Takamine or Seagull?
 

I'm a beginner about to buy my first acoustic/electric. I've narrowed my decison down to two guitars:

Takamine G Series 340C @ $379 or

Seagull S6 Original Q1 @ $529

I know this may not be an "apples to apples" comparison because the Seagull is $150 more but that's where I find myself after looking, playing and listening to different guitars. I can afford to buy the Seagull if it is really worth the extra money but I'm trying to decide if it makes sense to do this. Because I'm a beginner, I don't have the experience & expertise to compare and contrast these from a player's perspective. I'd appreciate any comments/guidance you can provide. Thanks.

If you plan on plugging in.....Takamine hands down.

I agree with the above. But if you are planning on playing acoustically, I think the Seagull S6 is a better sounding guitar. In fact the S6 is not only a great guitar to learn on, it's a great keeper even once you become accomplished.

Regards, Glenn

Do you have any friend or acquaintance who plays who can go shopping with you, and might be able to point out any potential issues from a "player's perspective" (as you say)?

If you haven't done so already I'd also make sure to have someone else - if not a friend, at least the salesperson - play both for you so you can just listen and concentrate on how they sound.

Good luck!

For a beginner, I would recommend a guitar without electronics. for the same price you will get a better guitar. Also think about used guitars. A used Seagull S6 w/o electronics is about half the price of the one you mentioned. You can find a really good deal in the used market. I have not tried the Tak, so can't help you there, but the S6 is a truly a great guitar. And you'll probably get a lot of other suggestions such as a Yamaha FG730s. Also an awesome guitar and there is one for sale in the classified (not mine). Good Luck.:)

Take the Tak

Not to point out the obvious but......do make sure and play them both before deciding. If you can find a store that has more than one of each model play them all. Even the same models can sound very different. I played a $900.00 Taylor recently that sounded better than every 3k acoustic in the store. I was shocked.

Have you played them? Never underestimate "comfort." Most Seagulls come with a wider than average neck. Many people love that size. I do not. Most Taks come with a slightly narrower neck than most guitars. Some people like that size, some do not. (I do).

I wouldn;t play a guitar that doesn't feel right.

i very much agree with Glenwillow that acoustically the s6 sounds much better (and is louder, btw) than the tak, but the tak sounds better when plugged in.

and...
 

I would echo Glenn as well. I have had both and while I loved the Tak, it sounded muffled...I guess you could call it that, while unplugged. Plugged in it was a dandy.

The Seagull sounds great either way...

And...made in North America. Godin guitars (Seagull's parent company) are a tremendous value for the money.

Good luck and welcome to the forum (if no one has said that to you).:)

I prefer seagull over tak. but there is a big price difference which could make me go the other way if I was in the situation.

I would like to echo what others have said, go and try them both. Plugged in hmmm in my opinion an electro acoustic is only as good as the pick-up.
If you want to play the Seagull louder through an Amp then put a mic in front of it.

Regards,
Marty

The S6 is has a sound all its own, and very nice. I kept one for several years and was never disappointed. It S6 might be a better all around guitar, it handles open tunings and the neck, while wide, has a fairly low profile and should not be difficult to play. Does the TAK have a solid top? Here's what I found:
# Spruce top
# Mahogany back and sides

If an add does not say solid, it is almost always laminate. This is not to say it's a bad guitar, but the S6 does have a solid top.

I have played a parlor G model TAK and it was light and responsive.

Good luck

While I liked the sound of the Seagull S6 and find nothing wrong with it whatsoever, the Takamine (G406S) that I played pleasantly surprised me. If I was looking for a smaller guitar, I'd pick this one over anything that Taylor or Martin is making at the moment.

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to play the G340C yet. Takamine makes decent sounding guitars though.

Though you might have the "experience and expertise", I'd suggest that you (or a friend) try out the guitars at the store, and let YOUR ears decide.

My experience with the two brands leads me to the conclusion that Takamines work well plugged in, but do not have the tone of Seagulls when unplugged. I don't know which pickup comes installed with the S6 you're looking at, but there are many good pickups (K&K PWM comes to mind) which could be installed after your purchase, and which would retain the excellent tone Seagulls are known for.

-Raf