Takamine EF-341C

I'm going to do a public service here, I hope--by clearing up some misunderstandings about this guitar model. I just bought and returned a well-used EF341C; a major reason for buying it was my belief that it was the same thing as an EF341SC--but it isn't, and it's clear from many of the comments in this section that others are confusing the two models just as I did. (Takamine could have avoided all this by using a different number for the newer version!!). If you check Takamine's own web page, they seem to distinguish consistently between "solid" woods and laminates. The EF341C apparently has a laminated spruce top and laminated nato sides and back; in contrast, the newer EF341SC has a solid cedar top with laminated maple back and sides--and then there's the pricier EF341DLX, with solid spruce top, solid rosewood back, and laminated rosewood sides. I see no indication of mahogany, solid or otherwise., used on any 341 ever. Once again, that's going by Takamine's own website. So--now on to the review of the EF341C I very briefly owned. Don't know the year of manufacture, but it was ovbviously well-used. Did not see any country of origin, but I assume Japan. 20 frets. 3-band EQ with a "gain" control and battery check. Rosewood fretboard; don't know about neck wood. Gloss black painted finish. Takamine tuners. Don't know the scale, but it felt same as my '73 Hummingbird, which I believe is 24.75". Neck a bit thinner in width (across fretboard I mean) than my Gibson.

I play solo orginals mostly, strongest influences Pete Townshend, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain. Also some fingerstyle. This guitar suited me really well. My only amp is a simple little Peavay Classic 20 (a tube amp). Only got feedback at higher volumes and when treble was on pretty full. Sound very nice--not bright, but full. Good sustain. The EQ adjustments allowed for a range of tones. One oddness: the pickup seemed to be more responsive on the high E and B strings than on the other 4--when finger-picking, those two strings were always louder when plugged in (not when unplugged). Maybe the pickup needs work.

This guitar was VERY well-used. First 5 frets were creased with wear, but still played OK. Set-up was not good--had high action and also fret buzz in some places up high on the fretboard. Pickup problem noted above. The guitar had a lot of wear, but I could see no evidence that it had any flaws from the factory. Bridge, saddle, nut, tuners, controls all worked well.

Obviously it did withstand quite a bit of live playing. It had extreme buckle rash--I don't know whether the finish lacked durability, but the back was a mess, but I knew that before buying it. Hardware all in good shape however. I would imagine it was very dependable, but I would never gig without a backup no matter what guitar I was using.

N/A

Been playing since late 60s. Other guitars: '73 Hummingbird (my baby), '78 Takamine F395 12 string (gorgeous Guild copy), Applause AA10 travel guitar for camping trips, borrowed Goya Rangemaster (very weird 60s electric), and a "frankentele" project that's been underway for a year. I sometimes use my Boss overdrive and chorus pedals with the Peavey amp. What I wish I'd known about this guitar was that it was not the same as the newer EF341SC--my dumb mistake, with an assist from Takamine's model numbering. I returned it because the pickup was a bit off and because of the significant set-up work it needed, which was not disclosed in the auction, and fortunately the seller had a liberal return policy. I chose it orginally because I had played many other Taks and wanted to buy my first acoustic-electric. I plan on finding another a-e Takamine now, but not this model, because I do believe in the superiority of solid wood tops. All that said, I did like this guitar. It had much better sound than you'd think unplugged--not as sweet as my Hummingbird, but that's hardly a fair comparison. I have always admired black dreadnought cutaways too. It was a well-made guitar that had seen a great deal of use--and that says something, I think--that someone loved it enough to play the heck out of it for several years running. I just didn't want to deal with all the set-up issues, since I'm no luthier.

Features are well described, I didn't even know the features until I stubmled upon this database! (Like the fact it was Mahogany, solid top spruce) No wonder this guitar is so nice!
I personally didn't care for the black color but bough it for various other reasons.
Since this is my only guitar, I have the little shoe string working great for me.

