Takamine 12 String

Welcome to our comprehensive roundup on the top Takamine 12 String guitars currently available in the market. In this article, we explore the best options for both professional and amateur musicians seeking rich, resonant sound and exceptional craftsmanship. From iconic models to unique innovations, join us as we discover the finest Takamine 12 String guitars on offer today.

The Top 10 Best Takamine 12 String

1. Takamine EF381DX 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar — Black Edition — Experience the perfect fusion of beauty and sound with the Takamine EF381DX 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, featuring premium “Deluxe” appointments and legendary Takamine technology.
2. Takamine 12 String Thermal Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar Transparent Black — The Takamine EF450C Thermal Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar with a transparent black finish delivers a bold and articulate voice, perfect for professional-level players with its superior craftsmanship and premium sound quality.
3. Takamine P3FCN Nylon String Acoustic-Electric Guitar — Mint Condition, 6-string Classical with Natural Satin Finish — Experience rich, warm sound and exceptional craftsmanship with the Takamine P3FCN 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, featuring a solid cedar top, hand-cut “X” bracing, and luxurious on-board electronics.
4. Takamine Pro Series Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar — Right Handed, Black — Experience unmatched tonal depth and versatility with the Takamine EF381SC Dreadnought 12-string acoustic electric guitar, handcrafted in Japan and featuring a solid cedar top and Palathetic under-saddle pickup for a peerless amplified response.
5. Takamine 12-String Acoustic Guitar — Experience stunning sound and elegant design with the Takamine TSP158C SBL acoustic guitar — a 12 string marvel.
6. Takamine GY93E Acoustic Electric Guitar with Rosewood Back and Cedar Top — The Takamine GY93E Acoustic Electric Guitar boasts a solid spruce top, rosewood sides, and a stunning three-piece rosewood/quilt maple back, providing an elegant, upscale feel and distinctive sound for players seeking focused, articulate performance.
7. Takamine LTD2022 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Natural Finish 12-String Masterpiece — Celebrate Takamine’s 60th anniversary with the stunning LTD2022 Acoustic-Electric Guitar, featuring a beautiful figured spruce top, gorgeous koa back and sides, and exclusive electronics delivering a legendary sound.
8. Takamine Pro Series 12-String Orchestra Guitar — Experience seamless acoustic-electric performance and unmatched craftsmanship with the versatile Takamine Pro Series 3 Orchestra Model Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar.
9. Takamine GN77KCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Koa Natural — Experience stunning sound and style with the Takamine GN77KCE, featuring a Hawaiian Koa body and NEX cutaway design, perfect for both fingerstyle and strumming.
10. Takamine 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar — Brown Sunburst Jumbo Cutaway — Experience stunning sound and playability with the Takamine GJ72CE-12BSB — a high-quality 12-string jumbo acoustic-electric guitar that combines premium features with a beautiful gloss finish.

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Reviews

Takamine EF381DX 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar — Black Edition

Experience the charm of the Takamine EF381DX 12-string Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black. Boasting a rich combination of top-notch features, this instrument delivers a pleasing playing sensation, perfect for any stage.

With a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, the sound is powerful yet reliable. The luxurious black finish adds an extra touch of sophistication to this already impressive piece.

The combination of onboard electronics and a rosewood fingerboard enhances the playing experience, while the mahogany neck ensures a comfortable grip. With Gotoh tuners and pearloid buttons, you can be sure that this guitar will stay in tune for your performances.

The Takamine EF381DX is the ideal choice for those seeking a breathtaking blend of style, sound, and quality.

Takamine 12 String Thermal Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar Transparent Black

I’ve been playing with the Takamine EF450C Thermal Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s a lovely instrument to strum. The transparent blackburst finish really makes it stand out, while the solid thermal spruce top blends perfectly with the flame-maple back, sides, and maple neck.

The 20-fret ebony fingerboard is a dream to play on, with a nut width of 42.5mm ensuring a smooth and comfortable feel. The quick response, balance, and projection are what make this guitar stand out, giving you that warm and bright tone right from the box.

The ornate Grass Flower inlays add a touch of elegance to the guitar’s design, while the matching floral pickguard, white binding, and gold tuners with pearl buttons take things up a notch. The TLD-2 Line Driver preamp is a fantastic feature, eliminating any degradation with long cables while offering that natural acoustic tone.

