Takamine F-360S (Martin Lawsuit) vs. Martin D-28

Comparing the sound of a 1977 Takamine F-360S (Martin Lawsuit) guitar with a Martin D-28

[@StevieZero]

The old Japanese acoustics are unbeatable...I have a 1973 Greco F250 its aged like fine wine...

[@robertraffaniello7991]

Great comparison. The Tak lacks the depth and bottom of the Martin, but some people may prefer that. The Tak is more "chimy". Just two different strumming sounds. I have a F375S.

[@user-ls9nm9uy5s]

Tak is brighter, the Martin has better mid range to my ears. Both are outstanding guitar's !

[@jamespitstick8823]

Yes! I have to agree with ya! Great comments!

[@MattinLancaster]

I ended up with a '77 Takamine F340 in college, when I had no idea about Takamine -- except that the one I had came from a local luthier who built violins, violas, other stringed instruments in the back. But he also had guitars and other stuff for sale out front. Of course he did a great setup on the Takamine. I played that for years, never even thought about a need to upgrade. unl Fast forward about 40 years to now, and my guitar guy has refurbished some grooved frets on that f340 so it plays perfectly. When my electric guitars started sitting in the closet, I decided to get a nice six-string acoustic that would be good to use when I played acoustic music for an audience. I've tried Taylors, Gibsons, Martins, other brands I can't recall. But it struck me that if I liked that Takamine all these years, why not get a couple more? So instead of spending four figures on one Taylor, Martin or Gibson, I picked up a couple more lawsuit era Taks -- an f360s that's pretty and in really great shape, and an f400s that some guy locally was trying to unload. So now I have three great lawsuit Taks, and I'm not just another schmuck who wrote a check to Taylor, Martin or Gibson. I bought aged wood that sounds good now. One hint: When I clip a capo and a tuner to the headstock of the f360s and walk up to the microphone, nobody can tell for sure what it is. I've had a couple people compliment me on a nice old Martin! : ))

[@jamespitstick8823]

Great comments! They’re quality without the cost. Glad you are out playing music!

[@danguest5379]

My 71 el degas has a phenomenal sound . Wouldn't trade it for anything !!

[@phishfan]

I picked up a 1974 Tak F340S about 30 years ago in perfect shape with a hard case for $150 and it's still kicking ass. Excellent guitar. I won't say it sounds better than my Taylors, but it has a sweet, dry top end that sits so well with other guitars and it plays beautifully. Great neck.

[@jamespitstick8823]

That’s awesome.

[@wesispradlin9961]

I had a Martin D-28, I like the sound of your takamine better than the d-28. I sold my martin and will be looking for one of these. I still love martins and still have a couple of them.

[@Johnnylove15]

Love the F series. I have a ‘78 F 340S. It is such a treasure. The more you play that 360s it’ll loosen up and gain the lower mids and bottom end. Great video. Put exact same strings on, on the same day, play it a week and then on the 8th day make a follow up video.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Great comments! Thanks Man! They’re pretty special guitars.

[@endoalley680]

I have the F360SSMT which has a different headstock and a funky mountain scene carved into the edge of the sound hole. I agree they open up a lot with playing.

[@fgoindarkg]

I had that same guitar, a 77. Great defined toned with more bottom than any guitar I've ever heard. Strung with Elyxirs. Tak made some excellent guitars back then, and they aged well.

[@liveconcerts7550]

Great guitar tone 👌 👏 👍 😍 🙌. I agree with your comments.

[@rconcha3]

Nice comparison. How to the neck profiles compare?

[@nicovaccaro1034]

Beautiful guitars, well done 👍

[@jamespitstick8823]

Thank You Nico!

[@ryanhamman8474]

Thanks for doing this! I always wondered how much better a Martin sounded and if it was worth the price difference.

[@jamespitstick8823]

My pleasure!

