Takamine EGS-430SC

Bought this guitar about 7 1/2 years ago, solid Cedar top with Nato back and sides. Good equalizer for a sound system.

Has a good sound for a G series Tak altough I struggle with the bottom e string, it tends to go out of tune constantly.

The action had to be taken down a few times after I bought it to get it just the way I wanted it.

Good quality acoustic electric

Good guitar for a $600 - $800 price range

This guitar is about 5 years old and made in Taiwan. 21 frets. It has a solid cedar top with Nato back and sides. Comes with a 3 band EQ and mine came with a Takamine plastic molded case.

This guitar has an absolutly great sound. Most of what I play on it is acoustic rock. It has a very warm sound that I just love. The longer I have had it the warmer the sound has become. On stage I play through a fender 2x 12 acoustic guitar amp and this guitar sounds great.

THe factory setup for this guitar was a bit lacking. No more so than my Martin. I think my $3000 Taylor is the only guitar I can remember buying that I didn't make changes to the factory setup so in my opinion most factory setups need to be ajusted for the individual. This was not a big deal for me. THe quality of this guitar is great for a guitar in this price range. Is it put together as well as my Taylor? Well no, but thus the $2600 dollar difference.

This guitar sounds great live. I take this guitar everywhere and I play it everyday. My Taylor is my baby but this guitar is my workhorse.I take it on the road, I've used it in the studio. It is very dependable. I have read a lot about premature string breaks but I have never had that problem (and I am pretty roughh on strings, I use elixar medium strings). Would I gig this guitar without a backup? Well i would trust this guitar over my Martin but I always gig with a backup (no offense to Martins mine just seems to break strings alot).

never needed customer support for this guitar but Takamine has a desent customer support department, I have dealt with them on other guitars (I own 4 Taks).

I have been playing for 20 years and I own 4 Taylors, 4 Takamines, 2 Martins, a Gibson, and a Vox 12 string

4 years old solid top takamine preamp vol.& 3 band e.q. nice neck radius and decent wide fretts with hard case

for irish folk music acoustic & amplified it does a great job full rich sound with good bass response

the action was bad hence the price to correct it I had to place a shim under the bridge only at the treble end to stop it from flatting out on the 5th fret and like a lot of tacky's it loves breaking d & g strings prematureley

the battery's last ages the tuners are great the strap buttons are small, I could never use it without backup as it usually pops a d or g within the 1st 3 songs I only use a dunlop 46mm pick too it also needs very heavy strings to keep the intonation stay in which makes it hard to play

warranty was a fob off unfortunatly I had to fix it myself

I use a kimbara , yamaha 12 string , fender they are all electro acoustic ive been playing 17 yrs dont buy tackys they are overpriced I would be very disappointed if I had paid the full new price for this

I really love the non-traditional body shape and balance when I play standing up. I don't feel like I have a Buick strapped to my shoulder. The Cedar Top has the perfect balance of brightness and density for the music I play, without sounding clunky like lower end acoustics. The frets are decently sized, and although the action is a bit high from factory set up... this can and will be solved with a question, 10 bucks or so, and maybe a half hour. I really love the clean/crispness of the preamp as well... this is a very very "no bullshit" guitar.

It's perfect for everything I play, I've mainly focused on electric guitar for years now, relying on the acoustic sim on my Boss GT-6. Acoustic guitar never really had much of a place in what I was doing, but times change, as does inspiration... It's bright, yet dark depending on how I attack it, very very loud with the Elixer Polyweb strings I put on it (Heaviest gauge available, btw) and very rich sounding.

The setup from the factory as I said before wasn't too impressive, but there might be more to this. I did buy the guitar after it had been sitting on a hook in a store for three years or so. Also, I kept hearing/feeling a pick stuck inside the guitar, only to find that it was a small piece of important looking (unfinished) wood. Perhaps the bracing was already going... perhaps leftover from the factory. Other than that, I've seen and noticed absolutely nothing to fret over.

