see that the bridge is obviously different and the tuning pegs too. I can still return this, although it sounds and plays OK. Somebody said the Korean ones are inferior quality. What do you think? |
|
07 May 07 - 12:10 PM (#2045243) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Black Hawk unplugged Thing I dont understand on this thread is the number of times its mentioned about Taiwanese, Korean etc. guitars & same guitar sold as Yamaha etc. As I understand from Takamine, ALL their guitars are manufactured by them in Japan. The 'Takamine G Series' are budget guitars sourced from those countries mentioned. Their literature is very clear on this point. I own 3 Takamines (not G series) EN10 Dreadnought, EN45C Lex & LAN20 Jumbo. All are nice actioned and toned. All have been played by much better guitarists than me & all have commented on their quality. This has usually happened when someone has liked the sound & requested a closer look. All are good thru amps. but as mentioned above, any half-decent instrument should be able to sound good electrified. |
|
07 May 07 - 07:16 PM (#2045590) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Texas Guest First off, I agree with Seamus - I love Takamines, too! My sweetheart guitar is a custom-made Breedlove but my workhorse guitar is a Takamine Santa Fe (cedar) and it's back-up is a Takamine 2001 LTD; my third Takamine is a Hirade classical model. The finest (and I've been around awhile) sounding a/e guitar I have ever heard, under any conditions (festival, pub or coffeehouse) was a $600 Takamine mahogony guitar(I can't recall the model number but you've seen them around) in the hands of Andrew Hardin playing behind the singing of Tom Russell, with the guitar plugged into a L.R. Baggs direct box and going through the house system - I could not believe my ears. Hardin is a most excellent player and we agreed on two things - he had a fine sound tech that evening, and, the Baggs D/I was the difference. Cheers. |
|
07 May 07 - 08:32 PM (#2045649) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Dave Ruch I have an old Takamine EF-340 for sale if anyone is interested. It'll be going up on eBay within the next few weeks, but feel free to pm me for details if interested. It's kind of beat up, with several of the tuners missing the back plate, but plays and sounds great. |
|
08 May 07 - 10:54 AM (#2046150) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Mooh For years I had an early '70s Takamine "D-28" or whatever Martin rip-off. So close a copy that people mistook it from very close up as even the logo script was a dead ringer for CFMartin. It did sound very good but not as good as my subsequent high end guitars. It ended up in the hands of a collector so I don't know if it's still being played. Folks who have known me for a long time still ask me about my old Martin, laughable when you consider the comparative costs. I don't miss it, as good as it was, because I've drifted away from dreads. Peace, Mooh. |
|
08 May 07 - 02:17 PM (#2046291) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Tim theTwangler Gotta Takamini Great portability and good to play for such a small guitar |
|
18 Jun 07 - 06:15 PM (#2080366) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Larry Hood Man This company is a mystery when it comes to their greatest guitars. the 84-86 series. I personally have a GE-400 GT Bass and its awesome. It was my first bass ever. I paid $120.00 American for it in a Wild Bills Pawn Shop in Abilene, TX. Got there the same day I did. Over the years it has come to be nicknamed "The Death Bass" by friends. There are no pictures as far as I can find on the web of this beast except for the horrible one I took of it a year or so ago. I put the link below. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/KaiNHooD/Takamine/Larrys_Takamine.jpg |
|
07 Jan 08 - 09:36 AM (#2230285) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST GZ-300. Best electric guitar ever made. At least for slow and heavy stuff. |
|
07 Jan 08 - 01:29 PM (#2230429) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,spratz If you want to hear a 'take mine' played properly to it's full potential, try googling youtube 'roddy frame spanish horses' |
|
07 Jan 08 - 01:34 PM (#2230438) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,spratz ammendment! try 'aztec camera spanish horses' |
|
07 Jan 08 - 04:11 PM (#2230548) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: bankley I've had an EG530C for 6 yrs. I liked the sound in the beginning, but found that it was losing response over time.. with a low ground hum and less volume on the hi-E string.... So I replaced the pick-up and pre-amp with L.R. Baggs gear from California. A lot more guts and tone now. I always liked the action. I set it almost like an electric. Good road axe .... if it ever gets broken, I'll keep the electronics for something else. For a real acoustic sound I rely on an old Guild D-25. |