[@jamespitstick8823]

You're Welcome. The Martin's have become very pricey. I recommend finding a used one local on Facebook Marketplace or maybe craigslist. You can go on Reverb or Ebay as well. A good deal is around $2,000 plus shipping.

[@benaragon6760]

I just bought one F-360SD. Beautiful sun burst. It’s in mint condition, played very little. Neck is straight, high saddle, 6/64 action. I paid more than the average price but I’m very happy! It sounds fantastic. Your video was a big help in my decision to buy it. It wonderful, it’s not a Martin but didn’t cost me like a Martin. Do you have a recommendation or preference for strings for it?

[@jamespitstick8823]

That's awesome! Glad this could be of help in making your decision!

[@anthonylee5834]

i purchased the 1975 takamini not really knowing anything about it , i went to buy another wayne guitar but was confronted with the takamini no complaints from me . the wayne guitar was an australian name and model . the takamini looks like the martin i really cant afford, tony from down under , cheers🙂

[@jamespitstick8823]

Not familiar with Wayne but thanks for the info!

[@jayblue5310]

Yes it does but if you strum higher up the neck you think it might sound simular??

[@revzone3544]

Martin never threatened to sue, they sent a letter asking them to not use the logo font that resembled Martin's..

[@7HSVekTkSX]

Martín's family traveled to the takamine factory to demand that they stop making guitars with the same headstock shape

[@paullambert4445]

I have a 375 s from 1975 and at the time I think they were better guitars than the Martins. Martin was at a low point then. And some of my friends have had to have repairs done to their necks and elsewhere on the guitars. Mine still is totally intact and plays great. My one complaint is the necks were too narrow. Thanks. 🔪🎸

[@joesegretto6689]

Takamine headstock and what else was changed is it the same ex-bracing. Is he hitting the low e while playing the takamine

[@acemacgruber6593]

I’ve owned a ‘77 F-360S and a ‘78 F-340. I bought the 360S in 1981 for $100. For the best comparison, both guitars would have to be freshly strung with the same strings.

[@jzznup8664]

Appreciate your vid, however an acoustic guitar comparison is not an accurate comparison if you use completely different strings. Even the very same guitar can sound very different under those circumstances unless different strings brings out the best in a particular guitar. Btw, the Japanese custom shop Yamaha AC5R has a sound rarely put up against Taylor, Martin, etc. People always use the lower model AC3 Chinese made version, but don't sleep on this high-end Japanese handmade guitar. It sounds absolutely amazing.

[@dlsmpsn]

I have a Lam version Tak F-360 I purchased new in "73 and still own. I never practiced enough to become a very good player, but my impression of the sound has always been that it is very bassy and loud. I have done some investigation of it's origin and found that there was originally a agreement to copy the Martin, but Martin decided to withdraw their consent and Takamine mutually agreed. Takamine had decided that they wanted to start making their own designed guitars, and they just went on their own.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Good stuff! Thanks for your research!

[@markstaggs7342]

D-28 in my opinion sounds the best.

[@davidmacgillivray4659]

I have an older Takamine F365S that I picked up about 30 years ago and noticed that the it has the Takamine name on the headstock similar to the shape of the Guild logo… is this common? Great sounding guitar to this day!

[@jamespitstick8823]

Those are great guitars! Use to play one that my buddy had back in school. Copy of a Guild and sound great.

[@2011Noud]

My experience with the Takamine is that it is indeed less deep sounding than a good Martin but others could also conclude the Takamine sounds less boomy. For sheer acoustic reasons I would choose for the Martin but my Takamine has an under saddle pick up and when that "comes on stage" all the lows are there and my Takamine sounds like "nothing more to desire for". Most Martin's have that strong lower end or should I say "deep lower end". But the difference between my Martin D28 en my later D35 made me choose for the latter. It simply has a more "springy" sound, more lively. So even you can really tell a lot of differences already between two Martins of about the same year of production! Thanks for the vid.

