A wide variety of guitars are available in the market today. So it’s natural that you’re intimidated about choosing the right one for you. Takamine produces an impressive range of guitars for both beginners and experts.
Takamine is one of the pioneer manufacturers of acoustic-electric guitars. This Japanese company is a favorite of many artists like David Bowie, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks and Avril Lavigne for their steel string acoustic guitars.
Size, shape, price, tone-wood, playability and style are some of the factors that you must consider when buying a guitar.
But don’t sweat it! We are here to help pick the best Takamine guitars for you.
Best Takamine Guitars Reviews
Table of Contents
Here are our picks of the best guitars by Takamine. The list includes a range of top-notch Takamine acoustic-electric guitars that will unleash your inner musician.
1. Takamine GD30CE-12 Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Dreadnought, 12-String
If you’re searching for an all-around guitar, then the Takamine G30 series is an excellent choice for you. This line contains the best Takamine guitars under $1000 that are ready for any staging.
Tone-woods play a significant role in shaping the resonance. Spruce is the ideal wood for the top of an acoustic guitar for its tonal properties. Meanwhile, rosewood is the best fretboard material for its durability.
We love a versatile guitar that is equally sleek looking. The mahogany back and sides produce rich, resonating music.
The slim mahogany neck and 12” radius fingerboard are just as pleasant to hold as they are on the eyes.
The bracing of a steel-string guitar stabilizes and protects the soundboard. More braces mean the top vibrates less, which affects the tones. The X-Bracing gives the guitar more volume to compete acoustically with other instruments.
Dreadnought cutaways have always been a favorite of the crowd. It produces a strong low-end tune with a lot of volume. The large hollow body of a dreadnought will let you play several genres.
The GD30CE-12 guitar comes with a built-in tuner and a three-band equalizer. Many musicians favor Takamine over other brands because of its superior electronics system. It lets you enjoy an amplified stage-worthy performance every time.
Key Features
- Black color with a glossy finish
- Features a TP-4TD preamp system
- X-Braced internal support
- 12-Strings, made of steel
2. Takamine GD11MCE-NS Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Dreadnought
Are you thinking about buying your first guitar? Then here is another piece from the Takamine G series that is perfect for beginner and intermediate players.
The craftsmanship of this guitar is simply mind-blowing. The matte natural finish of the solid mahogany and sapele will fit into any aesthetic. The dreadnought body and the tone-woods produce a bright, warm and rich sound.
Restringing the guitar is an unavoidable job for any guitarist. But it can be less tiresome with a fixed guitar bridge. A fixed bridge provides simple intonation fixes and stability while playing, making it ideal for beginners.
This guitar comes with a piezoelectric pickup configuration. It picks up the vibration of the strings and makes the sound vibrant and colorful. No matter how lightly or sharply you play, the pickup will detect your tune and play accordingly.
The piezoelectric often needs a boost via preamp to give the best output. This is where the Takamine TP-4T electronics come into the picture. The inbuilt tuner and preamp system make this guitar perfect for excellent recording and live performances.
Despite all these features, the GD11MCE-NS Acoustic-Electric guitar comes at an astonishingly affordable price. But rest assured, Takamine never compromises with quality. The playability and performance of this piece can give other high-end guitars a run for their money.
Key Features
- At only 5 pounds, it is super lightweight and comfortable to carry
- Fixed guitar bridge
- Piezoelectric pickup configuration and TP-4T electronics
- 6-Strings
3. Takamine GD20-NS Acoustic Guitar | 6-String | Natural
The Takamine G20 series features some of the best acoustic guitars. The versatility of this guitar speaks for itself.
The combination of mahogany and cedar produces a rich and detailed acoustic sound. Acoustic guitars are proven to sound better as they age. Cedar matures sooner and helps you bellow a warmer, darker, and fuller tone.
The pin-less rosewood bridge features a split saddle design. You can adjust the saddles while under tension, helping you achieve perfect intonation for every note.
