Conference napalm::guitar

    Mark:
    
    I don't know a thing about pickups, but my wife has a 10 year old
    Takamine (looks like a Martin D-18) which is as nice a dreadnought
    as I've seen/played.  The tone is full while maintaining very clear
    trebles and the action (never adjusted) is superb. Workmanship is
    superior throughout.  Takamine in general seems to be class outfit,
    I've never heard of anyone who disliked one of their guitars.  Last
    time I saw James Taylor performing live he was using an
    acoustic/electric Takamine.

    - Evan

    Mark I have a tak an EFS-360 I think with the pickups, volume and
    two tone controls. I use it very seldom as an electric but the guitar
    has awesome tone and is extremely well built. I bought mine from
    Strings and Things in Rochester NH.
    
    What sold me was an article in GP by some semi-famous acoustic
    guitarist collumist who said if you can't buy a Martin then buy
    a tak, 4/5 of a martin at less than 1/2 the price.....
    
    
    dbII

    
    re. .2, Even if you can afford a Martin, what type of pickup can
    you get on one ?? If I have to settle for a Martin with a thinline
    335 pickup mounted in the bridge, I would rather have the Tak anyways.
    
    I need to find a dealer in the local area that has the model I'm
    looking for. I don't know the model number off hand, but I have
    their catalogue at home. I stopped in at Kurlans Music. They are
    a Takamine dealer, but their prices are just below list price, 
    and they didn't have the model I want in stock. They quoted me
    about $700. I'm sure I can do much better than that elsewhere.
    
    Does Daddy's carry Takamine ? 
    
    Thanks,
    Mark Jacques
    
    

    	Check out a Baggs pickup system which I've heard is a
    good setup. 

    
         I also own a Takamine, made of mahogany.  I had been looking
    to get an Alvarez, but couldn't find one that felt right to me.
    When I picked up the Takamine, I knew I had my new guitar.  It sounds
    a lot better many more expensive guitars, and the action is great!
    I wish I could give you some info about pickups, but I know nothing
    about Takamine's pickups.  I hadn't realized the relationship between
    Takamine and Ovation (I'd take a Tak over an Ovation any day), but
    if they have the same pickups as the Ovations, all the better. 
    I bought mine at Russo Music (no relation) in Lowell, someone happened
    to trade the instrument in while I was in the store, it was the
    only one in the store.  I haven't seen them in the music stores
    I've been to lately though.  Good luck in your quest.
    
    Dave
    
    

    I called Daddy's in Nashua. They tracked down the model I am
    interested in, and said that it is available in Boston, and 
    2 other stores in Mass. They quoted me a selling price of $539.
    They also welcome trades. It looks like I am off to Boston
    as soon as I can get out that way.
    
    Mark Jacques
    

    Mark, from my experience (and IMHO, of course), it's always better
    to sell an instrument outright than to trade it towards another.
    Dealers never seem to give you the full price you could get if you
    sell the instrument yourself -- probably because they have to turn
    around and sell your [used] instrument themselves, thus tying up
    cash in a used inventory when they could just as easily get the
    $$ up front from someone else.  You might have to wait a bit to
    sell yours on the used market, but then you can go to Daddy's with
    cash in hand.
    
    joe.

    By the way, a little closer to home, Kurlan's had some nice
    takamine cutaway acoustics the last tiem I checked.
    
    -Dave

    Joe, you are right. I don't intend to give my Guild away for a song,
    so I guess I'll have to wait until I can get a reasonable price
    for it. 
    
    Re .8  You are right. Kurlan's has the Takamine franchise for the
    entire Worcester county area. Problem is Kurlans charges list prices
    for most things, and rarely discounts more than $20 off the price.
    
    Example, the guitar I am planning to get list for around $700, and
    that's what Kurlan's wants for it. Daddy's is selling the same guitar
    for $539. Well worth the trip to Boston or Southern NH.
    
    Mark Jacques
    

    RE: .9
    Go to Southern N.H. and avoid the MA state sales tax!!!
    
    joe.

	I just came across a used Takamine acoustic with a built in
	pickup.  I'm not sure what model, but they only wanted $169
	for it.  It looked to be in real good shape.  I'm kind of 
	toying with the idea of picking it up, almost too good a deal
	to pass up.  It has a few little dings and scratches on the back
	and sides, but nothing that even detracts from the overall 
	appearance.  

	I haven't tried it through an amp yet.

	-gary

    This may be a little late, but I bought a Takamine 25th anniversary
    model last July at Steve's Quality Instruments in Danvers, MA. The
    list price was $695, I got it for $430. If you are going to Boston,
    you may want to stop by Steve's in Danvers first. They seem to be
    good people to do business with. And an opinion of Tak; I wouldn't
    trade it for any Martin or Guild.
    
    Gene Hamel (a newcomer)

>>> And an opinion of Tak; I wouldn't trade it for any Martin or Guild.
        
	Great, that will keep the demand for used Martins down and maybe
we can continue to trade them without the price getting any further out
of hand.

	The best use that I've heard of for a Takamine was Ricky Skaggs;
he threw away the guitar and put the pickup and pre-amp in his Martin.

	And an opinion of Martin; I wouldn't trade it for anything but
another Martin.
                 ;^)       
		
		[Mike_M]

P.S. Before this starts all the flames, (and I know what kind of religious
fervor surrounds ones choice of guitar), I've  owned and played (as
primary instruments) Epiphone, Alverez, Ovation, Ramsey, Gibson, and Martin
guitars.  For dependability, even response, and tone I've always loved
the Martin sound.