|
07 Jan 08 - 06:09 PM (#2230674) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Banjiman My wife has a "lawsuit" Tak which she bought in Japan in 1988. It cost her around £100 then (c. US$200). It sounds great and many people comment on what a nice guitar it is. Anyone got any idea what it would maybe be worth these days (not that she wants to sell!) It is a TD-30 |
|
05 Feb 08 - 12:00 PM (#2254128) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,C.J. If you want to play an awesome guitar play a Takamine GZ-300 solid body electric. The only problem is there's not many around I have the only one that I've ever seen. I also have a Gibson Les Paul Supreme, but by far my favorite is the GZ-300. |
|
05 Feb 08 - 12:51 PM (#2254181) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Jim I've posted this on several Tak threads here, but I've got a lawsuit model Tak 12 string made in '78, and an early 80's lawsuit model 6 string. As mentioned upstream, they are identical to Martins right down to the bracing, and after having them set up at Griffin Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto (the holy of holies), they both sound fantastic and have easy-playing, low, non-buzzing action. I prefer them to any guitar I've ever tried outside of some high-end Taylors and a couple of low-volume luthier-made customs. I absolutely love these guitars. That being said, at some point I probably will upgrade to a custom or high-end Taylor. Just as soon as I have a spare two grand to spend. (Yeah, right.) I spent just $100 on the 12 string, and $150 on the 6 string, although the 6 string did need a set-up fairly badly when I got it (no wonder the guy let it go that cheaply; the seller of the 12 string just didn't know a sweet guitar when he had it). Neither has any electronics installed, though, so my comments may not be entirely on-topic. In any case, I'm a firm believer in looking out for the older lawsuit models; its done right by me. Craigslist is your friend. |
|
10 Feb 08 - 03:02 AM (#2258241) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,me ya |
|
17 Feb 08 - 03:07 AM (#2264356) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,aridice I've got a Takamine GZ-300 in beautiful condition that I'm thinking of selling. Anyone have idea what I should ask for it?? Its nice to find folks who appreciate this fine guitar!! aridice@yahoo.com |
|
17 Feb 08 - 05:19 AM (#2264384) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Tim Leaning I take a Takamini to work with me every day Its small, tough and plays like afull size guitar. The sound is small when finger picking but suprisingly robust if flatpicking. If the full size ones are as well made and have equally scaled up sound they will be excellent. Sitting in a small astra van the sound is fine even finger picking. |
|
18 Feb 08 - 03:37 AM (#2265139) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mandotim The all-solid woods ones (not the G series; I think these have laminate back and sides) seem to get better and better with age. I've got a 26 year old EN20 that I haven't played for a long while, so I'm reasonably objective about it. Through reading this thread, I decided to take it out and have a play. (I should explain, I'd played a couple of new ones in the shop last week while shopping for a guitar for a friend). The old guitar has darkened with age (cedar top, mahogany back and sides), and the binding has gone a dark ivory colour. It has some honourable scars, but it's structurally excellent. After a few minutes playing and a slight truss rod adjustment, the guitar seemed to come alive. The tone (in my memory) was always pretty good, but this was special; huge bass, with clear and rich mids and tops. The volume was extraordinary too; much louder than any of my other guitars, including the gigantic Rob Armstrong doubleneck. It's staying out of the case for a while! IMHO, look for an older one; I played a 10-year old EN40C this week, and that was very, very good too. Tim |
|
18 Feb 08 - 04:59 AM (#2265175) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mattkeen The EN series also have laminate back and sides I believe. I had an EN18 and a EN20 - they were pretty good foe live use at the time, but no where near as good as the very early ones mentioned above. |
|
18 Feb 08 - 10:10 AM (#2265346) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mandotim The EN series I have (made in Japan) is very definitely solid mahogany back and sides. This was retained when they brought out the AN series later. Tim |