I mainly play Worship songs, either in small settings or during worship service. The pick up/exciter comes really in handy.
This guitar has excellent sound and volume, great tone, however perhaps not as much resonance as I would like to hear sometimes.
Compared to the ovation i was also considering, this guitar has better sound plugged and unplugged.
Lately I also had the chance to play some solid top Seagulls and the Seagull has a very nice unqiue sound quality, but overall the Tak is better.

I have never adjusted anything on this guitar except for the strings.
The action is high, very high I might say. And after reading a lot of reviews, perhaps I'll even consider adjusting it. But after 5 years playing it I have gotten used to it. But I am always amazed how easy it is to play any other guitar.
Never gotten any buzzing what so ever even if I REALLY hack the strings. (Unlike some Seagulls I got to try recently)
Everything still looks tip top, except that my B tuner seems to be a little lose and the string goes out of tune after a while.
I've tried .10 .11 and .12's on this guitar and I've found that with the lighter gauge string, the sound quality goes down dramatically, so I stuck with .12's.

This guitar has been played lots, gone around many places.
Everything is still in great shape.
I'd entrust my life to this guitar.

Never had to deal with them and at this rate wont ever have to.

When I wanted to upgrade from my F series Yamaha I went to 8th street music downtown philly and stumbled upon two wonderful guitars that were on sale at the time. The Takamine EF 341C and a large body Ovation. Both had their own distinct awesome sounds (large body ovations sound good unplugged too) The action was much better on the ovation to be honest, however someone in church had one just like it already so I bought the Takamine and it is AWESOME and has done well all these years.
Again, I don't like the high action and I don't like black..
But I love this guitar and I'll keep this one till it turns to dust.

Aside from a great cutaway that easily accesses the upper frets, the big feature on this is the preamp, which is the sweetest I've ever used. Mine is a 1994 model, bought used in late '95.

The EF-341C was THE guitar for country players a few years back, and for good reason. The plugged-in sound is very versatile, from Martin-style bassiness to thinline-like jangle. To be honest, the unplugged sound to me isn't quite as resonant as I like (I like rosewood back & sides, but hard to find nowadays) but the amped sound kicks much ass, and I defy anyone to show me a better sound for the money.

The guitar action was a bit high when I got it but not unuseable, and a quick saddle filing cleared that up instantly. The finish was glasslike until some asshole knocked it off the stand. It now has a 3-inch scar on it's top, but, believe me, it should have been a MUCH worse gouge, given the force of the fall it took. I call it "character."

Used daily, played onstage 4 times a week for about 7 years. Other than obvious fret wear, and the big scratch, it's still like new.

Buy one, man. Worth every hard-earned penny.

I bought the 12 string version three years ago.

Nothing much more needs to be said about it's frets, pegs, back, sides, etc, which wasn't already said here.

I personally like the equalizer/exciter though I still also use the one on my California Blonde acoustic guitar amp, and also my acoustic guitar effects processor live. I think it gives you the flexibility to set up a good overall sound.

In the studio I also use the set that came with my Hard disk recording system.

I love the sound. I haven't found a better sounding 12 string yet before or after I bought this, and I tried out some really nice Taylors. For the style of music I play (Retro Journey/Boston/Survivor 80's mixed with Goo Goo Dolls, and Third Eye Blind influnced originals, it's amazingly flexible to adapt to all my styles of songwriting and reproduction on stage and on the hard disk.

It's got a deep enough sound not to sound to tinny (though you have to boost the bass substantially to get it, but it's brightness gives a really nice sound especially with open tunings and open chords (which I most predominantly play).

I don't like how it sounds playing bar chords however, no buzzing or rattling or muted notes, just just doesn't have that fullness.

I currently use it with:

Live: California Blonde Acoustic Guitar Amp, Korg P3 Effects processor for some chorus and pitch shifting and reverb

Studio: Same Amp, Same Korg, with Digitech Studio Quad 4, and Foxtex VF 160

It sounds great with everything.

I have amazingly small hands for a guitarist/keyboardist, and I thought the action was a bit high when I got it, but I got it set up to a really low action without having any buzzing.

I can play it for hours and my hand is fine.