    Raffi uses a Takamine :-)
    
    I tried a Takamine 6 string, cutaway, with pickup and 4 band EQ
    this weekend.  It was burgundy with the white bindings (new color
    offered by Tak).  I played through a Crate amp (G40C?) which recently
    won "amp of the year" from somebody.
    
    The guitar floored me!  The tone, with or without the amp, was crisp
    clean and full.  It is definitely on my "to buy" list now.  I was
    looking for a 12 string cutaway with the same electronics but it
    appears they don't make 12 string cutaways (strain maybe?).
    
    The dealer I was at, is giving away a Tak 6 string this weekend
    as part of their 10th anniversary.  A Takamine representative will
    also be there.  Anyone have any questions you want me to ask him?
    
    Mike

I have a Tak that I love the sound of....I spent the extra and got the piezio
pickups and a solid (vs. laminate) top.

great guitar

dbii

    dbii, did you get the cutaway?  In my search for a new guitar, I've
    got my choices narrowed down to a Tak cutaway with the EQ and pickups
    or a Zion Radicaster.
    
    Mike

 Nope mine is an older (6years) ESF-360 ??? (maybe that's the number) it is/was
the top of the line dreadnaught style with the pickups. I have never regretted
the expense of the guitar (not that it was that bad), it's a beautiful sounding
axe...with a good feel...

dbii 

    Does Takamine make a 12 string version of their cutaway with the 4 band
    EQ system?
    
    A dealer here told me they do and I think he's full of it.  Their
    catalog doesn't have them but he claims they are available as a custom
    order.
    
    Mike

    Re: -1 on Takamine 12 string cutaways
    
    Never mind, my question was answered at lunchtime.  The new issue of
    CCM arrived today and had a photo of Tony Melendez playing one.
    
    Mike

    Takamine has been coming out with new color options on their
    acoustic/electrics lately.  Some that are available (other than natural
    finish) are black, white, burgundy, and cherry wood finish.
    
    Mike

    I had a black one trimed out in white. Sharp looking with nice tone and
    very good electronics. Excellent guit for the $ at the time but I sold
    it.
    
    Dave.

    A buddy of mine has a grey sunburst - different, I guess.
    
    
    				Scary
    
    ps - sounds GREAT though ...

    
    Looking for information on Takamine guitars. . .
    
         * sound quality
     
         * value
    
         * longeviety
    
         * recommended strings
    
    Any info will be much appreciated. . .
    
    Thanks in advance. . . 
    
    
    
    

    I used to have one. It got ripped off.  I'm bummin'.  It was a 
    great acoustic, and if you ask me, for the $$$ they are a great
    deal !
    
    Also, the singer in our band plays a pretty new model with graphic
    EQ and a cut away.  I think it sounds great standalone and plugged
    up.  I don't know much else about acoustics, so I'll shut up now.
    
    jc

great guitars...I've had one for about 8 years now...great guitars

strings: I use adamas but some folk don;t like them

dbii

    I've looked at them, and found them to be great all around guitars.
    
    Takamine is owned by Kaman, the parent company of Ovations, and they 
    use the same pickup and preamps in the Takamine acoustic/electrics
    that they use in the Ovations. The pickups feature a separate crystal 
    piezo element under each string (on the bridge saddle). The preamps
    are active FET featuring a 3 or 4 band eq, depending on the model. 
    
    For the price, I believe they are one of the best values in acoustic/
    electrics to be had. The model I was hot on buying is the EF350MC,
    which features curly maple back, sides, and neck, a cutaway, and the
    pickup/preamp system, for about $600.00. They also make a 12 string 
    with a mahogany top which is reported to be the most popular 12 string
    on the market.
    
    In the Worcester area, they are available at Daddy's and Kurlan's.
    
    Mark
    
    
    
    

    I was talking 'bout Takamine's in the last note:-)...   Thinking about
    the cutaway vs. the full bodied over the weekend, to my ears, there was
    some loss of sound in the cutaway.  Or at least in the cutaway I
    played.  
    
    The onboard electronics are incredible though.  A couple features on
    the newer Tak's include having the battery now accesible from the outside
    of the guitar.  They've included it in a cartridge built onto the same
    unit as the bass, treble and parametric EQ sliders.  So you no longer
    need to remove the strings to get at the battery.  Also the volume dial
    recedes into the guitar when you don't need it immediately handy.  This
    is similar to the dials on some Honda car radios.  Push it in, the dial
    stays there, push it again, and the dial pops up.  Also... they now
    have a little button on this same panel that lights up LEDs on the
    tips of each individual slider.  The button was little, little...
    
    2�4U
    
    Ben./ 

    I've had my Takamine 12 string for almost 11 yrs now. to call it a good
    guitar is a gross understatement. It's a great guitar; everything a
    guitar should be. Excellent by any measure - workmanship, materials,
    and sound. I would also like to add that my guitar has been played by
    many others and not one of em were so much as complacent about it. They
    all remarked about the sound and action, whether strictly acoutic or
    when plugged in. No need to hesitate in getting one if they're built by
    the same standards the were 11 yrs ago. They weren't owned by Kaman
    then, but I'd have no reason to suspect that the quality has since been
    diminished. Kaman is a reputable company, not some fly by night
    organization of investors who know nothing about their business's
    products or markets. 
    
    My advice is go on down to the store and play it. If you like it, make
    your best deal cause you'll only like it better in time and not be at
    all disappointed.
    
    Good luck
    Sakman

    
    I have one.
    
    About 4 years old.
    
    I love it!!
    					Steve
    

    I've had my eye on a 6 string cutaway with 4 band EQ for quite some
    time.  Last night's paper had one that was a few months old, mint
    condition for $750.
    
    I have a contact into a mail order dealer that will sell me one for
    $600 including case (has a tiny scratch on the back so it is
    considered a factory second).
    
