Does a $50 Takamine F360 Sound Better Than A $5,000 Collings D2H?!

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Collings D2H vs Takamine F360 guitars. One costs over $5k, the other I got for 50 bucks at a yard sale. Which one sounds best?

[@michaelzurovec1582]

I have a 1979 F 360. $100 swap meet find over 20 years ago. Never (hardly ever) goes out of tune. Love it.

[@becky4193]

just because he paid $50 doesn't make it worth $50....these things sell for at least $500

[@TimGuitarLessons]

True! Though, there's a saying... a guitar is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it!

[@parkergreene4053]

@@TimGuitarLessons people are willing to pay at least 500 for lawsuit taks, the guy you bought it from just didnt know what he had

[@isaacbowling1261]

@@TimGuitarLessons this one guy sold one for 1,200

[@keseysvenisonchili]

The Tak (the f360s) was good enough for Garcia, it’s good enough for me. These things on reverb are going for anywhere from $700-$1200 (for an f360s). There’s an f360 right now for $999. $50 was a fucking steal. That said, the sequence @3:20 or so made the difference. The collings wins but If I’m paying $5g I’m buying a Martin 000-42

[@jwodehouse7087]

I really think these “verses videos” would be a lot less bias if you (or anyone dueling it out with rags and riches guitars) would do them blind and then at the end reveal which one is which. I saw a blind wine tasting done with a 11$ bottle and a 1100$ bottle and the 11$ one held up under a blind taste test. Pepsi did it over Coke in the 80’s. I honestly don’t think most people would really know the difference other than strumming the Collins better. I have a Takamine F340S and I LOVE it. It rings and rings and sounds great finger-style. Thanks for the video.

[@dongillette]

Bought a1989 Takamine FP360-S in 1989 for $989.50 and of the 14 guitars I have, it's the finest. A Martin D-28 was $400 more at the time (but without the Parametic EQ) and I went with the Takamine purely on sound and quality.

[@robertgarcia3031]

I have a 1978 takamine F340, I have had the guitar for over 40 years and absolutely love it. It still plays great and stays in tune for years.

[@ple52]

I have a 1977 F340 that i have had since then! Mint condition. A little to big for me now so I usually use my GS Mini

[@kevinritenour2968]

Ive had several Tak 360 models over the years and they have all sounded great. In the video the Collings wins to a keen ear. The balance and definition of the Collings sounds terrific. However, once you get to strummig and singing to either of these guitars one would likely not hear that difference as much. The Takamine is also an all laminate guitar which says alot for what it has to offer tonally versus the solid wood Collings model.

[@rudals1281]

3:08 to 3:32 delivers the best comparison.

[@jackquentin1950]

You can clearly hear the difference in sustain but I still think it's way overpriced

[@0713mas]

Pretty close, similar set up, bone nut, quality bridge pins and different strings could make it sound even closer to the collings IMO. I always look for inexpensive all solid wood or at least solid top guitars and upgrade the nut, saddle & pins to anything but plasic!

[@DRealFatguy]

This. Exactly THIS.

[@johna.gostan1007]

I think the Takamine held up quite well, Was a little flatter in tone. Possibly different stings would ring more. I own a 360s and completely love it and would put it against any guitar.

[@buttoneer63]

Amazing 😃 the extra two zero's on the price tag does give you a slight increase in depth of tone but hey, they both sound fab don't they. Nice playing ✌️

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the positive feedback Phil!

[@vestro59]

May the force be with you finding a Takamine f360for 50 bucks

[@TimGuitarLessons]

🤷‍♂️I guess the force was/is with me

[@harmur80]

Collings sounded wonderful, but not worth the premium for me. Interestingly, I notice that the Collings buzz out under heavy strumming (video 2:17), whereas the Tak. seem to hold it on under the same heavy strumming sequence (video 2:33)

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment!

[@vikingbeard]

You make both sound great. Exceptional playing.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment!

[@seanpol7324]

Good review, although You should put the actual retail recommended price comparison because the f360 is a $2000 guitar give or take, regardless is you found one for $50. I have a 2008 f340 and I paid $1,200 brand new, Aussie dollars.

[@hi-fiequipmentcomparison667]

That's why there's not much difference👍🏻

[@ericpeabody1555]

If you think the F360 sounds good, try out a seasoned F360S with the solid Spruce top and rosewood back. You might not find one for $50, but you can find them under $500. And since they are 70s vintage, the wood has the added magic of age!