|
19 Feb 08 - 04:39 AM (#2266006) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mattkeen Hi Mandotim I am talking about the Japanese EN's. Mine were EN18C and EN20 both 1986 Japan made. Many of the EN series were laminated - some special editions were solid back and sides and some had solid backs and laminated sides, all had solid tops. Sorry for any confusion |
|
19 Feb 08 - 04:53 AM (#2266013) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mattkeen Just remembered also had a EN10C for a while |
|
19 Feb 08 - 05:18 AM (#2266020) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mandotim Hey Matt; no problem, you're absolutely right. The one I have was made immediately 'post lawsuit', and was a sort of 'stuff you, C.F.Martin' guitar. These early ones were all solid mahogany back and sides, with cedar tops. Takamine were trying to make something that sounded at least as good as the early Martin copies they made, and better than the Martins of the time. Mind you, given the standards of 70s and early 80s Martins, that wasn't much of a challenge! My brother tells me that his EN20 from four years later had laminate sides and a solid back. He knows, because he dropped it and smashed it to pieces! Having said that, there is some evidence now that says the only important component in producing an 'aged' tone in a guitar is the top, not the back and sides. The research was done on old Macaferris, which have laminate backs and sides. Regards Tim |
|
19 Feb 08 - 05:36 AM (#2266031) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Tom Bliss I have a G series, which is nice to play anyway. I use it for writing and generally noodling at my desk. The sound is not too bad considering the price, but I do dislike the pick-up tone on all Taks. Very plastic and artificial to my ears. I tried installing a spare passive I-beam, and feeding the signal into the pre-amp, but it didn't work. If I ever had to take it to a gig in an emergency, I'd use an instrument mic, not the transducer. Tom (I think the Gs are solid top lam sides and back. Mine's improved with age, but not a whole lot). |
|
19 Feb 08 - 05:58 AM (#2266044) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mandotim Hi Tom; the pickup tone on Taks always seemed to me to be designed to produce that 'acoustic-electric' tone used in a rock context. Tended to be a bit 'quacky' for my tastes, and I found I could get the same tone with a solid body electric and a modelling pedal anyway. The later AN series offer a choice of pickups, including some that blend between a pickup and an internal microphone. You can buy these preamp/pickup sets aftermarket, and they slot straight in. I despaired of mine, and ended up installing a Schertler pickup and a gooseneck mic. I used the Schertler in high volume situations, and the mic when feedback wasn't such a problem. Not cheap, but it works really well. Having said that, I use the Rainsong for live stuff now, and it has a Fishman blender already installed. Sounds better than any other acoustic I've ever heard when plugged in. Tim |
|
19 Feb 08 - 06:15 AM (#2266055) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mattkeen Mandotim - I too am fascinated but what exactly makes the difference in tone either the aged variety or not I have 2 very very similar Brook guitars, all solid wood one sitka spruce top one engellman spruce top. The later has a rio rosewood back and the former has walnut. They are similar sounding BUT the rio back one is 10 - 15% better tonally. The thing is that 10 - 15% is pure quality; its an amazing difference that takes the guitar into another league Tom - I seem to have spent ridiculous amounts of money trying to amplify my acoustics to sound natural. Have now settled on Highlander mic and undersaddle pick up combination at about £275 per guitar. You know what its the best amplified sound I have had and its still sh#t!!! |
|
19 Feb 08 - 06:25 AM (#2266061) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: mattkeen Tom - Chris Wood uses a mini DPA OMNI mic (like the ones the sports commentators sometimes use) and it sounds great. |
|
20 Feb 08 - 03:46 AM (#2267161) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Tom Bliss Hi guys - thanks for the tips. The solution to the Tak problem was, of course, a Martin JC16 (like Don's) with a Fishman blender system, which has both omni mic and a very good saddle transducer. (Mine is universally admired by sound engineers everywhere). But then it cost about five times as much as the Tak! If anyone is struggling to amplify an acoustic, I'd say the least invasive and most reliable system is the I-beam. None of the many problems associated with saddle transducers, immune to feedback and very faithful sound reproduction. If I could find an omni/Ibeam blender I'd install it in the JC. But if volume is not a major issue, a good condenser mic is the safest of all. Tom |