    Get a factory second if you can and save a few bills.  Takamine has a
    rep for having the CLEANEST factory seconds around.
    
    Mike

    I have an N-10, a dreadnaught with a solid cedar top and mahogany sides
    and back.  I do mostly finger-picking and really like this instrument. 
    It has a nice sound for doing James Taylor sort of folkie stuff...
    
    I just bought a Hirade (Takamine's top-of-the-line classical guitars). 
    Its a Model V-- cedar top, rosewood sides and back.  This is an
    absolutely WONDERFUL guitar.  It's a factory second or third (cosmetic
    damage), but I got it for $500-- list for a first is like $1100. 
    
    Jim_who_loves_his_Tak_and_his_Hirade

    
    Any suggestions on where to get said factory seconds?
    
    
    ben.

    try any of your local dealers for seconds.  
    
    Mike

    Hi Ken, Bruce Davy here from CSS Kanata. I recently purchased a
    Takamine NC-15P cutaway/cedar top/parametric EQ/hardshell case from 
    Dominic's on Carling Ave near Broadview in Ottawa. When I first
    got it, it buzzed a little but that was a result of the addition
    of extra light gauge strings. Took it in and it was adjusted to
    my liking. It now plays like a dream.        
    
    Just a note, my git is the full size, single cutaway western body acoustic. 
    There is a special edition thin body/moulded back with EQ unit
    available which can be had but in my opinion, sounds "thin and
    tinny" compared to the "wood" model.
                   
    Things to compare - Play a lower level model WITHOUT the para EQ
    and put it though a ROLAND JAZZ CHORUS 60 or 120 or better still,
    bring in your own amp and use it for the demo. Play with the
    tone and volume controls and listen to the "crispness and clarity"
    of the individual string sounds and the richness of various favorite
    licks/chords.
    
    Then do the same thing with a git that has the EQ in it and listen
    to the tonal difference by playing similar licks/chords. 
    
    Also, take some time to play with the EQ. You gan get some really
    neat sounds out of it including a very interesting solid body sound
    for blues oriented music.      
                                              
    Notice the difference in the versatility and tone/sound control
    over the non EQ'd model(s).
    
    In my opinion, the EQ'd model runs away from all the others! 
    
    If you decide to buy one, consider the following. Steves' Music
    in Renfrew can really deal on Taks'. Take a drive up when time permits
    and get a price(and always ask for cash deal prices including hardshell
    case and new strings and TAX included). Then go back to Dominic's or
    Steve's on Rideau and tell 'em the deal but don't say who's price.
                                
    Whoever you talk to will "him & haw" around and say they can't match
    it, but they can and will if you talk cash!  So stick with it and
    don't be concerned to suggest if they can't match or beat the price,
    you'll go elsewhere.
    
    Because the retail economy is a little soft in OTT now, you can
    surely get a dealer to match your price and if you're a little determined,
    you can problably talk them down another $50 or so bucks and get yourself
    a great deal on a great guitar. 
    
    The deal I got was as follows,
    
    NC-15P Cedar Top/Cutaway 
    Hardshell Plush Case
    Strap
    Strings
    BOSS Chorus Pedal
    TAX
    
    $950.00 - CASH!(retail total was $1.5K)
                   
    
    If you have any further questions, give me a call at 621-4082.
    
    Good Dealing and keep on pickin'.....
    
    B

    I think the Takamine with the 4 band EQ might be overkill since my
    preamp has EQ.  Do they make a version of this with just the pickup and
    gain control? (+ cutaway, white binding, etc.)  Anyone know the model #
    and/or price?
    
    Thanks,
    Mike_who's_cursed_with_a_practical_nature ;-)

    
    Not sure of the model #, but I believe I have seen Takamines in music
    stores without the EQ, and they may have been with the cutaway too.
    
    Dave

    
    
    
    	Yep, Capitol City Music here in Augusta Maine has about a dozen of
    them, including 5 or 6 without EQ and one cutaway no EQ.  One of these
    is a Maple (neck, sides, back)... guitar and it sounds great... I'm
    really impressed with the all maple construction.. my first impression
    would be that it would lack warmth, but it don't... it sound goooood!
    
    
    Steve
    
    probably the only player in history to amp his expensive, cool
    sounding, Fender tube amp into a cheap, sterile sounding xtor amp [;^)

    I'm interested in picking up a Tak (Buck with an acoustic...yes,
    believe it!).  
    
    Can anyone give me a list of dealers in the Greater Mass Area
    besides Steves in Danvers and Kurlan's (Two already mentioned in this
    note)?
    
    Buck, who sez the Burgandy one sounds NICE!

    Fitchburg Music had some real nice ones that last time I was in
    there (about a month ago); cutaway acoustics with pickups/vol/
    tone controls.
    
    - Dave

    2nd that on Fitchburg music. I played some in the last 2 months
    that were really nice. He also had some seconds, with minor
    finish defects, that were a good price.
    
    Bob

    Thanks Muchly guys...I'm really psyched to ckeck one out...if they're
    as awesome as everyone says they are, I'm buying it on the spot!
    
    Cheers,
    Buck, goin acoustic for a while

	No Way.

Dave

    
    
    	Way!

    I hear those Takamine acoustics sound great through a CRANKED Marshall
    Stack, Buck!

    I played a Takamine cutaway w/4 band EQ through a Marshall �Stack a few
    months ago.  It sounded pathetic to me!
    
    I think the �Stack is for electrics only ;-)
    
    Mike

    Well, I took the plunge...
    
    I'm now the proud owner of a NP-15C!  It's a cool guitar...LOUD!
    It;s got the parametric eq on it, so that should be fun.  Thanks 
    to all who provided pointer info!
    