[@VetHead]

I still have mine that I bought in 1978 when I was in college. F360 S. It’s set in its case for the last 20 years. I am now retired 67 years old and I started playing again. I’ll never sell it

[@JEFFERYPAUL1]

I just inherited a 1990 360s it sounds amazing.

[@JW007100]

At the beginning they were close but the Collins has a wider neck with a flatter radius which helps chording and overall playability.The Takamine is a decent guitar and I still have my 1973 F-360 which I paid $168.00 new for in 1973. The Collins is definitely a better sounding guitar but for $50.00 bucks the Takamine is a hell of a find. Leave the Collins at home and hit the road with the Takamine on your next camping trip.

[@bhobg]

Love the piece you played at 3:40!

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks! That'd be Waiting On The World To Change by John Mayer

[@randyscott9034]

I would have to say the collings but with that said the takamine held its own pretty damn well . Plus most of us don’t have that money to spend on a guitar

[@Rockriverboarder]

I have a fancier looking Takamine F450s which was relatively expensive when I bought it used in the 80s, they trade about 1100$ now. It has held up amazingly with no cracks, crazing or separations at 46 year old but it’s durable poly finish doesn’t feel as nice as more expensive guitars I’ve played in a shop. I’d much rather have the Collings but the Tak is paid for and sounds and plays pretty nice. My biggest gripe with it is these old 70s f series are flagrant Martin copies.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Yeah they definitely are going after the Martin look, for sure

[@ShamanicSavant]

I agree but back in those days they weren't the only ones making Martin copies. Nowadays Takamine has their own unique styling with far better aesthetics than most. I always found the various Santa Fe models over the years to be some of the most visually appealing acoustics on the market. My EF75M-TT is pure understated elegance in a class of its own. Nobody does inlays better than the Japanese made Taks :)

[@ericd4867]

Cool video Tim! I think they both sound great but the ol Collins is as good as it gets as far as sound in my opinion. But I doubt I will ever be able to shell out 5k for an acoustic so I better get used to the 50 dollar sound!! I play a Sedona SD-442. Just a cheap guitar not sure on the wood types but I have to say this little guitar sounds great. It has that vibration feel in your chest when you play that I haven’t found on any others I have played.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

The vibration in the chest is a great sign of a guitar that resonates... And I'm with you on not shelling out that much money for a guitar... there's no way I'd shell out $5k for a guitar (or at least not at this point in my life, maybe one day if I somehow become crazy rich)... I've been very lucky in finding amazing deals and making good trades to get the guitars I have currently. Thanks as always for the comment Eric!

[@eltuertoandroide]

great video. the Collins sounds better but i rather pick up the Takamine and save the money. I am just a weekend player at home.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment Robert!

[@chazbutcher]

The strings on the Collings sound a little brighter and it sounds like the action is lower. I don't hear a $5000 difference though.

[@DbeeSapphire]

The F360s (solid spruce top) would be a better comparison. I have a 1978 F360s and it sounds amazing!

[@brokenacoustic]

I've got a '99 Bourgeois Slope D and a '78 Tak F-360S-LH that had been converted to righty. Its definitely not at the same level as the Slope D and shes kinda rough around the edges these days, but with a new set of strings, the Tak still sounds really good, even after 26 years of abuse by me, as it was my first guitar...survived a lot of bon fires, music festivals, drunken people and me hammering on it. I'll send it to twoodfrd some day to get fixed up lol

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Love that guy's channel!

[@iamdjsluggo]

Title is misleading. Look up the Tak f360. Not a “$50” guitar by any means. That being said. Good head-to-head video. Thanks for taking to time to do it. Always wanted Tak as a kid. Ogled them in Acoustic Guitar World magazine. Now that I CAN afford them, I’m collecting the guitars that wanted as a kid.

[@Mountainrock70]

This F360 is a laminated top, back and sides. The Collins to me does not sound better only different. I have a 1975 Takamine F340 that really aged well and sounds as good as any mid 70s Martin D18.

[@2011Noud]

It is in fact a bit of disturbing as some people are saying a Takamine F360 S definitely has a solid top (I owe one) and the F360 has not? I'm still not sure about that. Anyway as for Takamine, they tend to have a less prominent low end acoustically so no "booming" problems. Amplified my Takamine tends to sound thin through a mixing desk but shines incredibly when played through a decent acoustic amp. Probably a matter of some kind of mismatch with the desk. Takamine was very successful with their pick ups in a way that they never changed their pick ups that much. You were very lucky in buying such a guitar for that amount of money.