I've had this for 3 years and have had no flaws.

I haven't had to do much with setups since.

I use it live all the time, and it has never failed me. I find it rugged enough for my needs, but then I don't beat the s$$t out of my gear either.

The finish has had a very few mars from some bumps but other than that it looks almost brand new.

The guitar will last if you take of it.

Have never had any problems with it. So N/A

I've been playing for 11 years and have tried out about 200 acoustic guitars and have owned 30 of them.

Between this and my Taylor 312 6 string, I've since stopped looking. I did my research and went and played tons of acoustics before making my selection so I have no regrets.

I would be very pissed if it were stolen and would do my best to find a replacement model.

I chose this guitar for its sound and sleek look.

Stock guitar straight from the Factory to Guitar Center to me. Enough people have already commented on the features. My only gripe is the lack of a strap button. I added a straplock button to the "heel", the white laminated patch where the neck joins the body. It seems to work pretty well and does not get in the way while playing. Hint - Put a piece of duct tape down over the spot and then drill your hole for the screw. The tape will keep the laminate from cracking ;)

I've had no problems keeping it in tune. I was a little concerned at first that the action might be too high, but after 6 months it really feels right and now I won't touch it. I've got it strung with D-Addario Phosphor Bronze Light strings. This thing really sings.

I play classic rock (Zep, SuperTramp, Mellencamp)and country rock (John Denver, Eagles, Mary Chapin Carpenter). The Takamine can do it all. Plugged or unpplugged it just sounds great. Every note comes through clearly.

I run it through Digitech 2112 to get a little chorus and flange. You don't need much else.

It can sound a bit thin runing direct into a PA system, but if you add a little effect (Flange or Chorus), or a separate EQ, it fattens up again and sounds perfect.

As I noted above, at first I though the action was a bit high; probably because I was so used to playing my strat. This is my first steel string acoustic. Now the action feels just right.

I've only had the guitar about 6 months. I've smacked it more times than I can remember, and it still looks great. Should hold up very nicely over the years.

So far so good. I've had no reason to call tech support. Everything has been perfect!!

I've been playing off an on for 20 years; more off than on. This guitar really makes me excited about playing again. I can't put it down. I looked at other guitars (Gibsons, Ovations, Guilds) over a 2 month period and none of them could match the playability of the Takamine. I just saw the 12 string version of this guitar today and I'm adding it to my wish list.

The features have all been pretty well discussed. Mine's a 1996, maybe 1995, and it has all the same features, basically--except that it does have a strap pin at the base of the neck. The eq and the cutaway are my favorite features--I'll definitely look for these in my next guitar.

I play a lot of acoustic/folk kind of stuff--have been playing out for several years. My Tak has a nice sound--and has improved in just 5 years--but not particularly resonant--it has more of a balanced mid-range. With the pickup, I can manipulate the sound widely--I can get that Martin sound with the boomy bass...I did a recording and used it in the studio and, double-miked, it sounded goo-ood.

Mine was slightly used, so can't really comment. I do love a black guitar, though. The finish needs regular attention, but it's still in really good shape. The action is very good.

This guitar is tough as nails. I bang and mistreat it. On stage, I mean (at home, I'm sweet as pecan pie). Everything is solid, except--the frets are starting to wear and I'm noticing quite a bit of buzzing as I come up the neck. I've started doing more jazz work--and it's passable for that--so it may be that I'm just now noticing. The hardware is all solid, and I don't take a backup to gigs.

Haven't had to--May have to, soon.

I've been playing not all that long--15 years or so. Had a cheap Yamaha I bought from a vacuum repair shop--no kidding--for a while. This has been a steady guitar to gig with over the past few years, and I couldn't have gotten a better guitar for my needs. Lately, though, I'm wanting to upgrade to something with more resonance, more presence acoustically. Probably a Larrivee or Taylor, but I'll have to put down quite a few bucks to beat my Tak--it's just a really solid guitar. I've played a lot of $1000 to $1500 guitars that just don't sound as good. It's a great value for the money.