    Cheers,
    Buck

    I have an older (1980) Takamine EF340S acoustic/electric guitar with
    pickup problems.  I bought the guitar as a "second".  Since I have had
    the guitar, the pickup has not worked reliably.  When amplified, some
    strings are louder than the others.  I have messed with the saddle and
    pickup.  It usually changes the string(s) that are not being "picked
    up".  I have ordered a replacement pickup and saddle.  I feel the
    problem is either the routed slot that the pickup rests in, the pickup
    or the saddle is not making an even contact across the pickup.  The
    electronics seem to work.  From the pictures shown in a recent
    brochure, it has changed quite a bit.  The new pickup mounts underneath
    the bridge.  My pickup sits in the bridge slot and is sandwiched
    between the bridge and saddle.

    Has anyone had any experience with these pickups that can provide some
    advice or direction when installing the new pickup and saddle?

    Any advice will be appreciated.

Well, if you think your gonna relace it,, I'd opt for one of the
Seymore Duncan jobs that look like a (black) tube and fit nicely
into the sound hole of (name your favorite acoustic here)

My buddy Wayne has one o his 'Hamaya' and it sounds great.
I think it went around 60/65 George-a-Washingtons..

I've got one of the slim bridge type pickups in my ibanez
lonestar,,,,,,,,, and it's o.k. but I like the odder one better...

More authentic acoustic sound...  (IMHO)

    Nah daon't listen to these guys, put an origonal pickup in it if you
    can get it, better yet have it done by a Tak authorized repair person. 
    The pickup that goes into the sound hole is not part of the guitar, 
    it's an add-on to an acoustic with metal strings, and if you wanted
    one of those you would have bought one in the first place.
    
    

    I want to stay with the takamine pickup.  Since posting this note I
    have been told I can't get a new pickup without first returning the old
    one. The distributor says they are getting installed in other guitars. 
    If you want a takamine pickup, you have to buy the guitar too.

    I also talked with a repair person in California.  He feels it is the
    saddle. I had replaced it with a plastic cheapo.  He recommended a bone
    or malimine precisely fitted.  The saddle should fit snugly into the
    bridge slot, but not too snug that it binds when installing it.  The
    current saddle does lean  forward a little when the strings are
    tightened.

    I'll post the results of installing a new bridge here.

    Thanks for the replies.
    
    Dave

    I took the guitar to an authorized Takamine repair shop in Denver. 
    They have never done any real warranty work on Takamines.  Their
    recommendation was to replace the pickup with some other brand for
    $100+ since they didn't have any Takamine parts.

    I told them I could get a replacement pickup for $20 and would try that
    first.

    In the process of removing the pickup to exchange it for another, I
    noticed the material underneath the pickup didn't cover the full length
    of the bridge slot.  It's a PC board type of material 1/16" thick.  The
    closest I could get was a piece of PC board 3/32" thick.  I glued it to
    the bottom of the bridge slot and put it back together.  It has worked
    great ever since!

    The components mounted in the bridge slot are:

		+-----------------------------------+
		|                                   | saddle
		+-----------------------------------+

	        +-----------------------------------+
		|+----------------------------------+ pickup
	        ||
	        ||+---------------------------------+
	        ||+---------------------------------+ PC board material
	        ||
	   -----||------------------------------------- top of body
		wires to preamp
		built into the guitar

    The string tension holds the saddle and pickup firmly in the slot.

    Note that Takamine changed this design on its later guitars.  The new
    system mounts from inside underneath the bridge.  The above components
    are accessible from the top of the guitar.

	Dave

    Anyone know a good place to get factory seconds (i.e., large discounts)
    on a EF360SC?  (6 string cutaway with parametric eq)
    
    Mike

    Takamine is imported by Ovation, which is based in CT.  When I was
    living there, there used to be lots of factory seconds available in the
    stores.
    
    Try calling Ovation up and see if you can get them to tell you what
    dealers get their seconds.
    
    						Brian

>    Try calling Ovation up and see if you can get them to tell you what
>    dealers get their seconds.
    
    I did just that.  For us westerners, they told me to call:
    
    Coast Wholesale Music
    Compton, CA.
    (213) 537-1712
    
    I couldn't get thru today, but will try again tomorrow.
    
    Mike

    OK boys in the know, or at least those who would offer oinion; I'm
    looking at a Takamine 350 MC (Maple/Cutaway) in excellent to new
    condition for $450 asking. It has no case. I love everything about it
    so much that I'm considering going beyond my means ($300-$350) to get it.
    Another guitar that's in the running for the same money is an Ovation 
    Legend in good enough, but not excellent condition. I was surprised that 
    I liked the sound as well as i did as Ovations usually leave me cold. 
    The Ovation has no pickup. I do have a DiMarzio soundhole pickup so its
    a minor factor. What say you gents (and ladies if you're reading)?
    
    Now, before you give me the generic "chose the one that you like best"
    or "suits your style of playing", I'm looking for specifics such as how
    much can I buy either one for new?  Or, " hey dude, I know thees guy
    whos seester needs money real bad man an' she got thes Martin guitar
    man an she'll give you h**d too man for real cheap man."
    
    "sakman" 

    According to "1990-1991 Guitar Buyer's guide"
    
    	EF-350MC	$849 (Takamine)
    	Legend		$929 (Ovation)
    
    Both prices are for guitars without pickups ...
    
    Scary

    
    I am the proud owner of a new Tak 360.  It a beautiful guitar 
    and I believe the on-board eq and gain controls are very useful.  
    Jerry helped pick it out.   Next week me and the boys are gonna
    have an "Unplugged" jam.

