Takamine J-15E

Mine is either a "second" or a prototype; no serial number.

See Takamine's website for specific features:
http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=1080&sid=352

My fingerboard is ebony, not rosewood. Has the early version of Palathetic pickup/preamp.

Unusual in its design is the use of sound posts to support the bridge (not normally seen in archtop guitars).

Something on the verge of alchemy went into the design of this guitar.

The relatively small soundhole and thick top limit the acoustic volume tremendously, and the early Takamine Palathetic pickup system was almost too bright, at least on other Taks.

But on this instrument, the amplified sound is amazing. The clarity is crystal and the tone is very warm in the lower-midrange, especially with heavy flatwound strings.

The only downside is the occasional ringing that emanates from the tailpiece.

"Built like a tank" is appropriate. It is a large and heavy guitar. Make sure you have a case with enough depth to accomodate the height of the bridge! I'm using an old Epiphone Emperor case and it's barely large enough.

The fingerboard is a highlight here. The condition is excellent and the fit for my small hands (I'm 5'6") and feels great.

The workmanship on the purfling is a little shoddy compared to the craftsmanship elsewhere on the instrument.

I expect this guitar to outlive me, it's built that solidly. The only enhancements/service needed would be: modify (mute) the tailpiece, and recondition the top near the bridge (the laminate is a little weak there and has some minor cracks).

N/A

I'm primarily an acoustic guitarist, both flatpicking and fingerstyle (20+ yrs). I purchased the J15e to work on my jazz fingerstyle and, while I'm not that proficient, I would say it was an invaluable addition to my collection. It definitely has a unique voice that I turn to when composing.

Essentailly, the previous reviews hit the nail on the head.

I'm more of a jazzer and was shocked at the lack of projection and bottom end unplugged on this one. The other reviews take the words out of my mouth.

Haven't found any flaws-this one from the "golden age" of Japanese lawsuit guitars. New Gibsons should be this well built.

Seems solid as a tank.

N/A, it's 25 years old...

This one's for sale if interested, btw.

Hacking away since 1979, I've had 150 guitars and loved my s400 best but Jimmy d'Aquistos final guitar was the most amazing piece I ever played.

I wouldn't get another one of these simply because I don;t do much acoustic/electric stuff. For those that do, I'd imagine you'd never part with it. It'll outlast us all and our progeny with the build quality.

I have not been able to aquire any specs and am looking for some still. I inherited a Takamine model J-15E acoustic electric in a hard case..to say the least this guitar still smells new when I open the case. I have had several locally known musicians come over and look at this masterpiece of a guitar...all I get is "AWE"!!!

This Takamine J-15E has a tone like no other acoutic I have ever played...like a golden velvet voice..

no visable or sound flaws found....Unlike other Takamine models has a floating bridge with finished design hardware attaching the 6 strings

the most solid and tight guitar I have ever held in my hands...I am confident this guitar will never be a dissapointment..solid hardware nothing loose or cheap..

Never needed repair...but have tried contacting several dealers regarding this particular J-15E model....and have searced the internet extensively....NO LUCK PAL!...either this guitar was not popular.....OR ...is extremely RARE???

I personally have been a (wanna be) player since I was 7 years old... (1). I currently own a Silvertone/Acoustic...which is slightly modified with a electric guitar pick-up of an old fender I found busted in the city landfill. (my very 1st)!
(2). From this same widow I also inherited a Gibson Les Paul Studio...Black with Brass/Gold hardware.. (sweet)!
(3). Takamine J-15E.....(the mystery dream)!
(4). Fender Chorus amp...also from the widow...
Including all this I wish I had (a). Gibson SG (b). Stevie Ray's Fender Strat & his talent...
(ALSO WISH I HAD SOMEONE THAT COULD TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS (TAKAMINE J-15E)!!!!

Single cutaway archtop acoustic with round sound hole. Very good quality. I have the original prototype for this one, built originally for Ry Cooder. Thin neck, long scale. Excellent slide guitar, reasonable acoustic jazz guitar in the Django tradition. You will benefit from a slightly lighter guage than you may be used to on an acoustic. Very solid airline ready case. I've traveled with this many times and never had a problem. High quality tuners. I don't know if they carried the same quality of workmanship over to the production models. My only complaint is the difficulty in getting at the 9v battery.

It definitely has a better sound plugged in. Very stiff top, little projection for an acousting guitar. The "palathetic" pickup sounds much brighter than most of these types of bridge pickups. Very clean sound. No preamp required.

Excellent setup. No visible flaws.

I've been using this professionaly since 1982 with no problems whatsoever.

Unknown

I've been playing professionally for 28 years. This has been my main acoustic jazz and slide for almost 20 of those. I didn't choose it, I won it in a contest, but would still replace it with the same model (if I could find one).

1981, only made this particular model for a few years.
20 frets,ebony fingerboard, dot inlay, solid aged carved spruce top, solid carved rosewood back and sides. Big 16 3/4 " body, Palathetic pickup system that takes square 9 volt battery. Body style is similar to a cutaway Gibson L5 except; it has a round soundhole. Pickup is in the bridge with 3-band EQ on side, Gain, Bass, and Treble.
Has floating archtop bridge, archtop tailpiece.
High quality Takamine tuners, chrome hardware, some models have gold hardware.
25 1/2" scale. Finish is a beautiful high gloss.

I like coffee house blues/rock/jazz, this guitar played acoustically sounds overbuilt, meaning that it does not really project or ringout like an acoustic at all.
Pluged in it sounds great. But very different than an archtop or a flattop. It might sound more on the flattop side but not really, it is a very unique sound and takes time getting used to really. It tends to sound more on the trebly side but adjusting the treble slider to minus 3 or 4 rounds the sound out. You need to experiment with different string combinations to find a recognizable sound.
Don't get me wrong, it sounds great, but not familiar or vintage or anything like that, it sounds like a guitar alright but it has a uniqe voice.

This guitar is like ordering a Gibson custom shop or a Benedetto it is that great of workmanship and materials.
The action is awesome with acoustic medium gage strings, 12-52.
Easy to play, it actually plays itself.

Guitar is 20 years old, built like a tank and is in near mint condition.

N/A

I've been playing 30 years, a 'lil jazz alot of rock and plenty of blues. Gone thru about 30 or more guitars of all grades and quality.
This guitar is a unique hybrid that is out of production, I guess it did not find a nich buyer or player. This guitar is an awesome custom guitar that has a unique voice that many are not familair with which is why I guess they stopped making it.
I'm just going to enjoy playing it for a small coffee house kind of vibe and let others judge the sound.
If you want a traditional Jazz or blues tone this guitar is not for you, if you want an acoustic electric that is of extreme high quality with a unique voice all its own, then buy this guitar at once, I've seen the price going up to $1000 now, I think its finally being recognized as a great custom guitar.