One of the more popular brands of acoustic guitar among avid players is Takamine. The company is renowned for it's steel string acoustic guitars. Takamine guitars possess quality workmanship, great sound, nice tone as well as the look and feel of a Martin. All this without the "Martinesque" price tag.
The Takamine factory is located in Nakatsugawa, Gifu, Japan and has been building guitars since it's founding in 1962. True to Japanese innovation, Takamine introduced the world's first ever acoustic/electric guitar sixteen years later in 1978. Takamine is distributed in the United States by the Kaman Corporation, which is also the manufacturer of the Ovation (composite over wood
acoustic instruments), Adamas (spin-off of Ovation) and Hamer (higher quality electrics and solid bodies). All of these brands have quality built in and are available in a range of prices for any purse/wallet.
Takamine took a page from CF Martin's construction and adapted the processes to be unique to their own name. So close are the construction and even the logo on Takamine instruments that Chris Martin IV, the current chairman and CEO of Martin Guitars, placed enough legal pressure on
Takamine that they altered their design in 2005.
Each year, Takamine issues a high end Limited Edition model in extremely low volume quantities. Only a few hundred of these are made at the most. These instruments normally are built with the highest quality materials and the newest technology around. They ALWAYS have a specific theme (nature, astronomical, etc…) with related artistic inlays and art designs.
Takamine guitars has a worldwide distribution network and the instruments are available to the public at major music chains everywhere. Takamine guitars can be had for as little as $199 all the way up to several thousands of dollars. The lower end models are a favorite of beginners as well as
advanced players. The higher end models are used in recording studios and jam sessions, but are rarely seen on stage in live performance. The reasons for this bewilder me because they sound so good in a live setting.
The Takamine guitar has a comfortable feel to it. The basic dreadnought body shape is the mainstay, but the luthier does make some in single cut-a-way, jumbo and classical styles as well.
If you are just starting out, consider a Takamine strongly. It may not be the best fit for you as a player, but the brand deserves a try. You may be amazed at the tone you get for only a couple hundred dollars. Plus, they look nice, too, and that is important.
Always look for a comfortable playability. Be sure the body fits your normal playing posture and is easy on the fret fingers.
As we always say here, there is no "best" acoustic guitar for everyone. Finding the right one is like trying on clothes. When the right fit finds you, you know it.
So go to your local music store(s) and play a few Takamine guitars. See how they feel and sound to you. Try a low end model and a high end model (even if you can't afford it) to see the difference in the sound and neck action.
Thursday, October 2. 2008
Takamine Guitars - Best Acoustic Guitar
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