Martins, Taylors, Taks, Oh My!

[Aaron1061]

So I have went through a plethura of guitars since i sold my old Takamine P3DC last year, trying to replace it.

Taylor 214ce, es2 was nasally and difficult to dial in
Taylor 314ce, a little dull, missing something tonally
Breedlove Pursuit Cocobolo, electronics were faulty
Taylor 224ce, es2 was nasally and difficult to dial in
Martin DX1Ae, lacking top end "zing"
Martin GPCPA4R Custom, was great but something about it still didnt blow me away

finally gave up and went back to Takamine. Found a P4DC and its everything you could hope for.

Sounds nice and crisp, with lots of sustain and the pickup system totally outclasses all the offerings from other brands. I am never going back. I dont care how much more "trendy" other brands are. I just dont see it.

[WillieCoyote]

Congrats, unfortunately I've found that I have to own guitars sometimes for a while before deciding if the sit well with me. Sorry you had to sell your old one to do it but sounds like you made out well.

[vanceen]

I've always found Takamines to be fantastic value for money. You can get better guitars, but only if you pay a lot more.

[Aaron1061]

Originally Posted by WillieCoyote

Congrats, unfortunately I've found that I have to own guitars sometimes for a while before deciding if the sit well with me. Sorry you had to sell your old one to do it but sounds like you made out well.

thanks! I guess thats why they make a bunch of brands. Not everyone gets on with everything. Im a tak man i suppose!

[rmp]

I can say that for sure, the Japense made Takamine's are first class guitars.

Not sure what you wound up with, but if your happy, the gotta go with it.

[noledog]

Originally Posted by rmp

I can say that for sure, the Japense made Takamine's are first class guitars.

Not sure what you wound up with, but if your happy, the gotta go with it.

+1... Congrats on an excellent choice!

[Aaron1061]

Originally Posted by rmp

I can say that for sure, the Japense made Takamine's are first class guitars.

Not sure what you wound up with, but if your happy, the gotta go with it.

P4DC! thank you, it really is first class.

[Johnny.guitar]

I recently picked up a used EF341C
I’ve got other guitars but I seem to keep going back to it. Solid, well built, great neck and the pickup although maybe not the most acoustic sounding is very musical, l like it.
I’m seriously thinking of selling the Taylor and picking up another Tak.
Just making sure it’s not a honeymoon phase.

[Steadfastly]

I agree. Why mess around when you have found something you really like?

[rstaight]

I have a few guitars. All I have had for awhile. Most of which I acquired in grade school and junior high.

I purchased an Indiana Scout in 2007. Don't know why, just did. It played nice and the sound was ok for a $100 guitar. Can't remember of the gig bag was included but I got the a strap in the deal also. Came across the receipt a few months ago, $110.

Fast forward to this past December. I have always wanted a 12-string. Started looking around and came across the Takamine G72CE. It had been a good while since I had really played and never heard of Takamine. I fell in love with this thing and it ended up following me home.

When I told the wife she pulled out an Indiana Madison Elite Guilt she had got me for Christmas. She told me to keep both.

The Indiana's are fine for at home but when I play at a jam session they tend to get covered up. So I am in the market for another 6 string. Yes, Takamine is at the top. Just can't make up my mind between a jumbo or a dread.

Kind of a round about way to agree with the OP.

[JackB1]

I have been considering this model for live use. How is the plugged in tone?
I had a EF341 and it was quite bright sounding live. Would you characterize the
P4DC as bright or warm live?

[619TF]

I own a few guitars as well. The Taylor and Takamine seem to be my faves and my 314CE is the best of the lot AFAIC due to the multifunctionality. Interesting though that you discounted the Breedlove for "faulty electronics". I mean it's an "acoustic" guitar so electronics are pretty much an afterthought PLUS they can be tweaked and repaired if there's a problem. The Taylors and the others that you had issues "dialing in" I get, I mean some people just can't find that sound they're looking for in a particular guitar but the electronics? That's nothing to do with the guitar itself really nor how it sounds/plays (unless and until you plug in and, as said, a fix sounds like all that was needed on that one). Just curious as beautiful tone is always in the ear of the beholder and the Tak's sure have that.

[RP]

There's no shortage of professionals who play Takamines. Sure, you could say it's because they're paid to play them, but playing a guitar is a lot different than doing a 30 second commercial or wearing a certain pair of shoes or jersey. No, pros play Taks because they are the right tool for them for the job they do. Congrats for discovering what's the right tool for your job/enjoyment...

[Guildman]

To the OP it looks like you have nailed down the guitar you like best compared to other models in the same price range. I am sure you have played other's of the same brand you owned but the so-called buying for brand is probably more reflected in their higher end models, Martin 18 and 28 series, Taylor 500 and up.

I've actually never had the chance to play a higher end Tak but would sure like too. Sounds like a great guitar you have.

[GHS]

I bought a used EF340tt...best sounding guitar I own but...I like to sing...and it doesn't match my voice like my Martin 000-15. or best of all, my Yamaha FG730s. Strange how that works...Takamine sounds awesome..but somehow not for my timbre..Your voice may vary. But if you like to sing...shop around, you may be surprised as to what works best.