It's as solid as an acoustic should be. The cedar top has no pickguard, which is just as well because it also has no gloss finish to scratch. It has a very traditional look without looking "traditional" to fellow guitar players. I personally don't buy into the Martin/Taylor fetish. If you sound sweet live after being amplified and subjected to room tone, it doesn't matter if you have a 50 dollar acoustic, that is a feat worth respecting. When you record, you release a CD... CD is digital, so I honestly don't see how there can be a valid arguement as to why "pure" acoustic sound has any function beyond playing in your bedroom in your underwear. This guitar works very well live, records very well live, and if you haven't tried the underwear thing, I highly recommend it.

I forgot to mention that I paid less than half price for this guitar... the dealer wanted to get rid of it to make room for new models. I personally would have had a lot of trouble spending over 500 dollars on any acoustic guitar to be honest... but I always wanted a Takamine. I always meant to get a decent acoustic electric, but never thought I'd get my money's worth... as in, I wouldn't play it enough to be able to justify spending however much on it, I couldn't pass on this deal however, I do love that it's not overly precious to me... it's not my "baby" or a sick love object or anything gross like that. If it gets scratched, so what? If something happened to it... big deal. It didn't even cost as much as my effect processor.

Mine is a 3 year old Takamine EGS430-SCE. That's what it says in the sound hole, I have not found any of this variety of guitar on the web. Maybe its a rare one, Im not too sure. It looks like most if not all the items that apply to the EGS430-SC apply to this guitar. Even the Takamine web site had no info on this guitar. It is definitely a dreadnought guitar with a satin all solid cedar top.

This guitar needs new strings on it always to sound have way decent. It is not the best acoustic electric out there contrary to some reports. My Martin DCME blows it away, though the Martin cost twice as much. Fairly bright sound, not a real deep bass though. For an intermediate guitar it is okay. The lower end martins and taylor sound a lot better though. This guitar lists for $849.00 I paid $700 for it 3 years ago.

This guitar had its issues, though kept humidified, constant neck problems and buzzing. Had adjusted several times at shop I bought it at. After 2 and 1/2 years a crack in the solid top appeared from the bridge to the bottom end pin/ pickup button/ strap area. I am going to try to send it back to Takamine under the limited life time warranty, I guess we will see what happens. Action is very average.

It has fallen apart see note on crack in top under finish. I have used it in church as a worship leader and not abused it at all. I always have a backup on stage, with my Martin, it now is my backup unitl I can get it fixed and sold.

Well, the guitar is a mid-level Acoustic/Electric in Takamine's G-Series of guitars. It has a Solid Cedar top with laminated Nato back and sides. A little debate on Nato is at: http://www.guitarists.net/forum/view.cfm/4,4517/nato_wood.html
The electronics consist of a 3 band EQ with an external battery access and a battery tester. The guitar has 20 frets and a HUGE cutaway so you can use them all! The guitar looks very basic (it could use some pearl inlay, but that can be added later), however part of the charm is is in the guitar's looks.

Deep and Mellow are the best words to describe this guitars sound. I don't know what it was about the sound but i fell head over heels at the guitar store...Compared to Taylor's that cost 3 times as much i just kept coming back to the warm tones of this guitar. I find i get a bit of buzz sometimes (especially at the first fret) but otherwise the guitar is very easy to play. It's sized like a stepping stone from an electric to a full size acoustic. I think my salesperson called it a California-Style body but most of the other reviews call it NEX. Whatever it's called its the right size!

I took the guitar back after playing it for a week to have the action lowered. AT the 7th fret onward it just seemed high...it's perfect now and they set it up at no charge so it's all good! The fit and finish are spectacular! the tuners feel like honey when you turn them and all the seams are spot-on. The word flawless comes to mind...

Reliability is very good...I have had the guitar for about 4 months and after having it 2 weeks i picked up the case to head out the door and it was open and the guitar fell out and hit my dresser...one giant clang later the guitar had a minute nick that no one seems to be able to see but me! The moral of the story is the guitar is durable and the finish is ideal for hiding scrapes and nicks (and fingerprints). Also, as i said, the hardware is awesome and the guitar stays in tune extremely well. The rear strap button doubles as the plug for the cord which seems a bit risky but i never play standing up so its no big deal to me. Finally, the factory mounted strings made it almost 3 months before sounding dead...