|
04 Mar 08 - 01:34 AM (#2278943) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST I have a Jasmine Model S 80S that I bought from a friend ~ 20 years ago. He played it on stage for several years before he finally spent around 3 grand for a good High-end Martin guitar. It has an electric pick-up that if I remember correctly, he had installed after-market. I've played a lot of acoustics, including high-end Fenders, Yamahas, Washburns, Martins, and none of them were appreciably better than my Tak. The tone is amazing. The ease with which it plays as well. |
|
20 Jul 08 - 02:27 AM (#2393299) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: sprague I had a tak en18 when I was younger. As most of you know every guitar has it's own sound I never buy new and will sit for hours playing it until I buy it that one had one of the richest sounds I have ever heard I have also had martin and yamaha and would trade them both for the en18... With that said I am looking to buy another en18 if anyone knows of someone that is willing to part with one please let me know I sold mine about 15 years ago not realizing that I would miss it so much! Thanks |
|
12 Aug 08 - 01:11 PM (#2411659) Subject: Takamine EN-40C for sale From: GUEST,Leo I have a Takamine EN-40c for sale, mint condition ! If interested, email me your best offer to leoclement@sympatico.ca , please ensure that you write "Your EN-40C for sale" in the subject, as I delete all unkown emails before opening them. As you all know, this VERY high-end Tak simply ranks amoungst the best Takamines ever made.......by far the best acoustic/electric guitar I've owned over the last 30 years. Reason for selling ----- simply don't play enymore. I am not "giving" this guitar away so please be advised that all lowballers will be ignored. If you've ever played an EN-40C, you'll know why ! Leo |
|
12 Aug 08 - 01:19 PM (#2411675) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Jayto I have had several Takamine's through the yrs. For the money they are really good guitars. The higher end Yairi's are excellent especially the GY1's. The GY1 was developed by Jerry Garcia. I am not a dead head but it is an excellent guitar pricey but great. I would put it up against any custom made guitar out there and though it might not measure up to all it will not be blown away. It is a great guitar by any standard. |
|
13 Aug 08 - 11:39 AM (#2412536) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego I have played two different Takamine classical acoustic guitars for nearly 20 years. Both sound very good, for the money. My son occasionally uses one of them with a pickup attachment in his rock band and is very happy with the sound. After playing my neighbor's custom guitar recently, I got spoiled with both the feel and the amazing projection and sound quality, along with a neck that was much easier to navigate. I'm now looking for a concert quality classical instrument, though I know it won't come cheap. The Tak necks have always seemed a little fat and wide to me, and the contrast really came home when I played the other guitar. It was also nice not to have to pick so aggressively to get good volume. |
|
13 Aug 08 - 12:12 PM (#2412572) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Jayto Check out Kurt Sands guitars. I love the classicals he makes. Not cheap but if you are going to venture into that realm his guitars are worth checking out. |
|
25 Aug 08 - 06:00 PM (#2422030) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: GUEST,Ruthie I have a solid body 12-string Tak, F-395-MS and can't find much info online about it. Any body got any clues about what its worth? Is it a "Lawsuit Tak"? |
|
25 Aug 08 - 06:30 PM (#2422041) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: PoppaGator It's only a "Lawsuit Tak" if it looks almost exactly like a Martin D-18, right down to the script on the headstock. I don't know the model number, nor do I know that they ever made 12-string versions. Those "lawsuit" dreadnaughts used mahogany laminate for the back and sides rather than the solid mahogany used by Martin for the D-18. I've been told that there's very little difference; some people really love their Lawsuit Taks, and not only for their collector-value. |
|