[@jamespitstick8823]

I totally agree! And I’ve owned some older Tak’s that have amazing electronics for live playing but acoustically don’t compare to the Martin’s. I have a D28, HD28, and D18 so I’ve been on the search for a D35. I would love to find one that has some age one it so it’s opened up. Thanks for commenting!

[@2011Noud]

@@jamespitstick8823 Nice reading your comments. As for a Martin D35, I owe one out of 1978 and when I purchased it, I immediately sold my 1977 Martin D28 that was thinner sounding. It seems that the D35 bracing is less heavy executed. As for the Takamine electronics: They were that successful that they maintained their recipe up to these days.

[@michaellacy8510]

I also have both a Martin d-28 and a Takamini f360S. I like them both but the Martin has a distinctive articulated sound. To me it sounds richer. The Takamini is a great sounding guitar though. I played it to death for several decades before I got the Martin. Bought it for $120 in about 1975. Recently had extensive fret and fingerboard repairs and it plays better than brand new!

[@jamespitstick8823]

I agree that the Martin sounds richer. That’s awesome that you have a luthier that can handle the repairs and keep the Tak going!

[@davekoenig9935]

Years ago I compared my LH F360S to an elderly friend’s Martin D 35 from 1961. The D 35 was more melodious, but not by much!

[@cadaver4457]

the Tak is almost Too bright. BUT. The purpose Of the Dreadnaught is to put out maximum sound/vib. and be more up front but I kinda feel like if those two Switched Strings, you'd nearly have the Same output+range Including the missing mids of the Tak

[@kevinritenour2968]

Interesting demo. My 1981 F360 doesn't sound anything like that Takamine guitar, let alone the recording. It could be strings, the gauge, string material, pick material and or the the recording device itself? In your video the Martin sounds richer, has bolder mids and tight highs. The Takamine sounds thin and almost weak, almost like a laminate would sound. Id like to hear a revision to this demo with both guitar setup similar, played the same way and with the same strings.

[@kwaktak]

I had a 1973 Takamine F-360 but it was the model with the laminated top and I had it in college so it took a beating. I tried to have it fixed but the cost would have exceeded the value of the guitar. I've since obtained a Larrivee and a Martin D-16GT and both eclipsed the Tak in the tone and workmanship departments. I've also been learning luthery as a hobby and at one point I'd hoped to put a new solid top on the F-360 but when I opened it up I decided it wasn't worth it. FWIW the neck joint is a butt joint (not a dovetail) bracing is MUCH different than anything Martin does. The pattern is similar but the size of the braces and the quality of the glue work and gaps - not to mention an oversized spruce bridge plate instead of maple or rosewood - are the reason why the tone is so different.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Great information! It’s interesting on how the build effects the sound. I recently purchased a Martin HD-28 and just with the forward shifting braces, it sounds louder. Thanks for your input and kudos to you for learning to work on these incredible instruments!

[@MattinLancaster]

The '77 f340 with a laminated spruce top that I got in college 40 years ago has a few scars from all the campfires, drunken dorm jams and other constant use and abuse. But it still plays great, sounds great, and is the guitar that sits out on a stand while the others remain cased and huddled in the closet. Whatever scars the guitar may have are nothing compared to the case. The luthier who sold me the f340 in college threw in a new hardshell case, which is wood framed under the vinyl. That thing has gone from nice and new to looking like it fell all the way down Mt. Everest! My guitar guy makes fun of the case, but I remind him that's just the case doing its job for four decades! Matching the best strings for the guitar matters. I discovered Thomastik Infeld Spectrum strings because my guitar guy used to have some on a shelf in his shop. Not coated or anything. Made in Vienna. Really good sound on my Taks. Expensive for uncoated strings, but they come from Austria. I tried Elixirs and coated D'Add's but the Spectrums sound better. At least on these guitars.

[@alcorraalb6029]

Team Martin🙌🏼

[@padrejohnruffle]

The Takamine sounds more like a Taylor than a D28! You mentioned your Martin is strung with D’Addarios, but failed to mention which actual strings they are. For a real comparison really the 2 guitars need to be strung with a new set of the same strings. Stings make a huge difference.