The synthetic bone nut will produce a brighter, cleaner sound.
The satin mahogany neck of this guitar is very slim compared to other acoustic guitars. So, you can easily wrap your fingers around its neck even if you have small hands. It features a 12” radius rosewood fretboard.
This guitar comes with 6 nylon strings. Nylon strings are softer and a lot less harsh on the fingers. So, if you’re a beginner, you don’t have to worry about pain or callouses appearing on your fingers while practicing.
The natural finish of the dreadnought body gives this guitar an elegant look. The craftsmanship helps the guitar produce a unique sound. At such an affordable price, this guitar offers good value for money.
Key features
- Has a split saddle design
- 6-Strings, made of nylon
- Ideal acoustic guitar for beginners
- Features a combination of tone-woods
4. Takamine EF381SC-KIT-2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Dreadnought, 12-String
If you’re looking for a versatile guitar with expert precision, the Takamine EF381SC Kit 2 is the perfect set for you.
The EF381SC is a part of the Takamine pro series. Expert artisans handcraft these beauties in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Only the finest well-seasoned woods and craftsmanship make the best Takamine guitars.
A unique set of tone-woods are combined to help you carry out any genre. The solid cedar top produces gentle and powerful chords with rich overtones and much character. The maple back and sides further brighten your playing.
Other than its resonating properties, maple is a favorite for its sustainability and beauty. The glossy finish of the black body looks beautiful under the stage lights. The mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard provide an excellent feel and playability.
The Palathetic under-saddle pickup is an exclusive feature of Takamine. It uses six individually shielded piezoelectric elements. These engage twelve times the element mass of a typical under-saddle pickup. Its versatility and amplified response set Takamine apart from other brands.
This kit includes the beautiful and all-around guitar along with a Takamine Hard Case, ChromaCast 4 Pick Sampler, Acoustic Med-Light 12-String Guitar Strings, Folding Guitar Stand, Suede Strap and GoDpsMusic Polish Cloth. Truly an investment that you will never regret.
Key Features
- Handcrafted by the finest woodworking artisans
- Comes with a CT4B II preamp system, three-band equalizer and built-in tuner
- Takamine Palathetic pickup
- Dreadnought body shape
5. Takamine JJ325SRC-12-KIT-2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar | 12-String
Legendary guitarist John Jorgenson collaborated with Takamine to create this beauty. He used a unique blend of tone-woods and paired it with the flawless Takamine preamp system for the most beautiful look and tonal properties.
Spruce is the best wood for acoustic guitar. The solid spruce top makes the guitar sound clear and balanced. Pinewood is a very close relative of spruce.
The pinewood back produces the best resonance and vibration from the strings.
Bubinga is famous for its clarity, flexibility in tone and resistance to decay. Additionally, it has a beautifully rich red color, giving this unique yet attractive guitar an aesthetic appeal. It features ivory buttons on the keys and gold tuners.
This guitar comes with Takamine’s first-class CT4B II preamp system, three-band equalizer, volume control and built-in tuner for a natural soothing effect. The special Takamine Palathetic under-saddle pickup lets you enjoy a superior sonic representation that is second to none.
The golden-colored bronze strings contrast perfectly with the guitar’s lustrous red body. Bronze is softer than steel and tends to oxidize but, it resists corrosion well in humid climates. Bronze strings have a high-end response and sound beautiful on dreadnoughts.
What makes this purchase a great deal is all the accessories that come with the instrument. You will get a Takamine Hard Case, ChromaCast Acoustic 12-string Guitar Strings, 4 Pick Samplers, Folding Guitar Stand, Suede Strap, and GoDpsMusic polish cloth.
Key Features
- Has spruce top and bubinga body
- Features the CT4B II preamp system and Takamine Palathetic under-saddle pickup
- Dreadnought body shape
- 12-Strings, made of bronze
Things to Consider Before Buying Takamine Guitar
Deciding on a musical instrument can be very daunting. Especially if it’s your first purchase. Takamine produces a wide range of excellent guitars that cater to every genre. Here are some critical factors that you must consider before buying your Takamine acoustic-electric guitar.