The only downside I’ve noticed is that it might be a bit tough to change the battery, but that’s a small inconvenience compared to the overall quality and sound of this guitar. All in all, the Takamine EF450C is a winner for both seasoned players and beginners alike.

Takamine P3FCN Nylon String Acoustic-Electric Guitar — Mint Condition, 6-string Classical with Natural Satin Finish

I recently had the chance to play this Takamine P3FCN Nylon String Acoustic-Electric Guitar. It’s a beautiful instrument, with a rich, warm sound that I’ve come to expect from the brand. The solid cedar top and solid sapele back allow for plenty of depth, while the scalloped hand-cut “X” bracing ensures a crisp, balanced sound.

One of the things I appreciated the most was the artful wooden marquetry rosette — it made the guitar feel unique and special. The African mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard felt smooth and comfortable to the touch, and the ‘dot-in-dot’ inlays added a touch of elegance.

With the on-board electronics, I was able to easily control the sound, thanks to the renowned PalatheticGäó pickup and the latest-generation CT4B II three-band preamplifier. The guitar also came with all the necessary case goodies, including a case strap that was still unwrapped.

Overall, I’m really satisfied with this Takamine. It’s a beautifully crafted instrument, perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar. But of course, like any product, it’s not without its drawbacks — nothing’s ever perfect. Still, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for a new guitar.

Takamine Pro Series Dreadnought 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar — Right Handed, Black

As a guitar aficionado, I’ve always been intrigued by 12-string acoustic electric guitars. When I picked up the Takamine Pro Series EF381SC Dreadnought, I was impressed by its craftsmanship and tone. Right off the bat, the guitar’s sleek black finish caught my eye, especially when paired with those elegant maple back and sides. The solid cedar top provided a dynamic range, perfect for both soft ballads and hard rock tunes.

The mahogany neck felt sturdy and responsive, making it a pleasure to play. The CT4B II preamp system added an extra touch of versatility, with the unique Palathetic under-saddle pickup ensuring an exceptional amplified response. However, I did find myself wishing for a little more bass, but overall, this guitar truly shines on stage, making it a must-have for any professional musician.

Takamine 12-String Acoustic Guitar

Lately, I’ve been playing the Takamine TSP158C SBL Acoustic Guitar, and let me tell you, it’s a real charmer. This small jumbo thinline guitar has a rich, vibrant tone, all thanks to its spruce top and figured maple back and sides.

One thing I love about this guitar is its see-through black gloss finish. It’s not just aesthetically pleasing, but also adds to its overall comfort. The guitar is easy to carry around, and its cutaway design makes playing those higher notes a breeze.

However, as much as I love this guitar, there’s one thing that could be improved — the electronics. While it does come with Takamine’s CT-3N electronics, the controls could be a bit more intuitive. Nonetheless, it’s not a deal breaker.

All in all, the Takamine TSP158C SBL Acoustic Guitar is a great companion for any musician looking for a beautiful sound and comfortable playing experience.

Takamine GY93E Acoustic Electric Guitar with Rosewood Back and Cedar Top

Takamine’s GY93E Acoustic Electric Guitar is a delight to play. With its stunning natural gloss finish, this guitar stands out in any setting. The solid spruce top and rosewood sides create a unique sound that’s perfect for live performances.

The slim mahogany neck and 12"-radius bound rosewood fingerboard offer great feel and playability, making it a joy to strum and shred. And with its elegant design, you’ll turn heads wherever you go.

However, be prepared to shell out a few extra bucks for the 9V battery you’ll need to power it up. Despite that, this guitar delivers on all fronts and is worth every penny.

Takamine LTD2022 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Natural Finish 12-String Masterpiece

As a lover of music, I was thrilled to try out the Takamine LTD2022 Acoustic-Electric Guitar in natural finish. This beauty not only looks stunning with its figured spruce top and koa back and sides but also feels incredible to play. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every aspect, from the vibrant abalone purfling to the colorful abalone circle-within-a-circle motif on the position markers.

Playing the LTD2022 is a dream. The warmth and dynamic sound provided by the CTF-2N preamplifier, complete with a chromatic tuner and notch filter, really made a difference. I particularly appreciated the return to Takamine’s early roots with the “Brownie” sound, which is now complemented by modern functions.

However, as with any product, there are some minor drawbacks. The limited availability of this guitar can be a downside for those looking to purchase one. Additionally, the 20-fret neck might not suit everyone’s playing style or preference.

Overall, the Takamine LTD2022 Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a remarkable instrument that any guitar player or collector would treasure. Its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern features make it a standout among the 6-string acoustic-electric guitars available today.