[@RIPINGITAR]

I just inherited a 360s it's an amazing sounding instrument

[@jamespitstick8823]

Awesome!

[@indiandoc2]

The Takamine I think it had more volume, pitch a little higher. Not as full as Martin. But for the money a nice instrument

[@michaelgutierrez1999]

I bought my Takamine f-360 in 1972 and paid $112.00 (with case). It was the closest I could I get to a D-28 without having to spend the extra money (which I didn't have then). I still want a D-28, preferably 1969 or earlier with Brazilian rosewood. The problem is always that when I find the D-28 and then play my f-360 in the store and compare the sound, the Martin doesn't sound $7,000 (or more) better than my Takamine, which has aged beautifully. If I find a D-28 that does, then I'll consider it. The post Indian Rosewood Martins don't come close, at least to me.

[@markstewart8171]

Brazillian rosewood.

[@michaelgutierrez1999]

@@markstewart8171 That's a puzzling remark. Unless you're pointing out Brazilian is spelled with two els (which it's not), I don't get it.

[@markstewart8171]

@@michaelgutierrez1999 I was saying i like Brazillian Rosewood.

[@michaelgutierrez1999]

Ah. Gotcha. Me, too.

[@mikefinley4367]

Martin. gets my vote.

[@karaokekid7189]

The Takamine sounds the best!

[@TomasAWalker53]

The Tak has laminated back and sides does it not? The last quick comparison highlights the all solid wood construction of the Martin. Still can’t afford a D28 and the prices just keep rising. Even the 70s models. In 2023 many companies that built their budget guitars of all laminate in the past are suddenly making them with solid tops. I still have the 1974 Takamine EF 385 12 string I bought that year. It was a copy of the Martin D12-18, all solid wood.😃

[@roberttosa2560]

People hear what they want to hear. Enough said

[@BlindTom61]

Is the Japanese guitar made out of solid woods sided and back or are they laminate?

[@jamespitstick8823]

Not sure about the back and sides.

[@JaySellers]

I’ve had a D-28, an HD-28, a D-35, a Gibson J-200, a Gibson Songwriter, a Takamine G something and then a dozen various crappy acoustics below that. So much of acoustic evaluation is subjective and doesn’t translate well on KZbin. What has been most interesting to me in real life is this: go to a high-end guitar shop that has multiple copies of the same model, say D-28 or D-18. Play all of them. Some will have just as much range between them as what you’re showing here. I’ve played D-28s that didn’t age well and sound no better than the Takamine here. I’ve also played some D-28s that were strangely just as boomy as my Gibson jumbo. Bracing? Glue? Thinness of the solid spruce top? Construction tolerances? Made on a Friday? Aliens? Who knows? It’s not a piece of furniture covered in fabric. There’s so much technique and artistry that goes into building them that we have to consider, outside of quality control and crappy finish (I’m talking to you, Chinese Martin knockoffs!), it’s possible to get a decent sounding guitar from anywhere in the world. If price were the issue here, I’d get the Takamine. After putting a pickup in it or throwing the right mic out front, you’re still able to get a good recording or performance out of it, even if it isn’t as inspiring on the couch or in the bedroom as a holy grail D-45. You also won’t lose your mind when your grandson hits it with a toy while you’re playing.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Yes Sir! Every guitar has its own spectrum of sound and quality. When I buy one I take it to my luthier and after he sets it up with new strings, which I have been around the gamut with Elixir, D’Adarrio, and Martin strings and I’m now I’m back to Elixir. Anyhow, when I pick it up, and strum it, I know whether it’s just another guitar or you hear an amazing sound and you know you have something. Thanks for your comments!