Budget
The price of an acoustic-electric guitar depends on the brand, quality of materials, and craftsmanship. The cost may range from as little as $100 to as high as $10,000. For beginners, it is a good idea to spend about $200-$600.
Takamine has a splendid collection of mid-range guitars. They provide excellent quality materials with a high-end electronics system that will not break your bank. Making it a favorite brand of beginners, intermediates, and professionals alike.
The Neck
While playing a guitar, you spend the majority of time on its neck. Your guitar must be easy for you to hold and provide comfort and a great feel. Hence the neck profile of the guitar contributes to its playability.
You must consider the profile of the neck. It is the thickness and shape of the curve of the backside. It should be thin enough for you to hold comfortably.
The radius of the front side of the neck and the fret size must be considered as well.
Lastly, the neck material should feel pleasant to hold. Mahogany in satin or glossy finish is a popular choice for its looks and playability.
Shape and Size
The shape and size of the guitar not only affect playability but also the tone of the guitar.
The air trapped within the body causes the soundboard to create vibrations. More vibration means more resonance which results in a pleasant echo.
A big guitar will naturally be louder than a smaller one. But you must choose a size according to your comfort.
A standard-sized dreadnought guitar is around 20” in body length and is the most popular acoustic guitar shape for its bass response. We have chosen some dreadnoughts in our list that will play any genre.
Body and String Material
The materials of the body contribute considerably to the tonal properties and aesthetics of the guitar. The combination of different woods creates a variety of chords, tones, and resonance. Additionally, they are crucial for durability and playability.
The guitar strings determine the warmness of the sound. Your guitar strings should be soft enough for you to practice without hurting your fingers but hard enough to be long-lasting.
Electronics System
The electronics system is undoubtedly the most significant aspect for the sound of an acoustic-electric guitar. The preamp system, equalizer, tuner, and pickup configuration of an acoustic-electric guitar shape the final output.
The highlight of any Takamine guitar is its top-quality electronics system. So, you can pick any guitar from the above list.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. What type of guitar is best for beginners?
Acoustic guitar.
An acoustic guitar is great for practicing different chords, riffs, and scales. You can detect errors in your playing easily and correct them appropriately. Hence, it is easier to learn. Its maintenance is pretty simple and does not cost too high.
2. What is the difference between an acoustic and acoustic-electric guitar?
There is no structural difference between acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars. Acoustically they both sound identical. The only difference is in the electronic system in the acoustic-electric guitar.
3. Can I connect an acoustic guitar to an electric amp?
Yes, you can.
If your acoustic guitar has a built-in electronics system, you can connect it to an electric amp. It will not cause any harm to the amp or your guitar. But the sound will not remain purely acoustic.
4. Can I play an acoustic-electric guitar without an amp?
Yes, of course.
You can play an acoustic-electric guitar without plugging it into an amp. If you want to practice at home or record your playing, you can do so without using an amp. Your playing will sound no different from a traditional acoustic guitar.
5. How much should I spend on a new guitar?
You can spend as much as you want as long as it is within your means.
If you want a good quality branded guitar, you will need to spend more than $150. Beginners should opt for something within $500. Intermediate players can go for a guitar that costs between $500 and $900.
Any guitar above $2000 is usually of first-class material and will give you results accordingly. The best Takamine acoustic-electric guitars cost within this range.
Final Words
The finest quality of materials will give you the most magnificent output. We have sorted out a list of the best Takamine guitars models that will give you the most versatile results.
No matter the price, Takamine ensures outstanding sonic presentation in all of their products. The unique blend of tone-woods paired with the finest electronics system ensure that your guitar looks, feels and sounds great.
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Mark Robinson is a sportswriter for various companies. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington in 1999, majoring in journalism. He specializes in sports reports. As he believes in love to create, to share, and to make people smile.
