On 2005-01-16, Derek Mok gave this Takamine Acoustic Guitar a 5


Purchase: I played this guitar at Sam Ash and also Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. In all cases I've seen, it was selling for $849.
Pros: I've never liked cedar-topped guitars in general; I tend to find the sound muffled and lacking in sparkle. This Takamine is a glaring exception. Not only do its stylings and workmanship always tempt me to pick it up, but the sound on this thing is unbelievably loud and clear. I can almost imagine going to a small coffee-house gig and playing this thing without plugging in. The sound has a good top end and deep bass, both sweetness and cut, the built-in chromatic tuner is good, and the fingerboard is very comfortable. Ergonomically this guitar is, in a word, perfect.
Cons: Not much, really, except it's slightly plain on the looks front. But matched against the dark cedar grain, it's a classy look. Also, the preamp is a little outdated compared to Ovation's newer preamps, not to mention Taylor's Expression System. Finally, it's not exactly the most budget-conscious of guitars, though its price hardly belongs in the top rungs.
Quality: Excellent. It's simply, it feels solid and comfortable both on the fret hand and against the body.

Summary: Kudos, Takamine. This guitar is easily one of the most appealing acoustic-electrics I've ever played, and if I hadn't already picked up a Martin DCX-1E, I might have bought this one instead.