Takamine EG530SC

Well' I'm surprise being the first one to review this model, since it exist since a few years. Dreadnought,G serie, Natural color, 2008 model with dragonfly inlays around the soundhole.( They are not all like this ) Made in Korea, with a TK40 preamp, 6 strings, Takamine sealed machine heads, stay in tune perfectly. Finish is brillant just as it should be, not a plastic look. 20 frets, all accessibles true the cutaway model. Looks like what you'd expect from a Takamine guitar.

I'm playing rythm guitar in a classic rock cover band. We decided we would include a few songs that would need an accoustic guitar. Went to my local store and meet "Mel" the guitarist-salesman. After I explain him what I needed, he presented me a few Takamine's...saying it's the best money wise- value for what I was looking for. Playing it directly true the console with a DI, I was( We were all ) surprised of the quality of this TK40 pre-amp. No feedback, sounded rich and clear, planty bass response...all I was expecting. I tought I would have to spend the double to approch this tone. Thanks to Mel...good recommandation.
Unplugged, the guitar sounds good but not extraordinary. I have played a lot of accoustic guitars with a better unplugged sound, but I have to say I bought it for her electric quality, so to that point, it suit my needs very well. Don't misunderstand me...for her accoustic sound, it's comparable, if not better, to a lot of other made I've tried, but it is not great, just alright. Putted a 9 just because of her accoustic quality...would deserved a 10 for her electric sound.

Set up, action, pick up, finish...everything was perfect for me out of the box. The action is low without buzzing, it stay in tune for days. The neck is probably a 12" radius, C shape, not to wide and very confortable. It looks that "Takamine" means something. That's probably why there is so many of that made in professional hands.

Having it for only a few months, I can hardly review this point, but it look solid and reliable. I don't have any accoustic backup for gigging, but my electric guitars could always replace it in case of emergency. By the way, thanks to Takamine to have putted a strap button at the neck joint, like an electric guitar. This is really a plus.

I bought it brand new, so it is warranty. Since I never dealt with Takamine, I can't evaluate.

I'm playing guitar in bands since over 40 years. I own a lot of other gears. 2 electric guitars (Les Paul, Telecaster) many effect pedals ( all Boss )Fender amp, Marshall amp, Roland amp. I don't suffer of GAS...Lolll, but I love my instruments. I now have another lover...my Takamine EG530SC. If it would be stolen, I would run buying another one without hesitation. I think it's a steal to have a so good instrument for that money. If you ever need an accoustic guitar to used mainly electric for gigging, don't hesitate, that's the guitar you are looking for. I would only wish it would come with a hardcase or a good gig bag...Unfortunatly, mine came in a carton box...Lolll