[@Mountainrock70]

@@2011Noud growing up in the 70’s and early 80’s my friends Mom and Dad owned a music store where I took guitar lessons. They were authorized Takamine and Alvarez dealers. We got to know everything about those guitars back then. The “S” does in fact stand for “Solid Top”in the F series line. Also you can tell a laminated top at a glance by the adjustable saddle. These days Im seeing guitars where the sellers are claiming they are “S” guitars with adjustable saddles. They either had the bridges replaced or more likely some scoundrel took a fine sharpie and carefully drew an “S” inside the guitar at the end of the model number to get more money……. My F340 has the clear finish worn to nothing in a couple areas of the sound hole edge. It can clearly be seen that the top is thin layers. They are not the best guitars but the price was right.

[@laurietice2612]

Well the Collings certainly should sound better and it does. But the Takamine sounds pretty darn good too. I have a F360 and love it. Time to put on new strings. What would you suggest???

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment Laurie! I tend to play D'Addario XT strings these days: @t ... what strings do you have on your guitar right now?

[@laurietice2612]

@@TimGuitarLessons I am not sure, it's been awhile since I had it restrung. But I think I may have had it restrung with D'Addario EXP 16's.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

EXP are what I used to use! Those are good strings. I think their EXP line became the XT line

[@klepetar]

i am in the lookout for an acoustic.. someone is selling that takamine for $650 canadian.. maybe i will consider it thanks for the video

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Sure thing!

[@mattsilliman2136]

The Collings sounds brighter & projects a bit better. My question would be are there any differences in the dimensions of the sound box itself most notable would be depth. & then it would behoove to twke a peak inside the box to see if there's m7ch if any difference in construction. I would venture a guess with its likely due to quality/type of wood used. Obviously the Tak is not yhe f360S. S= solid spruce top. .. anyhow that's my 2 cents

[@TimGuitarLessons]

👍

[@frasco1451]

Thank you, very interesting.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment Francois!

[@jasper_north]

I do hear a $250 difference. Plug them into a good amplifier and the difference will be $35... Feels good too. Thanks Tim. Great video.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks Jasper!

[@DRealFatguy]

The Collings has electronics ? Yes, plug them in next time.

[@flatheadfletch]

Theirs a big big difference but not enough to warrant the money for us backyard pickers

[@TimGuitarLessons]

This Takamine is absolutely my backyard picking guitar

[@DRealFatguy]

Go buy a nice set of ebony bridge pins and put them into the Tak. I know, I know. Ebony pins usually run about $4000 and would bring the cost up, but install a set and try the comparison again. To add to it , Collings is a nice, hand made guitar. Are you suggesting Takamine are made by feet ?

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thats not a bad idea... I've had bone and tusq pins in it at different times... I think I just have plastics in it right this second.

[@DRealFatguy]

@@TimGuitarLessons I have no idea why, or if its just a personal choice, but ebony pins just work for me.

[@SlamDunc_FPV]

I wasn't even at 2 minutes and I could just feel the difference through my headphones 🤣

[@MrTrendkill2]

i love buying cheap acoustic guitars, play 'em for a while, tinker with 'em, use 'em for a canoe paddle if you need to, and then send them down the road. you always get what you pay for, but that cheapo sounded pretty good.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

I was pleased with it when I found it... Those old Takamines have a reputation for being very good guitars for what they are

[@awkapp]

If you think Taks are cheapo then I doubt you even play.

[@aKaCrowley]

the 5k guitar beath any under 2k guitar out there

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment!

[@julianicole7622]

Does anyone knows anything about dragon seriesd-51

[@ikespoor4796]

Love the sound of the Collings. However, I love my Tak G-series. The Collings has a fuller sound and more bass, but the Tak still sounds really good. I wouldn't trade my Tak. OK, I'd take $5000 for it so I could buy another one and a Collings D-series.

[@rogerpoole]

The Collings has a fuller, deeper, more robust sound. I don't badmouth the F-360 at all because I've owned one for probably forty years; a 1973 F-360 which I will be selling soon. Mine sounds much better than the recorded sound of yours. In fact, I love my guitar but need to get something with a wider neck.

[@RnRanimal]

It's body sculpture. Listen to that Collings ring. The Takamine is a fabulous bargain and a very good guitar but the body doesn't bloom like that Collings.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Agreed

[@gregbey9237]

Also the f360 is rosewood back and sides the f360s is solid rosewood back and sides. And I have a ef340 which is solid spruce top and mahagony (though not sure if laminate) sides and back I got it for 400 with the case it's a 1985 townes van zandt had a ef 360 or 340 and loved it apparently calling it The Tin man and played it till the day he died playing it at shows even though he had a Gibson j200.

