Product: Takamine TAN76
Price Paid: USD 1284
Submitted
12/21/2006
at
07:04pm
by
lsutyger
Features
:
10
One of the "Supernaturals" Series. Tramsparent finish on OM Body; solid spruce top, rosewood fretboard, sides, and solid rosewood back; gold tuners with amber handles; CTP-1 preamp with onboard tuner; made in 2006 in Japan; Neck has a different finish-maybe flat?; Takamine case (made by TKL) included; scalloped bridge
Sound
:
10
I play primarily as the rythm guitarist at my church through a Marshall AS50R amplifier so amplified sound quality is crucial. With the "Cool Tube" pre-amp set at about 60% this guitar is so warm. The tube circuitry takes the metalic edge off the piezo pickups and makes the guitar sound as though it's being played over a high quality microphone setup.
Unplugged the guitar sounds equally good, though it's slightly smaller body limits the volume. Tone is great up and down the neck. In the hands of a good fingerpicker, this guitar will sing.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
The action is really good with no adjustments and is particularly well suited for fingerpicking as well as rythm up and down the neck. The finish on the neck or the geometry of it is the first thing that you notice. For some reason I don't understand, the neck is immenently more playable than most guitars I've played.
The guitar did have two nicks in the lacquer on the back side of the neck; nothing major but enough to use as a bargaining chip. Didn't care for D'Addario strings though the store threw in Elixers as lagniappe.
Also, there was a loose ground connection which caused initial problems on the pre-amp. This was quickly addressed by the music store and I am satisfied.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Very durable for live playing. As I said, we play three times a week at church so the guitar has gotten a good workout. The tuners are excellent as is the finish. The integrated strap button jack is solidly affixed and feels more secure than a standard jack.
Customer Support
:
10
Had the pre-amp fixed quickly and under warranty. Music store is my primary contact. The warranty is limited lifetime.
Overall Rating
:
10
Played it for a month now and am so pleased. A great "Step up" guitar without the price tag associated with Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, et. al.
My favorite feature is the cool tube. It really has to be heard to appreciate. The neck is also fantastic. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