[@Dobermanator]

I have the lawsuit F360S only mine is a 1984 - stamped inside at the neck joint, mine even has the binding on the neck as this one did, not all had that binding. Makes you wonder if this "lawsuit" was a business deal turned to a cease and desist. After 7 years you would think Takamine would have complied a lot sooner seeing how the guitars are near identical in material and construction. Mine does not soumd as bright as this video and I use Martin Strings - fine (not sure who actually makes the strings.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Cool!!! Do you know if the sides and back are Laminate or solid? Someone was asking and I wasn’t sure.

[@Dobermanator]

​ @jamespitstick8823 Sorry, can't be sure, I'm not experienced enough in Acoustic builds for one. A lot of wrong info. out there and I don't want to be the one issuing it. The "S" is supposed to be "Solid Spruce" top, but its at least 2 piece. Inside is impeccable work as is the outside (the fit and finish is same as Martin's I've seen), inside, it does appear to be some kind of unfinished (of course) exotic wood, (has same type of funky grains as outside and colour, light / dark changes too) but I can't say for 100% that means it's solid Rosewood. If it's cheap plywood laminate would they squish that between two pieces of rosewood laminated as -> rosewood / plywood / rosewood? Would that even make sense? @jamespitstick8823 ​

[@livingnorthofatlantaga]

does anybody know if a ctp 3 will fit in a f360s It currently has a Takamine Parametric Equalizer Built in 1988

[@kevinritenour2968]

Not without cutting a new hole. For all the work and money involved with changing it out, I'd just stick with the oem system.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

If you can get your hands on a used Aria dreadnought from back in the 80's then you'll have a guitar that is on par with the martin for alot less. I read somewhere that they were actually a martin with minor flaws that got shipped overseas and rebranded with the Aria headstock logo.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Great to know!!! A friend of mine had an Aria that was an electric back in the 80's. It was a great guitar.

[@russg.9348]

Martin sounds warm, full, and pleasing. The Takamine sounds tinny to me.

[@joesegretto6689]

That's because he's playing the guitar not hitting the low e

[@robertrockwell7581]

I have a 2006 Martin D-28. the Martin sounds better. at first I could not tell the difference than the 2nd time you played the Martin had more bass which I like.

[@jamespitstick8823]

I agree! There’s more bass with the Martin!

[@rogerd9150]

Love both of them.. but of course the Martin, well what else can you say.

[@user-xj4bt3pv3j]

Oh yes the wood , i do believe epiphone showed some good acoustics in 73, and Ibanez too, dollar for dollar id take the vintage. That warmth and depth,, while so many were cutting corners. The new Guitars ring like glockenspiels.

[@gahndi9193]

Tak sounds as good. If you’re going to compare two guitars put the same strings on them. The string sound as different as guitars do !!✌️

[@stairwaytoheaven413]

Martin,period.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Haha! Yes, they are pretty incredible!

[@UAL320]

Just goes to show how small tone differences can have large price differences….

[@moedeluca2318]

I used to own the same Takamine! I had it for over 18 years. Yes, the Martin does overall sound (to my ears) better, but honestly not much better - certainly not the cost difference between the 2 of them better! I loved my Takamine and it was very difficult to part with it but I needed an acoustic with a cutaway for upper fret access, especially when i would gig. So, I bought another Takamine! I got the GN51CE-NAT. Incredible guitar and it plays & sounds like a dream! TBH, I love the "look" of the newer Takamine's since the headstock and logo changes. Very attractive guitars!

[@therarebreeds77therarebree7]

Really should do same strings and do this over.

[@gordongarrett6229]

You will pay around $3000 for a D28. You can pick a Takamine (lawsuit era) for around $500. There's not a $2500 dollar difference in the sound. It's is a no brainer. 🙄 I have a Takamine F307, and its by far my favorite guitar.

[@jamespitstick8823]

It’s pretty ridiculous what these Martin’s are going for these days. As the value of the dollar declines more people are investing their money in guitars and causing the prices to skyrocket.

[@rafaelpanao1218]

Tak is good

[@ryanbloom1738]

Salmon or lake trout that's the real question?