[@PulsedPower]

I believe the “s” designates just a solid top and laminate back and sides. The “ss” designated a solid top and back and sides.

[@gregbey9237]

@@PulsedPower it sounds right but it's wierd when I look up mine that's just a ef340 it says solid spruce top and mahagony sides and back, yet others without the s like a f360 will tell you laminate top. I honestly think the s could mean series or that it really just means solid top which makes more sense. Idk lol. Mine is a solid spruce top almost positive on it after further speculation.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

You can usually tell if your top is solid or laminate by looking at the sound hole cut... if the grain is uniform and uninterrupted through the wood then it is solid. A laminate top should have a pretty discernible sandwich look of 3 layers of wood...

[@12babyapes59]

@@TimGuitarLessons simon

[@ShamanicSavant]

If thatTak gets a scratch or dent it's just added character. If the Collings gets a scratch or dent it's a river of tears and a 50% drop in resale value :)

[@upcycleelectra8311]

Like all guitars the Takamine's vary from guitar to guitar all the 70s/80s F series sound good just some absolutely Zing.. tone monsters ( yousr not so much ) When you Take into consideration these guitar have only a solid top vaneer on the S models With all having laminated back & sides.. you can understand the difference in sound clarity & projection

[@jeffdickerson7372]

I have a 1978 takamini f360 and a martin d28. The martin d28 has a better sound. My f360 takamini can hold its own. Very nice fret job. A lot of volume but there is a difference. I really like playing it. I took it to Ben A. Hudson, a luckier in Brecksville Texas. And he changed the action. You can pick it up and not hurt your fingers. The Martin has great action too. But was 600 dollars back in 72.The Takamini was $800.00. I just bought it recently. Probably could have got one cheaper, but to me it was worth it.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

A setup is a good idea... I need to get this Takamine set up a bit better... it could use some new frets too.

[@mertman1]

I have a 70{s Tak Fs400e plays like butter,

[@TimGuitarLessons]

These old Taks are definitely good guitars!

[@mrjonesmusic5770]

The bass from the Collins projects better and it has a lot more on offer in the overtone department.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment!

[@SolarSurfLeo]

Tak still sounds like a Laminate on some stuff. The Collings sounds all wood all around.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for commenting!

[@gibsonlg2453]

Takamine is 1500 sounds collings 3000.

[@travisharris6191]

Collins is fuller and more sustain. The takamine is good sounding guitar for 50 bucks

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment Travis!

[@papawrichard3553]

That Collings is bell like, the Tak is a good guitar.

[@fingerfude59]

Close your eyes and listen. The Collings much sounds better but the Tak sounds great for the price.

[@jonjeffries3265]

When the strings age a month or more (after playing both), you might can hear more of a difference..

[@vofcr91]

For 50$ it's a steal! Although please note that F360 is built of laminated not solid woods. Nonetheless - if it's for a personal use and sound is more important than brand i'd choose takamine all the time :) sell collings and invest money in more guitars/amps or anything that pleases you haha ;) i'm on hunt for 340S and 360S. If i'll ever get lucky to get them I believe that is all that any acoustic guitarist would ever need! :D

[@chrispatrick5715]

Some takamines had solid tops. If they have S at the end of the model number, they are a solid-top.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

This is not a solid top

[@vofcr91]

@@TimGuitarLessons it's what I said :) if it doesn't have "S" in the model name - it's laminate.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Exactly 👍

[@12babyapes59]

@@chrispatrick5715 simon

[@ShamanicSavant]

It's all relative when comparing a lower end Tak to a high end guitar like 99% of these "Takamine vs $$$$" videos do. I'd put my Takamine EF75M-TT up against that Collings in a heartbeat and just smile. Collings makes a fine guitar, but to me they're just well made copies and lack originality in both their acoustics and electrics. I also hate bursts on acoustic guitars :)

[@Adsawtell]

The takamine is the winner. Excluding the parts where you played the other guitar better

[@charliebrownsguitartime6470]

Yeah I have been looking for all the "Lawsuit" type martin HD-28 guitars. Or even a sigma do you know of any budget guitars similar to the hd28. I'm playing a Martin DCPA5K now and want that tyler childers Sound ohh so bad. I'm trying to find a budget acoustic similar to the hd28. Then stick the lr baggs Lyric in it and have a solid performance worthy all solid tone wood acoustic.