    I'm jealous!

    You should be - it's a honey, and sounds *sooo* sweet through my rack.
    
    Especially running through the GP8 using maximum distortion/compressor.
    The whammy is pretty bogus, but it doesn't lock so what do you expect ?
    
    
    Scary (full of excrement today)

    I tried a 360SC thru my M1 one day and thought it sounded great.  Pat's
    all set there.
    
    Mike

    No doubt ...
    
    	o American Standard Strat
    	o Gibson ES-335
    	o Takamine elec/acoustic
    	o Kittyhawk M3
    	o 3 space rack ... wait a minute, how'd that get in there ?  Oh
    	  yeah - he was a zygote MRP for a while ...   8^)
    
    Scary

I've had a 360 for years now and it just keeps getting better...you'll love it.

dbii

    hey Dukes I too just got a Takamine last week. It's the 350MC 
    (maple/cutaway). I got it for $400. It was used but I'll be damned if I
    could tell, they could've put a new price tag on it and I wouldn't have
    known the difference. I guess not everyone is like a used car shister.
    
    So tell me, whats the difference between a 350 and the 360, any idea?
    How much $$ did you throw for yours?
    
    "sakman"

    
    	re: -.1  about $300 more (w/ tax and case).  Glad it was my
    	B-day and I still a newlywed.
    
    	re: Jerry
    
    	an *M1*, my friend, not M3 (which are *also* very cool)

    OK, you got an M1, and I got an MP-1 (P as in "puke").
    
    You did got on the Tak pal ... trust me ... I beat 'em out of another
    $60 when I picked it up ... yeah, that'll teach 'em to give me a 1989
    quote ....
    
    Scary

    What are the differences between the 350 and the 360 besides $300?
    Anybody know anything about the product lineup? Anybody have any
    literature about the 350 in particular? I'd like to know a little more
    technical detail/marketing bullshit about it besides what I can see on
    mine; I know it has six strings, preamp, and made out of maple but
    thats all.
    
    "sakman" 

	I wanna hear about these babies because after selling 2 electrics
	and a pile of miscellaneous toyz I can feel it commin'...

    The 360 has a solid sitka spruce top vs. a laminate on lower models.
    The difference in sound, that I could hear anyway, was pretty minute.
    
    dbii

    re -.1
    
    Hey Dave, what do you mean by "laminate"? I don't think my 350 is
    laminated at all if your term laminate is in the traditional sense of
    the word, ie pressed together to form layers - at least not that I can
    see. If you mean the top is two halfs glued together, I can't see that
    either; there'd be a seam in the middle. I'll check that out tonite
    when I get home to be sure but I think I would have noticed it.
    
    "sakman"

Nope I mean laminate as in plywood....but when I bought my 360 they didn't
make a 350 that I know of, I'm pretty sure the next model down was the 340 and
it definately had a plywood top. But it is hard to stay up on everything these
days...

dbii

    
    	re: back a few.
    
    	Sorry about the "about $300 difference" comment.  I shoulda said,
    	"I don't know the differences".  Thanks for not letting me get away
    	with a BS comment like that. 
    
    	-pat

re:.27 ...what do you mean by "laminate"? I don't think my 350 is
    laminated at all ...If you mean the top is two halfs glued together, 
    I can't see that either; there'd be a seam in the middle.

I would doubt if the top is a single piece of wood.  That would require a huge
spruce tree.  Every acoustic with a wood top that I have ever looked at has 
had a two piece top with a glue seam down the middle.

Jim

    I checked out a Takamine catalog that I have at home.  The 350 series
    were described as having "spruce" tops, implying a laminated top-- they
    explicitly state "solid" on the guitars that have a solid top.
    
    Most 360-series have solid tops (a solid top is signified by an "S"
    after the 360 in the model number).
    
    The 360-series also have bound fingerboards.  The other major
    difference is, of course, the fact that the 360-series have laminated
    rosewood sides and back, while the 350 series have laminated maple
    sides and back.
    
    Jim

    Thanks Jim, I appreciate the info.
    
    "sakman"

    I picked up a VERY nice Takamine F-360 (no electronics, no
    cutaway) at lunch. Great tone!

Ohhh! I have a 360. It was once the top of the line dreadnought,with a solid
sitka spruce top etc...mine has the electronics though..

great gits!

dbii

    All this talk about TAK's made me to go see for myself.
    	 I *THINK* the one I played was an EN-35/350?
    Rosewood sides/back maple? front, ebony f/board
    
    Beautiful. Sweet tone and the action perfect.  Strings were a little
    heavy for my liking, but.......
    	I played it through a VOX 100 combo. Came across pretty well.
    But I would like to have tried it in a more suitable enviornment,
    i.e. on stage with drums/keys.
    
    I'll be doing this tonight along with another (forget the name)semi
    I want to try on stage. 
    Both of these seem to give me what i'd like. I play a lot of 70's
    stuff.
    
    I'll post more info after the weekend
    
    
    
    KEVIN
    
     

    Takamine has an F-series and an N series.  I'm guessing that since
    you remember an "EN" in the model number, it was an N series instrument
    (The "E" in "EN" indicates "electic", i.e. the guitar has Takamine's
    pickup system in it).  
    
    The natural series instruments have a low-gloss satin finish and no
    fretboard inlay.  Most of the instruments in the series have cedar
    tops. 
    
    I doubt the guitar had a maple top, but to make you tkink so, I'm
    guessing it was one of the upper end models with a spruce top. 
    I'm pretty sure that the fretboard is rosewood, not ebony. 
    The model number is more likely to be EN-35 than EN-350.
    
    Did the guitar have abalone inlay around the top?  If so, it is 
    probably the instrument that I'm thinking of, and I can look up
    the model number and exact specifications.
    