[@jamespitstick8823]

Ha! That’s a Rainbow that I caught in Colorado a few years back.

[@ryanbloom1738]

@@jamespitstick8823 Heck of a nice fish.

[@jamespitstick8823]

@@ryanbloom1738 thanks Man! My wife and I went to Colorado for 18 days to just reflect and get away and I went fishing for a couple hours near Ridgeway and hauled this guy in. I did release him so that’s a replica.

[@rpgrigsby]

The Tak is a beautiful guitar but it has no bottom end. Super bright on the high end but nothing on the bottom. If it was a new guitar I'd say it would open up but that guitar is already almost 50 years old. It's as open as it will likely get. The Martin, like every Martin I've ever played, lacks punch. Silky smooth, even, with great balance but no punch or projection. Probably great for solo work but not for playing in a group. After an ugly divorce in 1991, I decided to buy the Martin D-28 I'd always wanted but couldn't afford. But the shop owner asked if I'd ever played a Taylor. That day I went home with a new Taylor 710 and never looked back. Unfortunately, I had a brain fart and sold it to my guitar buddy and he won't part with it. But I've since had 4 more Taylors.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Thanks for the comments! I switch back and forth between my D-28 and my Taylor 714ce (cedar top-made in the 90’s). The Taylor sounds bright and loud but rich as well with the rosewood back and sides.

[@kfm908]

i have a smaller version. ooo maybe i think it's a f370s.i forget.i loaned it to a friend

[@guitarhiker4449]

Wow the takamine does sound better imo. Strange!! Could just be the strings? Rock on!

[@cloutdoors5674]

I can see why martin was worried. But yes, Tak went a little too far with the same style font and everything. Also if im not mistaken the 360s had laninate back and sides, better comparison woukd be the takamine 375s which was all solid.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Good info. I’ll have to try and find a 375s. Another one I want to compare is the Martin Shenandoah.

[@DickRichie5150]

The Tak is slightly brighter... not quite as buttery as the Martin

[@oldpicker49]

strings

[@cosmic687]

there was no lawsuit. it was a rumour

[@garychen483]

Tones from Takamine is thinner than Martin. Martin is fuller; therefore, better.

[@thegame4611]

Takamine laminated all.

[@4nedjo22]

Thank you for sharing, I did like more the takamine!!

[@banjobones8075]

Sounds like they are tuned below 440

[@randytait1667]

I can pick one of those F-360S in near mint condition for $850 US is that a fair price today I wonder?

[@jamespitstick8823]

I sold the one in the video for around $1,000. If it’s in good condition then that’s a fair price. Being that the Martin D-28’s are going for around $2200 now, you could be into a real nice guitar for less than half of that. If you play it and you like it then I would pull the trigger. Make sure you take it to a luthier and have it set up if it doesn’t play like butter. Good luck!

[@ajeet490]

The Takamine has somewhat tinny overtones.

[@jamespitstick8823]

I have to agree. The Martin has better mids.

[@jamespitstick8823]

I agree. The Martin has better mids-a little deeper sounding.

[@drummerboy1390]

You’ve got to go luthier build to better Martin Standard Series Dreadnaughts. Or Collings. Takamine we’re best known for their pick ups back in the day. They were among the first pick ups that were remotely usable and trouble free. Before that howling feedback was a problem with a microphone in a large room. People saw the big boys using them on stage and assumed they must be good guitars, but they were using them for the pick ups. Acoustically, they were hopeless. Then the Emperors New Clothes effect kicked in. Quality guitars have always been expensive and prices have gone through the roof recently. If you can’t afford, or justify that kind of money, there’s plenty good, cheaper guitars, but it makes me smile when people say their cheap guitars sound better than Martin’s, Gibsons, or Taylor’s. All it does is suggest they wouldn’t know a good guitar if someone hit them over the head with one.

[@robinleebraun7739]

When you have a product that everyone copies, it’s probably a good thing. Buy that one. Don’t buy the copy. It almost certainly isn’t as good.