[@mikealritchie3909]

Tyler is the goat. He plays a collings now

[@rogerpoole]

I will be selling my 1973 F-360 soon. It's in excellent condition and I've owned it for about 40 years. I'll be trying to get top 'vintage' dollars for it, though. ...or trade for wider neck acoustic/electric (about 1.8").

[@anthonyglennmollicasr.425]

The Collins is way better, but not 5K better.

[@danielramirez1332]

I just got one of these takamines what string gauge is best for this takamine?

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Hey Daniel! I think it depends on your preference and how the guitar is already set up in regards to action. I play light gauge strings... if your guitar was set up for mediums and you put lights on it, the result could be fret buzzing... if it was set up for lights and you put mediums on it, the result could be higher action and bad intonation. I’d just put whatever strings your most comfortable with and then if it sounds or plays super weird, maybe take it somewhere to get a set up

[@juansantana9678]

Old Taks are the best .

[@TimGuitarLessons]

They’re pretty great!

[@Beatles123ful]

It’s the law of diminishing returns yes the Collins sound better but not 1000 times Better

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment Brian!

[@accountsequity5587]

That Takamine is probably better than a beginner Fender acoustic

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Oh definitely so

[@accountsequity5587]

It is a big difference in my opinion but for $50 that’s a great deal

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Agreed

[@brin57]

The Taka sounds nice - The Collings sounds expensive. It is just harmonically richer. And yep, it takes a few thousand to bridge that seemingly small gap.

[@giglathplaze5001]

It would be nearly impossible to find a Takamine for $50. You can only do that if the seller either didn't know what it was worth or if it was trashed to the point of being unplayable. If he found it for that, he got a an unusual steal.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Found it for $50 at a yard sale what can I say 🤷‍♂️

[@olivia.102]

Interesting video :D

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks Olivia! I’m so glad you found it interesting!

[@Sweepdog700]

Collings fuller sound

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment Rob!

[@trugravity1]

Collings is much fuller, has amazing sustain, and just sounds so rich! Just a lot more lively than the Takamine. For $50, or even quite a bit more, the Takamine is really impressive! All that said, Collings is the easy winner!

[@TimGuitarLessons]

I definitely agree. Thanks for the comment!

[@kuyaheavy3212]

For me the Collings sound so much power compare to takamine. Takamine should be on Gigs and bands but Collings should stay at home or in music studio. haha Takamine is like a soldier fighting for war but Collings is like her wife waiting for him to come home. hahaha Takamine sound brighter and light with energy while Collings sound warm and in depth the echo of a real solid wood guitar.

[@cmhmusic983]

Personally...the Takamine sounds better in my opinion.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the comment!

[@jayzhou104]

to be honest the F360 is a $1000 guitar and it surely sounds good

[@gahndi9193]

Seems unfair to keep the best of the best away from young men women and children who are trying their hardest to learn music. Share your knowledge. Give it to them, and you will be rewarded!

[@melodymaker396]

Collins has a brighter tone and easily sounds better than the Takamine. The Takamine has a earthy/woody tone to it. Not to say that bad. It's all up to the player and the music they are playing. But, for the price difference, the Takamine will easily stand up to a Martin. Guess that's why the lawsuit, not to mention it looks like a Martin.

[@mertman1]

Holly he’ll ya

[@cutchopweld5717]

In all fairness you kinda hit the lottery getting an F360 for $50. I have an 84 EF360S(rosewood) I bought used and I can tell you they are alot more than $50. If I could get them for $50 I would buy 100 of them!

[@kukieme]

$50 up $5000.00 down

[@steverivera5487]

That F360 sells for close to a grand.

[@TimGuitarLessons]

Asking prices may be that... like, folks putting it on reverb at that price hoping to impact perceived value, but $1k is a ridiculous ask on these guitars all things considered. I know I got this for a steal at $50, but 400-600 seems like the market wheelhouse on these guitars right now

[@bhobg]

The Collings sure ain't 100 times better!

[@soofitnsexy]

95 times better....

[@jeffbonadurer3147]

Takamine is shallower, dimensionally.

[@drummerboy1390]

I’m convinced the Takamine fanboys are all deluded.

[@mayanksethi9709]

Do a tutorial on unconditional by Justin bieber and cody simpson please!

[@championhairpuller]

The Collings has a much richer sound (no pun intended) than the Takamine, which sounded terribly tinny. That being said, I didn't think either guitar sounded very good. IMHO, of course.