    Jim

        Jim,
        
        Any idea what the "FP" stands for? Maybe _something_ "Palathetic"
        referring to  the  EQ  system.  I have the FP 360 SC and the SC
        refers to the  solid (as opposed to just the number, indicating
        that the top is a laminate, I believe) Spruce / Cutaway.
        
        Just an incidental - this guitar sounds better the  more I play
        it - I don't even bother to plug it in most of the time.  Based
        on this one and the others I've played, Takamine are definitely
        worthy of consideration if you're in the market for a mid range
        acoustic or preamped acoustic.
        
        Andy
        
        PS. Daddy's has the 92 LTD on 'special' for $999, cedar and koa
        if I remember right  - buy any Tak this month and get a moulded
        flight case for $60...
        
        

	I just sold my trusty Guild acoustic guitar, so now I
    am officially in the market for a Takamine acoustic/electric.
    The models that seem the most interesting to me are:

	EF350MC. This guitar has maple back, sides, and a 
	laminated spruce top. Cutaway body. Palathetic pickup 
	with "4-band graphic" equalizer. It's really a 3-band 
	eq with a volume control. I've seen these selling for
	~$539.00 with hsc, but that was a few years ago. Does
	anyone know the average current price.

	EF360SC. This guitar has rosewood back, sides, and
	a solid spruce top. Palathetic pickup with "4-band
	graphic" equalizer. Cutaway body. These generally 
	sell for about $600.00 with hsc.

	FP360SC. The 'P' indicates that the guitar has the 
	palathetic pickup but with a "parametric eq". Other
	specs the same as the EF360SC.

	I have several items for sale right now (see note 2) and
    once my sale is over, I'll be in the market for a Takamine
    12-string acoustic-electric. I played an FP400S and I like it
    except for the tuners which have exposed gears, with 6/side
    ganged together. The tuners are gold plated, but are really
    not precision tuners by any means. The guitar plays and sound
    great but I haven't tried it through an amp yet. The price
    listed on it was $699.00. 

	Obviously, it would be to my advantage to wait until my
    sale is over, then take all the cash and buy both guitars at
    the same time to get the best deal. 

	Some of the other models that look interesting, but may be
    dicontinued or out of my price range include:

	EF375SW - This has a three piece back of rosewood and jacaranda.
    Jacaranda sides, bound headstock, pickup, graphic eq. Not listed in
    their current catalog.
	
	F379 - Hawiaan Koa wood top, sides, back, bound headstock. Not
    listed in their current catalog. I'm not sure if they made an electric
    version of this guitar. I'd expect a premium price for the Koa. 

	NP18C- From their "Natural series". I'm not wild about the satin
    finish, but this model features abalone inlay around the body and
    soundhole rossette, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard, rosewood
    back and sides. I would expect a premium price. 

	I'd be interested in comments or suggestions from anyone with
    knowledge of Takamine's current line. I'd also like the name of a
    dealer in Central Mass, southern New Hampshire, or Boston area that
    has a good selection and fair prices. I'd consider used, or even
    mail order to get the best deal.

	Mark Jacques

    Yesterday I drove into Allston Mass (right outside Boston) and 
    visited my favorite music store in Mass.....Mr. Music (Harvard Ave). 
    
    They had a Takamine EF350MC in stock. This guitar must be about 3-4
    years old as it has the older type eq with bass, treble and gain only. 
    The 350MC is a maple cutaway guitar with Takamine's palathetic pickup
    and preamp system. The guitar is in very good condition, has a nice
    slim neck, and sounds very good both acoustically and amplified. They
    were asking $499 for it. I checked around and found that a new one
    would cost about $750 with case, so I considered this to be a pretty
    good deal. The case that accompanied this guitar is an ABS plastic
    hardshell with aluminum trim.  I ended up buying this guitar. 
    
    As a mentioned in my last note, I just sold a Guild F48 last week,
    which I owned for the past 14 years. I have had my heart set on a 
    Takamine for a long time. Now that I made the swap, I'm having 
    second thoughts about whether I did the right thing or not. The 
    Takamine is a great guitar and is far superior to many other brands
    when it comes to amplifying it, but IMHO it does not have the same
    vintage appeal as a fine Guild, Martin, or Gibson. I have to
    consider this in the context of the rest of my guitar collection
    which consists of very traditional guitars (Telecaster, Strat, ES175, 
    ES345, Jazz Bass...all original). I plan to keep the Takamine for
    now and take time to think about it before I decide whether I want
    to keep it or trade it. 
    
    Any thoughts ??
    
    Mark
    

    
    
    
       It kinda sounds like you are a canidate for a Santa Cruz.
    But give the tak some time first.    Wish _I_ had one.
    
       Lately I have been playing my Ephiphone 12 string.  I have 
    never had so much fun and played so well, (at least for my 
    standards.)    If this keeps up I'll be looking for a new one.
    
       My guitars and I have the ultimate "love, hate" relationship.
    For now it's love.
    
       Rick.
    

    Mark, I agree with -1, give the Takamine some time.  Think about why
    you bought it...
    
    I know you now have an excellent start on a collection of high quality,
    relatively 'vintage' guitars.  However, you've also mentioned that all
    of your guitars are 'functional' inasmuch as you can play them without
    having to worry about wear and tear (like you would if you had a '52
    Tele, a '64 Strat, a '59 Les Paul, etc.).
    
    If the Takamine provides the fine amplified sound that you want for
    live gigs, and if it gives good results in your home studio, then
    you're all set.  If not, then maybe you want to look at upgrading to a
    Martin, or another (more collectable?) instrument in the future.  Maybe
    you want to upgrade eventually anyway?
    
