Product: Takamine EG345C 12-string Dreadnought Cutaway
Price Paid: USD 349
Submitted
10/03/2008
at
10:59pm
by
buchrob
Features
:
No Opinion
Chinese dreadnought 12 string, but don't let that fool you. Holds its tune very well (over 6-8 weeks) and does not disappoint either acoustically or electrically.
It has acoustic pick-ups to feed an amp built-in, with volume and tone controls just where you would want them, as well as a battery-powered on-board tuner, a BIG +++ for any 12-string. Even Ric didn't think of that.
Large frets, about Ric size.
Very plain finish, dead easy to play even for a novice like me. No one is likely to start a cult of xxxxxx-gear with this sledge hammer.
I buy PLAYERS, not collector's items, and this one is a keeper.
Sound
:
No Opinion
I largely play 60's/Beatles stuff, so this can fill in for the acoustic-only occasions. Just saw a fund-raiser for PBS featuring John Denver music, and this rig is exactly right for that. Set me off on a tear for about a week. They should have run an infomercial and sold hundreds of thousands of guitars and then split the proceeds with PBS.
Does a very creditable rendition of the Hard Days Night opening chord feeding a clean amp input.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
No Opinion
Much better quality out-of-the-box than I have seen with some major North American manufacturers.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
Who knows? For $350, 12-string acoustic/electric with an on-board tuner I don't expect miracles.
However, if the tuners are any indication, this thing will last forever.
It does have a prodigious appetite for 9 volt batteries for the tuner/electronics. Easy solution is to remove the battery between sessions, otherwise you will get a low battery warning after about a week, regardless of whether it's been played.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Had no reason to deal with the mfgr.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
I'm like a lot of boomers, played between the ages of 14-16 years old, had to give it up going on to college, now taking stuff up again 40+ years later, but with a better budget (and ear) than back then.
I am a big fan of Godin products, because they are designed in my home town, so to speak, and I admire their smart thinking and design.
I like the on-board tuner on the Takamine, and even better, the tuner machines that don't go flat after just a few hours of playing. It was bought on an impulse, but I really enjoy it. Best bang for the buck so far.
It doesn't matter where your axe is assembled as long as the design and quality control are there.
I own a Ric 330/6, 330/12, Gretch G5130, Godin LP90, Epiphone Casino as well as a mandolin, cheapie electronic keyboard and electronic drums, none of which I can claim to play really well. But they are all a lot of fun.