I had the action lowered a week after purchase at no cost...other than that my experience is limited, however the Takamine website seems like a good resource and my sales rep assured me that any problems would be taken care of right away...in house!

A great value

I believe this guitar was made in 2001 (serial # starts with 01 so it seems a reasonable assumption).
In terms of features, the ESG430SC is about as bare bones as you'll find in an acoustic/electric. It doesn't even have fingerboard inlays (which I actually find appealing).
The body shape is the smaller "NEX Cutaway" design which makes it closer to handling an electric guitar than a traditional-sized acoustic. Comes with a solid cedar top (satin finish), nato back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and chrome tuners. Also has the N4B pre-amp.
The pre-amp alone, considering the cost, along with the cutaway design gets a 9 rating from me ... a 8 if you don't consider the cost, only because there's no pickguard.

For me personally, I love the sound. But it definitely will not be everyone's cup of tea.
As with all cedar top guitars, the EGS430SC is VERY MELLOW. The notes do not exactly ring out, but it is very warm. Personal preference, but I have never played a spruce top that didn't sound brittle to my ears... even top of the line Takamines or Martins.
This guitar is the ultimate if accompanying a bright instrument such as a violin or piano. In a band situation, it may not cut through as much as required, but it's small body size prevents the tone from becoming too "boxy" like some jumbo sized guitars which have cedar tops.
Amplified (on the cleanest setting of a Line 6 Spider 2X10), the sound is simply beautiful. I just keep the bass, mid, treble and gain switches on the Takamine pre-amp in the centre positions, and the guitar sings. It actually sounds better amplified (which I guess makes sense given that's what make a Takamine guitar what it is).

The action is amazing. I never picked up a guitar in a store with the intonation perfectly set, but this one was. I also play open chords way down at the 10th and 12th frets, and it's absolutely no problem on this guitar.
It came with D'Addario .12-.53 strings which are perfectly suited to the guitar.
The mahogany neck has a similar feel to an electric guitar - not too wide and very comfortable, with pretty much a bare wood feel. I have a Godin electric with a mahogany neck, and the neck on the EGS430SC feels identical.

I prefer the looks of not having the pickguard, but it does make me a tad bit nervous. I guess it wouldn't be that hard to add one at a later date. Overall, it seems built to last with solid electronics and excellent construction.

No need to use as of yet, but the owner of the store in which I bought it couldn't emphasize enough how great Takamine is in every aspect. I could tell he was being sincere, and that the service he gets from Takamine is incredible. Good enough for me!

I've been playing guitar for almost 25 years (!!! I never thought about that question before. I should really be better than I am). Anyway, I decided that now was the time to spend some serious dough - or at least $1,250 - on an acoustic guitar that would last me a lifetime. The thing is, I picked up this guitar first and played it without looking at the price. I knew right away I was going to buy it, and was almost disappointed when I saw it cost so little!! So I tried out a $1,300 Takamine which, I admit, sounded sweeter and more was more versatile (spruce top, rosewood back and sides), but I didn't like the feel of the neck as much as on the ESG430SC. And the difference of sound was really maybe only 10% greater, while the cost was 90% greater.

I tried a few others up to $2,000 and kept coming back to this $679 treasure. Would have absolutely no problem coughing up another $679 (Canadian at that!) if I lost this one - which I won't.

it was made in taiwan (that's what's written on the sticker inside the body), it has 20 fret, a volume control and a 3 band eq. i bought it brand new for about 4000 francs (aproximately 600 euros).

this guitar has very rich medium sound with good bass that could be better even so, and bright treble. the eq give good result when the guitar is played plugged into an amp (even an amp designed for electric guitar).