Straight from the factory, the guitar is set up for almost anything. The gloss black is a pain in the ass to keep clean, but when it is clean the guitar just shines on stage!

Unplugged the guitar has a very full sound but plug the sucker in and watch out. It came with the exciter preamp which I believe will be enough for the majority of people, but if you really wanna go over the edge I suggest installing the dsp preamp. I usually play this guitar through the house system and rarely add any effects, delay and occasionaly a little chorus and that's about it, anything more will distort the purity. This guitar is just unbelievable.

I felt that the action was set a little too high at first but I guess I became comfortable with it and glad I didn't sand it down. Other than that the guitar was just beautiful when I got it but it's seen it's share of scratches now since I perform almost weekly with it.

This guitar is by far the most reliable one I have come across. The tone remains constant every gig and I don't have to worry about what it's gonna sound like. My strat I kind of have to guess what it will sound like all the time but this gutair I know what it can do and what kind of tone it will project. That's a big relief because when you gotta get up infront of large crowds, the last thing you wanna worry about is your guitar!

I think I void my warranty when I yanked out the preamp but oh well don't need them anyways that's how good there product is.

I play everything and I mean everything out there. Depending on the gig I usually bring this guitar and my strat that's it. The only thing to worry about on this guitar is breaking strings and changing batteries that's all. If this guitar was stolen I for sure be on a man hunt...hell this guitar is so good that I'm thinking about buyin the 12 string version of it as well. I've played many othe guitars that are priced much higher than this from taylors to martins even the santa fe and limited editions in the takamine line but all have failed to my standards. I really think the player makes the biggest difference but I'd choose this takamine any day over those highly priced models. The action,tone,craftesmanship, and consistancy has made this guitar a winner, through in the dsp preamp and this guitar can move right into being a "classic"

i think it's 1999 you can read the other peoples
features list. no need to repeat. except that i
don't find the lack of a strap button too terrible
i just tied a shoe string around the head stock
and to my strap and left it there. it is a little
awkward sometimes but i use it mainly for home
demos or studio work. it has a good equalizer
thing.

i love this guitar and it has a great sound. i'm
sure there are better sounding acoustic guitars on
earth but i would never give that much money for
one. this thing is all anybody needs if they are
going to play acoustic guitar. it is the best
guitar i have ever played in my opinion. i'm still
using the original strings and am satisfied with
the sound and sustain.

lovely everything. i especially like the binding
and the rosewood. i am not one who cares about
looks and usually don't pay attention but this
thing is very easy on the eyes until i see my
reflection in it.

i don't play live. but ican tell that it would be
up to the task..just keep it in a hardshell case
when not playing. i have bumped it against things
on accident and it never left a mark, but i am
very careful with it. the tuners are great i
think, and it stays in tune and the knobs and
sliders on the electronics seem to be pretty stout
and it would take some effort or a long fall to
break anything off of it..

never used it never will hopefully

i give it a perfect 10. like i said though those
acoustics that clapton and young play may sound a
little more closer to divine but they can afford
it. this thing isn't cheap by any means but it is
worth 100% of the price. my favorite guitar and
i've played several. i actually sold a gibson les
paul to get this guitar and really don't mind too
much

The EF-341C is an acoustic/electric dreadnought--cutaway. Mahogany back and sides---spruce top. The pickup is under the saddle and the 3 band eq, exciter level and volume knob are just large enough to be easily accesable while playing. The action is well suited for an acoustic of its stature. The flossy black finish, bone binding and rosewood fretboard(with intersting position markers) compliment each other quite well. The silver Takamine tuners are quite impressive, both in their ability to hold tune and appearance (the EG-334 comes only with tuners). I share a few others complaints that there is no upper strap button, especially considering the price. All in all it is a well equipped and attractive guitar.