    Sounds like the Tak should give you the results you were looking for
    when you bought it.
    
    	joe.

    I called Mr. Music back, and they said if I decide I want another
    guitar, they will credit me 100% towards another model. They
    have an excellant selection of Guilds, Gibsons, Martins, ect.
    I plan to wait at least a week and give the Takamine a chance
    to win my heart.
    
    Mark

    Does anyone have a phone number where I can call and request a Takamine
    catalog?
    
    -Rob

    I AM looking for the name of a guitar shop in Mass. area that sells new
    and used instruments,in particular TAKAMINE acoustic/electric guitars.
    I have a wanted ad in the note file No.2 in this conference for same.
    
    By the way does anyone have any comments to make re. my intending
    purchase of a Takamine  like are they easy to get in USA 
    Thanks and regards
    Willie Shaw
    DTN 822 4153
    Mail macnas::wshaw
    0

Centre Music House in Framingham stocks a reasonable selection of Takamine
accoustics / acc elect.

Centre Music House
18 Main St
Framingham, MA 01701
Tele: (508) 875-0909

    Music Unlimited
    Kingston, MA
    585-2242
    
    They carry a large line of Takamine Accoustic and Acc/electrics; 6 and
    12 string.
    

    I just saw (didn't get to play) a nice electric/accoustic Takamine at
    Daddy's in Salem just today.  It had a nice natural finish and a
    cut-away.  It was smaller in size, about the size of a classical. 
    Didn't get to  play it or see the price.  Looked like a newer model. 
    You might want to keep your eye out for this model.  The big dividing
    line in Takamines seems to be between solid versus ply'd tops (&
    bottoms), and whether it has piezo pickups or not.

>>   						The big dividing
>>    line in Takamines seems to be between solid versus ply'd tops (&
>>    bottoms), and whether it has piezo pickups or not.

    Do ANY Taks have solid sides and backs (outside of the top two
    Hirades)?
    

    I apologize, I meant to add a question mark '?' after the word
    'bottoms' and before the closing parens.  I'm not sure of that myself.  
    I'll try and get some new Takamine literature this weekend.  I'll try and 
    rummage around and see if I can find my old stuff tomorrow.

    Does anyone have experience with Takamine's Jasmine series?
    I'm looking for a(nother) 12-string, but Takamine is slightly
    on the expensive side. 
    
    Henrik

Not sure what a jasmine series is but I own two taks and both of them are 
excellant guitars, and if you get the electric options it's one of the 
very best on the market.

dbii 

    Jasmine is Tak's entry level line.  I think they're made in Korea.

     Man, saw the new beautiful Sante Fe model yesterday at a new music
    store here in Colorado Springs. The turqoise inlays had me drooling.
    Very nice cutaway with the great takamine electronics in it. Tone was
    great as was the volume (unamplified and amplified). This baby was a
    limited edition (around $1500) but apparently they will soon produce
    them in higher volumes. Man I love southwestern art especially on a
    guitar.
     BTW the new music store is Dennis Bailey's (Flying W Wranglers, Colo
    Banjo champ) dream coming true. One side is the instrument/accesories
    (now completed) and the other music teaching studios (currently under 
    construction). His main guitar lines are Takamine and Seagull (seagulls
    are real nice too, got great ratings in Acoustic Magazine). Name of
    store is Peak Music and is almost a block north of 30th and Uintah
    on the westside of Colorado Springs.
    
    chuck

    I'll second Chuck's plug for Peak Music.  After seeing his note in
    here, and then noticing the place next to the gas station I stopped at
    on the way home, I stopped in to check out what they had.  Nice
    assortment of new Tak, Seagull, and Epiphone acoustic guitars.  A few
    banjos, mandos, and other things.  Not much electric stuff, just a
    couple of Hondo and GTX (or something liek that) guitars and a couple
    of KMD amps (I thought they buried that amp line...?).  Strings 2 for 1
    at decent prices.
    
    They had already sold the Sante Fe model Tak, but I'd seen one the last
    time I was in Las Vegas.  Nice guitar, but not my style anyway.
    
    All in all, a nice little shop, I enjoyed the visit.  Fortunately, I'm
    happy with my current acoustic (an Alvarez-Yairi DY-50), otherwise I'd
    have been in for almost-certain temptation.  As it was, I managed to
    leave with my checking balance intact.  
    
    For the locals, it's at the end of the little sidewalk mall on 30th
    street between Uintah and Fillmore, near the Phillips 66 station.
    
    Greg

    Does anyone know about Takimine's entry level guitars?  I can pick up a
    new entry level model (don't know the number) for $125.
    
    thx,
    
    Keith R>

    Most acoustics within that price range with brand names are pretty
    similar.  You get a laminated top, cheap tuners, etc.  Takamine is
    probably as good as anything else you can buy for that price.
    
    							Brian

         There is a great deal of information regarding the
    Takamine guitar in this conference, however it has been
    a quiet topic for over a year.  Now that I am about to trade
    or sell my Ovation and buy one, I was wondering if anyone
    had any recent input regarding the guitar.  I am most interested
    in negative responses since the existing Takamine notes seem
    to slant in its favor as far as quality/price/performance is
    concerned. The model I've selected is the NP18C:
    
         Solid Spruce Top/Rosewood Back & Sides/Ebony Fingerboard/
    Natural Satin Finish/Parametric Preamp-EQ/Gold Harware/Abalone
    Inlay
    
         It is a Dreadnaught with a Cutaway.  It would be nice to
    have this as my "last" guitar.  Martin/Gibson Lovers, let me
    have it.  Am I looking at a classic here, or just a $1200,
    better than average acoustic/electric?
    