[@tedkippers7591]

Takamine sounds better

[@DG-bb1jz]

Your deaf

[@monkusbee]

The Tak sounds better!

[@michaelshearer3559]

I have a 1977 Takamine lawsuit, and it's hands down one of the best sounding acoustics I've played (for a fraction of the price). You definitely need same strings for an honest comparison and you will find little to no difference.

[@brianmccullar141]

I actually liked the Takamine a bit better! Wild

[@willylopez1941]

The takaminie sounds better

[@gorylla4617]

But the martin looks better

[@cloutdoors5674]

​@@gorylla4617might have something to do with the martin being 29 years newer

[@ludomirsteinbruck9376]

I beg to differ

[@user-gf5yi9sx3o]

Not)))

[@DrHorse2012]

He should not have told which guitar he played first; which is a bias for the listener. Let people make their choice; last 20 seconds; tell.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I've been playing guitar since 1975 and also performed professionally for many many years. In my opinion, the Elixir strings have always been way overrated and sound very thin & wimpy compared to D'adarrio or Martin Marquis strings. The Elixir strings also feel more like rubber bands compared to the other 2 brands I just mentioned. Back when Elixir strings first came out, I tried them, and hated them. I switched right back to tried & true Martin Marquis strings. Switch the strings on that Takamine to some better strings, and watch how much better the instrument will project. Trust me.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Yea, they don’t sound as fresh or bright as some of the other non-coated strings like D’Addarrio phosphorus bronze, Earhwood or back in the day Guild strings but the Elixers seem to not go dead as fast, meaning you can usually go a few months before having to change them. I’ve heard that D’Addarrio X coated strings sound great! I’m going to try those out. What do you prefer?

[@jamespitstick8823]

Which are your favorite from the ones you mentioned?

[@MrGourdman1]

The Takamine doesn’t have the depth of the Martin.

[@AchillesWrath1]

The Martin sounds better but it's probably been played a lot more. The Takamine needs to be broken in. I've got a 20 year old $600 Takamine E45SC i bought new with a cedar top that would rival about any other guitar. Believe me i've tried and bought several other more expensive guitars since including a Martin and a higher end Yamaha but keep going back to the Takamine. Price doesn't always mean better. We like what we like.

[@jamespitstick8823]

Yes, each guitar carries its own sound and age along with being played only helps. My best sounding guitar is my Taylor 714ce with the Cedar top. I’ve had some Taks with a satin cedar top that sound great as well. Thanks for your input!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Surprise! The was no law suit. That is a myth.

[@WorkingDemo]

Taka sounds the best - I have a 78 But the 28 and F-360s are not the same. The F-360s was based off of the Martin D-35 like Johnny Cash played. And that comparison makes more since when you know the two guitars.

[@Paulo_Brasil23]

Takamine wins

[@BillyBlaze7]

takamine is better

[@chrisg2100]

The takamine blows it away

[@brianhitchmough6628]

In all honesty, that is the most un Martin sounding Martin I’ve heard….🤔

[@gahndi9193]

Not fair to compare guitars without the same strings, talking weenie sounds better

[@jefferyclark351]

You can hear the laminated wood all day long . TAkamini sounds cheap $100 guitar

[@misterswegler7245]

Its not laminated.

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

😂 you are so wrong😂😂

[@jefferyclark351]

@@markwilliamsmusic2987 8 months later and it still sounds thin and harsh . Something wrong somewhere with that takamine

[@jefferyclark351]

@@markwilliamsmusic2987 his Martin d-28 sounds thin too . He’s got to be using some real light gauge electric guitar strings . I’ve got a $40.00 dollar Kay that will put both of his to shame

[@tmcorey1]

Sorry, but it’s the takamine for the win.

[@jamespitstick8823]

It’s definitely a win for the money. (:

[@patsmith378]

I got a takamine coming in the mail found one for $550

[@jamespitstick8823]

Sounds like a great deal! Congrats!!!