Maton, Cole Clarke, Takamine Or Other For Plugged In Sound?

[RobKay]

Is there a pick of the crop for plugged in sound from the above or maybe another manufacturer has something equal or better?
Rob

[rokdog49]

Lots of folks swear by the Taks.
I have three guitars I play plugged-in as a performer. I find they all work for me.
It's more about the pick up systems and the rest of your gear.

[noledog]

I've been performing with MIJ Pro Taks for years and prefer them for two reasons over the others: their unplugged sound is sweeter and livelier, secondly I like the versatility of the interchangeable preamps to suit your style, guitar and gear as well as the second source capability of two of the three available preamps. All three brands produce pleasing plugged in sound.

[silvereagle48]

I have had Taylors, Takamine, and Cole Clarks. Imho the Cole Clark is miles ahead of either of the others. That's why I still own one.

[SpruceTop]

Taylor gets my vote for the ES2.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Taylor gets my vote for the ES2.

You'll get no argument here.

[gr81dorn]

Maton and Cole Clark are in another world from everyone else with their electronics. Many of their guitars stink when unplugged, but when you plug them in they go into the stratosphere. They are the ultimate performance instrument for that reason, but neither has earned much favor with the masses cuz they definitely don’t wow you in a guitar store compared to instruments intended to be played acoustically.

[pandaroo]

Maton and Cole Clark are head and shoulders above many others I have tried in my opinion.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by RobKay

another manufacturer has something equal or better?
Rob

Ovation.

..

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

Ovation.

..

+1 Ovation! Look for my pickup to mic comparison of my Ovation Elite Plus Contour (Op Pro Studio Preamp/OCP1K Pickup) coming soon to the Acoustic Amplification section here on AGF. Currently, there are several of my pickup to mic comparisons of other guitars in my stable in the Acoustic Amplification section.

[Wade Hampton]

Of the three makes you mentioned, my choice would be the Cole Clark, partly because they are outstanding when plugged in, but they also tend to sound great when played unplugged. They’re made with a very innovative approach.


whm

[Quickstep192]

There are a variety of people who busk in town here. While walking around, I heard one guy whose guitar sounded particularly good, I mean really good, even though it was just through a small amp. He was playing a Cole Clark.

[noledog]

Well here's a clip from todays gig that a friend recorded on his cell phone at the Green Turtle in Amelia Island... plug n play: jus' me and my Tak P3NC straight into my Loudbox Performer; pretty good sounding plug n play tone imo. This guitar is very sweet, warm and lively unplugged too. This was an important quality I did not find in the other brands, even tho plugged they are very outstanding. The MIJ Pro Taks give you both pretty impressively imo.

https://www.facebook.com/eric.alabis...191687/?type=3

eric

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by RobKay

Is there a pick of the crop for plugged in sound from the above or maybe another manufacturer has something equal or better?
Rob

Among the ones you mentioned: Takamine

MY personal selection: my two Taylors with LR Baggs Anthem SL.

[cyclistbrian]

Originally Posted by RobKay

Is there a pick of the crop for plugged in sound from the above or maybe another manufacturer has something equal or better?
Rob

Of tbe guitars I've personally owned and performed with Taylor ES2 was the easiest for me to dial in and get a natural sound. But the best plugged in sound I've ever heard as a member of the audience was a Tak with the cool tube system.

Godins Quantum system is good. I recall a short battery life but sounded good.

Not crazy about the Fishman system in my J15. Sounds a little brittle. It does the job and it is all but invisible for those who dont like the look of pre amp controls on their guitar.

I've had good luck with passive systems and a DI box but mostly for banjo.

Ive never had the opportunity to try a Maton or hear one played live in person. But if they're good enough for Tommy Emanual....