Yamaha NCXR1200R vs. Takamine TC132SC

[vbakh]

I am returning to the seller the Yamaha NTX1200R crossover gutar. Now I am selecting a guitar with the "classical" 2" neck.
I would very appreaciate any feedback about Yamana NCX1200R vs. Takamine TC132SC. Music stores in my area don't have them on stock, so I can't try them.

I've tried the NCX900R and wasn't impressed by tone (too light for me) and playability (some buzz).

Thanks,
Vlad

[vbakh]

Ok, here is another question. I've played Yamaha NCX900R today and decided to go with Takamine.
How different are TC132SC, TH5C and TH90? Playability, sound, quality?

Thanks,
Vlad

[Foss38]

Originally Posted by vbakh

Ok, here is another question. I've played Yamaha NCX900R today and decided to go with Takamine.
How different are TC132SC, TH5C and TH90? Playability, sound, quality?

Thanks,
Vlad

WHat about the TC135sc which is a step up from the 132 and also has cutaway. I think the 132 and 135 both have nuts under 2"?

[vbakh]

No, TC132 has 2" wide neck /12 fret joint, and TC135 - 1 7/8" / 14th fret joint.
But I am still interested in your feedback :-)

[ralary]

Originally Posted by vbakh

No, TC132 has 2" wide neck /12 fret joint, and TC135 - 1 7/8" / 14th fret joint.
But I am still interested in your feedback :-)

and I think yamaha can give you good sound

[vbakh]

Sure it can, but my left hand didn't like the neck and the fingerboard:-)
I can't explain that in more details though.

[franchelB]

Originally Posted by vbakh

Ok, here is another question. I've played Yamaha NCX900R today and decided to go with Takamine.
How different are TC132SC, TH5C and TH90? Playability, sound, quality?

Thanks,
Vlad

Well, the TC132SC is the updated version of my CD132SC which has a solid Cedar top, and solid Rosewood back, except the "TC" stands for "Cool Tube", the preamp that uses a 12AU7 in their preamps.
Both the TH series are the "Takamine Hirade" series...all solid wood guitars. Both use the "Cool Tube preamp and have cutaways, but the TH5C has a Cedar top and looks "traditional", and the TH90 has a Spruce top...and looks "unconventional"
http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=1340&sid=68

I think the playability is about the same for all guitars. And the quality would be the same, IMO. The sound might be slightly different with the TH90 just because it looks "different".

[vbakh]

How would you compare the sound of TC132SC vs. TH5C?

Thanks,
Vlad

[BuleriaChk]

I have both a TH5C and TC132SC (as a Flamenco, made special order). They both sound excellent, and the craftsmanship is impeccable.

I had both their actions lowered (for Flamenco technique) - actually with no buzz whatever.... and the sound is so good I leave CTP-2 tube effect turned off (or very low); I use a DI+ when practicing to save batteries..

I plug straight into either a Fishman SoloAmp or an LR Baggs A-Ref for gigs, and I also have an AC-33 for picnics, etc....

In any case, the Takamine combination of Palathetic pickup and CTP-2 preamp is simply unbeatable IMO....

[vbakh]

Thanks, BuleriaChk!

Which one sounds deeper/warmer/"bassy"?
What is the difference between the standard and flamenco TC132SC?

Regards,
Vlad

[Kindness]

I used to own a Tak 132S and it is a very bassy guitar. Throw some CF Oasis strings on it and it is wonderful. It has a truss rod and is a very well built guitar, and is a good dollar value.

[franchelB]

Originally Posted by BuleriaChk

I have both a TH5C and TC132SC (as a Flamenco, made special order). They both sound excellent, and the craftsmanship is impecable.

I had both their actions lowered (for Flamenco technique) - actually with no buzz whatever.... and the sound is so good I leave CTP-2 tube effect turned off (or very low); I use a DI+ when practicing to save batteries..

I plug straight into either a Fishman SoloAmp or an LR Baggs A-Ref for gigs, and I also have an AC-33 for picnics, etc....

In any case, the Takamine combination of Palathetic pickup and CTP-2 preamp is simply unbeatable IMO....

Originally Posted by vbakh

Thanks, BuleriaChk!

Which one sounds deeper/warmer/"bassy"?
What is the difference between the standard and flamenco TC132SC?

Regards,
Vlad

The "standard" 132 model is a classical (Cedar-topped) guitar. I'm guessing that the "special order" 132 for flamenco has a Spruce-top. In this case, the Cedar top will sound "bassy".

[vbakh]

Ok, I understood that both guitars (TC132SC and TH5C) are very good. I've found a good deal for both of them with reasonable delivery time.
It makes the choice very difficult :-) Is TH5C considered a "step up" to TC132SC? Which one would you select in which case?

Thanks,
Vlad

[franchelB]

I'd prefer all solid-wood, so on one hand, I'd go for the Hirade. On the other hand, and quite honestly, if I was in a blind test, I don't know if I'd be able to tell the difference with an all solid-wood Hirade and a solid top and back TC132. Will the laminated side matter THAT much in sound? Is the few hundred dollars difference REALLY worth it??

[vbakh]