this guitar is well adapted to picking or arpeggio but you need to have well trained muscles to play chords, espscially for those of you who are used to play with an electric guitar. finition is good on my model (no sharp frets, nice satinated varnish, no neck problem so far).

i bought this guitar in summer 1999 and i've never had any problem up till now despite the various and sometimes extreme conditions ( rain / cold / hot temperature) to which this guitar has been exposed, so i think this guitar is very reliable.

never dealt with them, so i don't know.

i've been playing the guitar for 8 years now, i also posess a Lag hardmaster (excellent instrument maker from toulouse France, ask about it!!). if i was stolen my takamine, i would definitely buy it again for it is, in my opinion, a good mid-range guitar (for the price).

Solid cedar top, Nato neck and back. The fret board is plain and has no inlays which looks stark and unusual, but really fits with the overall guitars presentation. A satin finish adds to the easy plain appearance. NEX body style, with cutaway. Chrome tuners that would probably look better if they were gold.

Nice medium sound. The solid cedar top gives a warm tone, that is easy to listen to and blends in well as a Rhythm instrument. Sounds good accoustically but better when plugged in. Takamine electronics always sound good.

Action was set well on the guitar, picked it up and it played well out of the box. Top of frets were a little rough and I had to hand file them down. A couple of clamp marks show lightly on the top.

I have played this for a year and it has stood up very well. The satin finish really mutes any impact of surface scratched that may mar a high gloss guitar. Banged it around and still no significant dents or scratches.

The first 430 guitar I purchased had a defect with the arm being set at an incorrect angle. Excellent service as the guitar was replaced within a week. With this kind of service I will be back for my next guitar.

This guitar stays in tune very well, and it is an easy instrument to leave out and pick up when you want to play and not have to worry about fingerprint or scratches on a gloss finish. When choosing this guitar I was originally interested in an Ovation. The plugged in sound was much better with the Tak. I would buy it again.

i bought this guitar used, but i believe it's a year old or so. i understand the list on this guitar new is $800.00. has a solid spruce top (satin finish) and laminated back and sides. has nice, smooth grover style tuners, a three band built in eq / pick up system, rosewood fingerboard with large, smooth frets. the body is a mini-jumbo size and has a nice cutaway that allows access to the upper frets easily. the guitar looks fairly plain, but in a good way. the fingerboard has not dot inlays. there is white binding on the body and none on the neck or headstock. the guitar actually looks really nice.

i play acoustic guitar at church on the worship team. i also write my own acoustic music and sing.... sort of a james taylor meets jars of clay vibe. this guitar is great plugged into a p.a. system and has a really nice "acoustic" plugged in sound if that makes sense. unplugged, the guitar has a nice sound, probobly better than i give it credit for. unfortunatly, my point of refference is a taylor 312ce which, for obvious reasons, has a superior sound. the takamine is not a really bright sounding guitar. i string it with light gauge 12-52's and it just seems to have a little bit more "mellow" tone. not that that a bad thing. the sound is well balanced and the guitar projects well, it just doesn't seem to "sparkle" like the taylor. again, that a pretty unfair comparison given the difference in price between the instruments.

the action on this guitar is great. the neck feels good, and is easily playable. the guitar is well made and feels solid. the finish is a satin type finish, so it's kind of "flat" looking.... again, not in a bad way. overall, the guitar seems very well made. the wood used for the sides actually has some nice grains in it. the electronics fit neatly into the contour of the body, nice and flush.

this guitar seems very durable. hardware seems solid, electronic seem to be of good quality. end pin jack is nice and tight, strap buttons are tight.

not sure, never had to deal with takamine. they have an informative web site however.

i've played for about 12 years now. early on, mostly electric, now, almost exclusively acoustic. i've owned many acoustics, from entry level to my current taylor 312ce. if stolen, i'd probobly not replace it. i'd look to save up and get a second taylor. this guitar is perfect for a intermediate level player looking to upgrade to a quality mid-level acoustic. the difference between a $300.00 guitar and this one (list is $800.00 new) is extreme. an upgrade from a cheep acoustic to this would make a very noticable difference.