25 Aug 08 - 08:35 PM (#2422100) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine From: Fortunato I have a 1976 TAKAMINE F 360. This is what a "Lawsuit Takamine" looks like. http://www.guitar-museum.com/guitar-410-Vintage-1976-TAKAMINE-F-360-F360-Acoustic-Guitar Martin wrote a letter to Takamine asking them politely to desist. No lawsuit was necessary. |
|
16 Apr 10 - 01:19 PM (#2888055) Subject: thanks texas guest From: GUEST,santa fe Just You Tubed Andrew Hardin. I've never heard him before and I like him lots. |
|
10 Dec 10 - 01:59 PM (#3050501) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine guitar? From: GUEST,kevin daugherty - nashville tn WOW -- I had a Takemine EF 340 / 6 string dreadnought with excellent Takemine electric pickups.....This was a pre lawsuit Martin copy and it was the best playing guitar for my desired style I ever played...in fact I developed a style of playing suited for that instrument and it was truly music. I bought it used from Corner Music in Nashville, original owner had been Alan Rhody. I run into Alan from time to time and damned if we BOTH don't miss that guitar. If I knew where it was today I would pay a thousand dollars to have it back. Now that is a great guitar story. |
|
13 May 11 - 02:24 PM (#3153495) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine guitar? From: GUEST I BEEN PLAYING FOR SOMETIME NOW AND WANTED TO COMMENT ON A PURCHASE I JUST MADE. I BOUGHT FROM A FRIEND 1976 F360S TAKAINE WITH CASE FOR 500.00 DOLLARS. SHE BOUGHT THE GUITAR NEW IN 1976 AND HAD PAID $240.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD A FEW GREAT GUITARS AND NEEDED TO SELL DUE TO A DIVORCE. I HAD A MARTIN D16 AND ALSO HAD A GUILD D50 BOTH GREAT PRODUCTS. I DID LOTS OF RESEARCH ON THIS LAWSUITE GUITAR AND FIND IT FUNNY. I WAS TOLD THAT MARTIN WENT TO JAPAN WITH THE BEST GUYS AND SHOWED THEM HOW TO MAKE THEIR GUITARS. I WAS WONDERING IS THIS TRUE ? WHEN I OPENED THE CASE I WAS LOOKING AT A MARTIN. I THOUGHT WHAT CAN THIS SOUND LIKE. THE GUITAR HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN OUT OR PLAYED IN 20 YRS. I OPENED THE CASE AND JUST LOOKED AT A BEAUTIFUL GUITAR. I PLAY AND PLAY FOR A HOUR AND WAS REALLY WAITING FOR WHEN IS IT WAS GOING TO SOUND BAD OR GO OUT OF TUNE. I TOLD HER THIS WAS ONE OF BEST GUITARS I EVER PLAYED. I DID SOME FINGER PICKING, FLAT PICKING, ALTERNATE TUNINGS AND JUST LOVE THE GUITAR. I FORGOT TO SAY THIS WAS THREE YRS AGO. SHE CALLED ME OUT OF THE BLUE SAID SHE WAS MOVING OUT OF STAE AND WANTED ME TO BUY IT BECAUSE I REALLY LOVE IT. SHE WANTED A GRAND AND HAD TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE GUITAR. YOU DONT FIND MANY FOR SALE SO I LOOKED UP SOME OLD POSTS AND CALLED A COUPLE GUITAR MAKERS FOR SOME INPUT. MOST OF THE GUYS SOLD REALLY HIGH END GUITARS BUT SAID IT IS A VERY GOOD GUITAR AND THEY SAID 500 WAS A GREAT PRICE FOR A 30YR OLD PERFECT IN THE CASE GUITAR. I HAVE NEVER WROTE A POST SO I APOLOGIZE FOR BAD SPELLING OR JUST MAYBE TOO LONG OF A REPLY. UT OLD POST SOME WERE GOING FROM $400 UP TO 900 |
|
13 May 11 - 02:48 PM (#3153520) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine guitar? From: GUEST I JUST POSTED A LONG STORY REGARDING MY PURCHASE OF A 1976 F360 TAK. I WANT TO APOLOGIZE I KNOW IT WAS LONG AND SOME BAD SPELLING BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY INPUT FOR ME I WOULD RESPECT THAT. I JUST VERY HAPPY I BOUGHT THE GUITAR YESTERDAY IT HAD NOT COME OUT OF THE CASE SHE SAID IN 20 YRS. I WILL PUT NEW STRINGS ON HER MY QUESTION DO I NEED TO HAVE HER SET UP FROM NOT BEING PLAYED ONLY TWICE IN 30 YRS? IT PLAYS PERFECT I AM A OK PLAYER BUT I FIND NOTHING WRONG OR SHOULD I HAVE A SET UP AND WILL I HEAR OR FEEL A DIFFERENCE/ ? |
|
13 May 11 - 02:55 PM (#3153526) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine guitar? From: GUEST I DONT REALLY UNDERSTAND IF THIS GOES TO THE GUY THAT JUST POSTED HIS STORY OF THE TAK. I WANTED TO KNOW WAS THIS A GOOD INVESTMENT NEVER BEEN PLAYED AND CASED FOR 30 YRS TAK F360 PERFECT FOR 500 |
|
13 May 11 - 03:29 PM (#3153548) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine guitar? From: Joe Offer Hi - this thread has been going since 2002. The last time one of our regular members posted was 2008., Many of the members who have posted to this thread are still around, and one or more may stop by to answer your question in the next few days. Stop back and check a few times over the next week or so. You can find the thread using our Filter on the main Forum Menu page - just put takamine in the Filter box and set the age back. Hope that helps. -Joe Offer, Forum Moderator, joe@mudcat.org- |
|
21 Sep 11 - 10:43 PM (#3226934) Subject: RE: Ever Played a Takamine guitar? From: GUEST,Max I lost my 1976 Takamine big body Guild copy in the fire here in Texas. Anybody know where I can get the estimated value and maybe a photo of one like it? |