Takamine 48C Santa Fe

Priced at $2600 no case.2004-2005 model ,rosewood back and sides ,spruce top,,mahogony neck,gotoh/takamine tuners,abalone eagle fret markers,D.S.P preamp. Cutaway "Nex" shape body.22 frets .

I was after a guitar that sounded great plugged in as well as sound strong not.To me its a well rounded strong sound not as bright as some taylors or martins etc.I dont know what it is with most high end american guitars they just are ,wheres your more likely to say that the Santa Fe sounds great acoustically for a Japanese made guitar.I think that the magic of this guitar is when it is plugged in. Taks are known for there workhorse stage abilities and the brighter tones that were not as promenent accoustically appear with striking vengence when plugged in .This one has a DSP preamp of which I heard really chew the batteries up.It uses 2 aa size so not a huge expence even if they only last 4 of the 8 hours there supposed to.When you hear the sound on tap you won't worry about the bloody batteries.As it has on board reverbs 18 total in varing degrees It sounds great into something ran clean.(pa or console)You can preset 9 combos of reverb and eq that you type in ,but I found the factory presets Just fine.In short a lot of control .

This is one point of this guitar that is excellently executed.there are so many guitars representing different styles and sizes so rather than comparing apples with apples this is more like a passionfruit.It has a distinct aztec indian inca type look.The neck has really colourfull abalone pieces in it and the rossette is coloured timber pieces in a triangle round type design.it has an aquagreen pin stripe around its main edges,to me nice colours but its very individual. The action is set up well a bit new and stiff but should settle when played in.

I think this guitar will be a strong performance guitar.It covers alot of ground sound wise .A very good looking workhorse as well.strap holders feel strong but strap locks for me are essential when standing to play this dosent have them standard i think they should be on all guitars in this league.

12 months warranty from shop,ill have to see how robust the electronics are .

Been playing for many years,have quiet a few guitars this is the best 6 string accoustic i have owned.looking around at quiet a few guitars this one Suits me just fine.If it was stolen i would try to replace it but there not that easy to find.I love its tonal power plugged in its commanding ,Ilove its styling for me it could be a bit brighter unplugged However it may get better with age.