Once I played this guitar I realized that I would have to set aside quite a bit more time to play. I had focused more on playing my Strat in the last few months... Since I got the EF-341C and heard its full and rich sound I have been absolutely hooked. I typically play it unplugged, but I have run it through a Fender Acoustasonic SFX and Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and it sounds great through both. The tube amp translated its acoustic sound fairly well, but it wasnt' until I plugged it into the SFX that it displayed its true worth. The guitar sounded amazing--the response was fantastic... (I have also found that running your acoustic through a flanger --danelectro's "hash browns" is my choice, yields a unique and powerful acoustic sound.
Unplugged it sounds great any volume and responds well to any particualar players touch.

The black gloss finish shines like a mirror. I could look at this guitar all day. The binding is georgeous and the fret markers are a unique touch. The cutaway body is a real advantage over typical dreadnoughts. The body itself is slender and comfortable (other Tak's I have played have felt a bit bulky)
The bracings and hardware are in great shape --- I haven't a single complaint about the appearance of this guitar. I like the action and a good set of strings will push this guitar over the top... I could harp on the strap button, but I've gotten over it.

It stands up to lot of rough playing. I will admit that I baby the finish, but it has stood up to some small bumps without a flaw. There has been no fretboard wear and the frets still look great. The tuners are solid and the EQ and volume control have worked without fail.
In terms of a back-up, I would have to buy a second one to consider it worthy to stand behind it. However, I don't see the need...

I haven't had any contact with Takamine. There web site is a little lacking in support info, but the company seems determined to build a quality product and I respect that.

I have been playing for about 6 years now. My band does a variety of classic rock tunes, a lot of blues and some originals in the same light. This guitar is capable of carrying all styles, but shines during powerful acoustic driven tunes (i.e. Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews). I have every indication that this will be my main acoustic for years to come. I have played a lot of guitars and until the day that I can afford a $3,000 Taylor I will give this guitar all of my attention.

A 1999 model, made in Japan. Black laminated top with cutaway. Has a 4-band EQ with exciter control, battery operated. Top is spruce, sides and back are mahogany, with rosewood fretboard. Nifty clover-like star designs instead of dots to mark the frets; rosewood fingerboard.
BIG GRIPE: no upper strap button on the body. I don't want to drill into the body to put one on it, so I have to tie the strap to the headstock. A big pain, as we all know, unless you buy a strap especially for that guitar and leave it on all the time.
As for the looks, this guitar is beautiful. I just wish that strap button was included in the package from the factory.

This guitar sound perfect plugged or unplugged. I play just about everything from country to acoustic rock, and it is nearly impossible to get any feedback from it. Every note rings loud and clear, and every chord, no matter where it is on the neck, sounds full and bright. I would prefer it to come with a lighter gauge string for easier bending, but this is only a minor gripe.

Decent factory set-up, the action is great for an acoustic. There are a few minor dings on the top I can see, but you really have to angle it to a light source to see them. Still, it came straight from the factory and should be perfect. It doesn't affect the sound any, but a guitar ordered from the factory should have absolutely no flaws when it leaves.

This guitar is put together well, with parts that look like they will last a lifetime. The only parts that worry me are the tuners: they are Takamine's own brand, so they may not last as long as I like. If I start to have any trouble with keeping it in tune, those tuners are history.

I ordered the guitar from Guitar Center in Cincinnati. It took them over a month to get it from Los Angeles, which is ridiculous for a non-special order guitar. I haven't called customer service for any reason yet, but I hope they are better than their distributor.

I have been playing for over 15 years, and this is the first guitar I've thought about non-stop since I picked up and played a month ago. I decided then and there that I would have this guitar; it sounded unbelievable and played beatifully. I tried some of the higher end Takamines, Guilds, Taylors, and a few Gibsons (Guitar Center has an amazing selection), but I chose this Takamine. This guitar has a sound that just drives you to play it more, to be creative, and to beg for just 5 more minutes of playing time with it. Although I was miffed by the deleted strap button, the dings on the top, and the month it took to get it, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this guitar again. When I get enough money, the 12-string version of the same guitar will be added to my collection. I have always owned cheaper guitars, but since adding a Fender American Strat, a Gibson Les Paul, and a Jackson Fusion to my electric collection, I am proud to hang this Takamine next to them on the wall. If it were stolen or lost, I would cry until the new one came in!