Takamine Pro Series 12-String Orchestra Guitar

The Takamine Pro Series 3 Orchestra Model cutaway acoustic electric guitar offers a versatile playing experience, featuring a top solid cedar, back solid sapele, sides sapele, mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard. The CT4B II preamp system with 3-band EQ, volume control, and built-in tuner provides exceptional sound quality, both acoustically and electrically. The natural satin finish adds elegance, while the unique split-saddle bone bridge ensures flawless intonation and acoustic coupling to the top.

With premium craftsmanship and state-of-the-art onboard electronics, this guitar is an excellent choice for both stage and studio performances.

Takamine GN77KCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Koa Natural

The Takamine GN77KCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Koa Natural boasts a stunning appearance and premium sound quality. With its Koa wood body, it offers a luxurious finish that shines both in performance and appearance. The guitar features a NEX cutaway body, which provides easy access to higher frets, while the Jumbo shape delivers a rich, balanced tone that complements vocals beautifully.

Equipped with Takamine’s own TP-4TD electronics, the guitar offers a three-band EQ and a built-in tuner for seamless transitions to the stage. The guitar also features a gloss finish on both the body and neck, along with a C Soft neck shape for comfort during play.

However, a downside to this guitar is the potential for string issues, such as dead sounding strings and tuning keys that require adjustment. Additionally, the G string may drop out of tune, and a vibration noise from the battery cover has been reported by some users.

Overall, this Takamine guitar is a great choice for beginners and intermediate players performing at small venues. Its affordability and blend of rich Koa wood and advanced electronics make it a worthy investment for those looking to enhance their performance.

Takamine 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar — Brown Sunburst Jumbo Cutaway

The Takamine GJ72CE is a captivating 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that boasts a powerful, jumbo body style and solid-top construction. Featuring a spruce top and flame maple back and sides, it produces an incredibly full and lush sound that players have come to expect from jumbo 12-string guitars. The slim mahogany neck and 12-radius bound rosewood fingerboard ensure a comfortable playing experience, while the onboard Takamine TK-40D preamp system delivers unparalleled versatility and sound quality.

Players will appreciate the premium electronics and top-notch cosmetic features, including a rosewood headcap, abalone rosette, abalone reversed mountain inlay at the 12th fret, gold die-cast tuners with pearl buttons, and a gloss finish. Whether you’re playing with chords or delving into more complex fingerings, the GJ72CE offers ease and comfort in a compact acoustic-electric guitar.

Users have raved about the beauty of this instrument, as well as its exceptional craftsmanship and sound quality. Although some have remarked that the neck may be slightly thicker, making it challenging for individuals with smaller fingers, the high points of this guitar far outweigh any minor inconveniences. The balanced sound, playability, and onboard preamp system provide an outstanding acoustic-electric guitar experience.

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing a 12-string guitar, especially a Takamine 12-string, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. These guitars offer a rich, full sound and are perfect for those looking to add depth and intricacy to their playing. However, with so many options available, it’s essential to consider the features and factors that make a 12-string guitar stand out. In this guide, we’ll explore important considerations, general features, and advice for selecting the perfect Takamine 12-string guitar to suit your needs.

Tone and Sound Quality

One of the most important aspects of a 12-string guitar is its tone and sound quality. Takamine 12-string guitars are renowned for their rich and resonant sound, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and advanced construction techniques. When selecting a 12-string guitar, it’s essential to listen to the instrument in person or watch online demos to get a good sense of its tonal characteristics. Be sure to consider the guitar’s pickups and electronics as well, as these can significantly impact the sound quality and playability of the instrument.

Body Style and Size

Another important factor to consider when selecting a 12-string guitar is the body style and size. Takamine offers various body styles, including dreadnought, jumbo, and cutaway, each with its own unique aesthetic and tonal characteristics. Additionally, the size of the guitar can impact your comfort and playability. Consider your playing style, preferences, and physical comfort when selecting the body size.

String Tension and Action

Due to the additional strings, 12-string guitars often have higher string tension and action compared to their six-string counterparts. Takamine 12-string guitars feature a truss rod system that helps maintain proper string tension and reduces the risk of neck issues. When choosing a 12-string guitar, it’s essential to consider the action height, as a proper setup will make the instrument more comfortable to play and contribute to a better overall sound. Adjustments to the action height may be necessary after purchase, so be prepared to invest time in setting up your new guitar.