                                   Thanks,  Don B.

    Don,
    	 it really all depends on what you need. All of the Takamines I
    have tried have had perfect necks,finish and playability (but so have
    the Taylors and Lowdens).The amplified sound has been excellent,too.
    
    	But...I love Martin acoustic sounds. If they have been well set
    up,the playability is *pretty good*,and they usually increase in value
    over the years. Taylors and Lowdens are in the same acoustic quality
    area,but all are very different in sound. Roughly similar price
    bracket.
    
    	Gibson's are always good for rhythm strumming,but I have yet to
    hear one that flat-picks well.
    
    	So my input is:- Flatpick..Martin D28,Taylor rosewood/spruce.
    	Fingerpick:- Lowden,Taylor,Martin 0 series.
        Strumming:- Taylor,Lowden,Martin D18,....maybe a Gibson.
    
    							Jim.
    

     Don,

     What store quoted you $1200 for the NP18C? Know if they have an
     NP15C in stock? The Music Emporium (mail-order) quotes list prices
     of:

     Natural Series			G Series (Dreadnoughts)

     NP15C - $1269.50			G330 - $349.50
     NP25C - $1369.50			EG330C - $549.50 
     NP45C - $1259.50			EG334C - $699.50
     FP360C - $1249.50
     FP325RCA - $1319.50

     With a 30% discount, some good deals can be had.


     I think most new Takamine's are great guitars. I fell in love with
     the NP15C I demo'd a couple of years ago at Centre Music, but I
     didn't pull the trigger. Kurlan Music in Worc quoted me $1132 for
     the NP15C recently. I want one, but I don't want to spend over $1000.
     $1200 retail for the NP18C seems a little high if list is ~$1400.
     	I love Martin, but no built-in pu system and big price tags puts
     it out of reach.

     Neal

         The $1200. was a retail/list with road case "sort of" price.
    I can get the set up for more like $1050. complete, or maybe a little
    better if I show them money.  Two of my sons also play guitar and
    my daughter sings (all three in a different venue), so EU Wurlitzer
    in Worcester gets most of my money and business.

    I just traded in a Takamine N-10 on a Martin, so that gives you my
    opinion.  Also (IMO), $1050 is a lot of money for a guitar with
    laminated back and sides.   In the $1000 (+ or - $200) price range
    (without pickups), you can find a Martin D-1 (solid back, laminate
    sides), Taylor 400 and 500 series guitars (all solid wood), and Martin
    000-16 and D-16  (all solid wood) instruments.  Actually, I think you
    can get a D1 with a pickup for under $1000 (contrary to an earlier
    note, Martin does offer factory-installed pickups with an in-guitar
    pre-amp setup, similar to Takamine's).  As acoustic instruments,
    Taylors and Martins typically blow Taks away. In addition, there are
    a number of smaller makers who turn out fine instruments (Lowden,
    Bourgoies, Collings, SCGC, etc.)
    
    My favorite dreadnaught is a Martin HD-28.  These days, I think (at a
    40% discount) HD-28s are going for $1600-1700.  The pickup system will
    probably put the price around $2000.  Is it twice as good as the
    Takamine?  I guess it depends on how you'll use the guitar.  As an
    amplified acoustic when playing in a (electric) band situation, the
    increased resonance and overtones of a fine acoustic guitar will
    probably lead to increased feedback.  For this application, the
    Takamine is an excellent choice.  For mostly acoustic use, I'd look
    elsewhere.
    
    Take your time, and shop around.  Play lots of guitars.  Find
    something you really like.  Good luck!
    
    Jim

    Hmm - I'd like to have some information about a Takamine 12 string
    I just snarfed.  It's an F400 and seems to be in GREAT shape.
    It plays and sounds nice too.
    
    It's not terribly fancy or anything, and I have no idea of wood
    composition...Whats it worth?
    
    Thanks,
    jc
    
    PS - I did a directory/title=takamine and got six topics...So I
    combined 'em here.

    I believe the F400 has a solid spruce top with Jacuranda (Indian 
    Rosewood) sides and back. Since there is no E in front of the model 
    number, I'm assuming this does not have the pickup system. 
    These guitars are Dreadnoughts, essentially a Martin clone.
     
    I have no idea what a used one is worth. The acoustic-electric
    models are obviously more desirable and easier to sell. I'd
    find out what a new one sells for and figure about 1/2 for the
    used one in good condition. Keep in mind that Japanese guitars
    do not hold value like American made stuff.
    
    I'd recommend light gauge strings and dropped tuning. Very few 
    12=strings are built to withstand standard pitch. Use of dropped
    tuning and capo's are standard practice.
    
    Mark

    
      Now that I've taken a hiatus from the gigging seen as of early March,
    I've been spending a lot more time playing acoustic than I used to.
    My Ovation has been with me for about nine years (it is a collectors
    series '88) and even though I enjoyed playing it I started to get a 
    yearning for a real wood acoustic guitar. And since the Ovation wasn't
    a "low-end" acoustic, and I got great trade-in for it (and Kaman is the
    parent company of both Ovation and Takamine)......
    
    
      I picked up a new Takamine Santa Fe LTD-97. What an awesome sounding
    and looking guitar! The guitar uses the NEX body style and has a KOA
    wood back and sides with a spruce top. It is a loud guitar for its
    size. The ornamentation is a different , the rosette has a gecko made
    of wood and turquoise around a little more than half of the sound hole.
    The fretboard inlays are in wood and are made like lizard tracks. The
    headstock is flamed with the Takamine logo in Abalone. 
      I have been playing the heck out of this guitar since I picked it up
    last Friday. GTS ..... STRIKES!!!!!