Maintenance and Care

Taking care of your Takamine 12-string guitar will help ensure its longevity and playability. Proper maintenance includes regular cleaning, re-stringing, and adjusting the truss rod as needed. Additionally, it’s essential to store your guitar in a case or humidified environment to protect it from damage caused by fluctuating humidity and temperature levels. By investing time in the care and maintenance of your 12-string guitar, you’ll be able to enjoy its rich sound and playability for years to come.

FAQ

What are the main features of Takamine 12 String guitars?

Takamine 12 String guitars are known for their superior build quality, sound, and versatility. Some of their main features include high-quality solid wood construction, cutaway design for easy access to the upper frets, and advanced electronics for enhanced amplification. These guitars are perfect for both live performances and studio recordings.

Additionally, they come with a T-Bar under-saddle pickup system, which provides a balanced and natural sound that captures the nuances of the guitar’s unique tone. The onboard controls on the cutaway give you the ability to adjust volume and tone before or during a performance, making them a top choice for professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.

What types of 12-string Takamine guitars are available?

Takamine offers a variety of 12-string guitars, each with its own unique design and features. Some of their most popular models include the GD20CE-NAT, GE-12XCE-NAT, and the newly launched GN222SC-NAT. These models cater to various price points and offer different finishes, such as natural or glossy.

It is essential to consider factors such as budget, playing style, and performance requirements when selecting a 12-string Takamine guitar, as this will help you determine which model best suits your needs. Regardless of the model chosen, you can expect exceptional craftsmanship, sound quality, and the reputation Takamine guitars are known for in the industry.

What are the benefits of owning a 12-string Takamine guitar?

A 12-string Takamine guitar offers several benefits to players seeking a fuller, richer, and more versatile sound. One significant advantage is the added volume and projection that the additional strings provide, making the guitar ideal for live performances and outdoor venues. This added presence can help it stand out in a mix, particularly when accompanied by other instruments or microphones.

Additionally, 12-string guitars offer greater flexibility, allowing players to explore different musical genres and styles. The extra strings enable more intricate chord voicings and more extensive range, which can add depth and color to your playing. Many musicians find that working with a 12-string guitar provides additional opportunities to express themselves and experiment with new techniques.

Are Takamine 12-string guitars suitable for beginners or only for advanced players?

Takamine 12-string guitars are suitable for players of all skill levels, including beginners. While experienced musicians may appreciate the advanced features and build quality, the models are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for those learning to play. This balance between quality, playability, and affordability makes Takamine guitars an excellent choice for those looking to expand their musical horizons.

However, the extra strings on a 12-string guitar demand a bit more attention to technique and tuning, which can present a learning curve. It is crucial for beginners to invest in proper maintenance tools, such as a high-quality tuning machine and an adjustable truss rod, to maintain the instrument’s playability and sound quality. With dedication and practice, however, anyone can learn and enjoy playing a 12-string Takamine guitar.

How does the sound of a 12-string Takamine guitar compare to a 6-string guitar?

A 12-string Takamine guitar produces a unique and fuller sound compared to a typical 6-string guitar. The addition of six extra strings provides increased volume, projection, and richness, making the guitar more suitable for live performances and recording sessions. The added presence of the lower strings can emphasize and enhance the mid-range frequencies, resulting in a more balanced and articulate sound palette.

While many players initially choose a 12-string guitar because of its distinct sound, it is crucial to note that it may not always be the best fit for various musical situations. For beginners or those new to the instrument, a 6-string guitar might be more approachable and easier to learn on. The key is to consider the desired sound and playing style when choosing between 6-string and 12-string Takamine guitars, ensuring the right instrument to meet your musical needs.

Do Takamine 12-string guitars need additional maintenance or care compared to 6-string guitars?

While Takamine 12-string guitars require the standard care and maintenance any guitar needs, there are a few additional aspects to consider. Due to the extra strings and the need to balance the tension across the entire fretboard, the guitar may require more frequent tuning and attention to the guitar’s bridge and saddle, ensuring it remains aligned and seated properly.

It is also essential to maintain proper string tension and ensure that the truss rod is set correctly to prevent issues such as fret buzz or neck diving. With regular care and proper handling, you can ensure your Takamine 12-string guitar remains in excellent playing condition for years to come. Some recommended maintenance practices include regular tuning, periodic cleaning and polishing, and taking the guitar to a professional for any necessary adjustments or repairs.

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