Why I play Takamine guitars

23 Years ago I got a Takamine for a tour with John Oates and it became my most stable touring acoustic instrument. I finally got a backup. Check it out.

[@chrisbalsamo968]

Every Takamine guitar I ever heard and played sounded amazing.

[@jamesgibson3242]

Noel Gallagher wrote and recorded "Wonderwall" on a Takamine. All these years I thought he used a Antoria copy of a Gibson Jumbo Acoustic but recently I found out it was a Takmine FP 460SC. That acoustic guitar on "Wonderwall" sounds so good. Takamines sound great.

[@richardcranium2581]

The 460 has a nice midrange sound to it.

[@777bigbird]

In 2003 on my way to Loretta Lynns ranch , I bought 2 guitars in Memphis at Yarborough's. A Taylor 314 and a Takemine SL 281. I sold the Taylor and still have my baby . The Takemine plays and sounds awesome .

[@BJJandBS]

I always like the way they sound amplified but when not amplified I have yet to hear one I loved.

[@zhenxinraysong3846]

You look great there Steve! Beautiful new guitar and great sound. cannot believe the old one has been played for over 20 years and it still looks robust and solid.

[@Kurtis-Schubert]

They both sound amazing. I Love Takamine necks and electronics. I am going to learn how to play that Steamroller intro properly. Thanks for sharing!

[@MartinSage]

Back in 93 I was looking for a travel guitar at Guitar Center in Sherman Oaks. I just listened to the Sound...not price, name...Just Sound. I got a Takamine C130! Still have my friend today. Been to Europe, Asia in it's padded case on the road...

[@cosmonaut9942]

I feel the same way about Alvarez Yairi and made in Japan Yamaha acoustics.

[@Acousticeg]

Alvarez Yairi are wonderful guitars. 🎸

[@kateconway-hickman5945]

Takamines are beautiful!

[@kateconway-hickman5945]

Is the new one a Koa. . .?

[@kateconway-hickman5945]

They all sound like from 'here to Heaven. . .'

[@stevepostell]

Both Spruce tops

[@jan_phd]

I bought a 1971 Takamine F-400 12-String Acoustic Guitar. I have a few top notch guitars including a beautiful '72 D-35 Martin, but I always come back to my Tak.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️ what a pleasure to hear you here

[@stevepostell]

Thank you

[@ShamanicSavant]

Nothing beats a Japanese made Tak when it comes to how much you get for your money. I own 2 and I'd put either of them up against any other guitar in their category and just smile. I tried to go American, but in unbiased comparisons, a Tak won by a landslide both times. Better woods, better hardware, better craftsmanship, better aesthetics, and I love the way they sound both plugged and unplugged. Taks have their own signature sound, full and articulate, which makes them very versatile. They're also as you say, very comfortable to play. The P5s are really nice guitars, I'm sure it'll be more than just a backup :) *In a way I did go American, there have been more pro Taks on American stages than any other single brand :)

[@BillyBlaze7]

I agree, I had played Taylors for a long time and found they just cant hold up in the Texas heat. When I switched to Takamines it was the year they introduced the CTP preamps, I bought a Triax to blend in with it and to date havent found anything even remotely close to the plugged in sound of my Takamines

[@practicerepobarrie]

Usually because they are not made with all solid woods.

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@practicerepobarrie I have owned hi and mid end Taks some had laminated sides and to be honest the sound difference in solid sides and laminated sides is negligible. The shape is a much bigger factor in sound.

[@practicerepobarrie]

I do own two of them that I would never sell as they were gifts from the wife. I was a bit dumbfounded when I discovered they were not solid wood. I was like - wtf. . . I'm pretty sure they were both over 1.5K They do sound pretty good and well made in quality/craftmanship. I guess how it's made is just as important, than what it's made from. What it comes down to is the price-tag and the reason your buying it. For someone who has the money and is playing for a living, well if it fits you wants and needs it doesn't matter. For those trying to find the best sounding guitar at a certain pricepoint then laminate is the way to go and Tak's are one of the best at building them.

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@practicerepobarrie The most important thing is will the guitar be played live mostly or unplugged? plugged in the Takamine Cooltube and Takamine Triax blended together cant be beat at any price, and its been that way since 2003. People are just too brand drunk to even try one, but theres a great reason why so many very good players pick them for live shows. Unplugged its more important to have the right shape. The main tone contributors with acoustic guitar is pick material and thickness, string gauge and material, and believe it or not proper humidification, then theres aging that helps with tone character....honestly I was blown away with how much humidification affects a guitars tone but it does, and most people never know it, i didnt for most of my career.

[@RRW276]

I have the Glenn Frey model that I bought used for $1k. Usually poly acoustic guitars don't always sound good, but I'll put my Takamine up against a d28 or 35 any day of the week and it'll hold its own. I've had it about 8 years now and I haven't once plugged it in. Used only acoustically and it just sounds amazing with a great neck that isn't thin to me. The poly finish is quite thin too, feels somewhat like a nitro finish, certainly sounds like it.

[@richardsisk1770]

Sounds great! Congratulations on your new Baby! 😊 Miss my old Takamine 12.

[@edimilsonsamoralouvoreador2854]

Amazing sound on this Takamine P5NC, but also with a excellent person playing it. Congrats!

[@Tolentino687]

I love Takamine guitars one day I will own one !

[@jameswilliford5478]

Seems that many live in a cave and do not know that we now have acoustic electric guitars that can be plugged in if the player chooses to amplify it.

[@tomhopper1193]

Steve, I’m sure you could make any guitar sound great. My wife and I saw you in Clearwater @ Capital theater for your Our House tour. Amazing 👏👏 I also am a Takamine fan. I play GN20CE NS, Amazing sound.

[@bluesroller1040]

Thanks for sharing!

[@hushcolours]

Both have a great sound.

[@davideckford1282]

My 1993 EN30c is still my go to gigging acoustic.......never had a problem with it

[@colinohare]

Well a Big H&O Fan clear to see why you were on tour with John. You're an amazing player.

[@chrishammonds72]

Takamine make some really great guitars and even the cheaper G series Takamine’s are great quality guitars and give some more expensive ones from other brands a real run for their money

[@kosiekoos9408]

Whoa what a great sound❤

[@brightwings7788]

I have an only EN10C that I got in 1997. It has been a workhorse guitar. Sounds great plugged in. It need some TLC and a set up, but it has been a great guitar for all these years.

[@awikinsongwithfrankleguen]

Thanks for sharing. I have a Takamine 12 string. Also great sound!

[@barryspurlock3048]

I have a martin 000 and wanted to get something as a backup to play around the house so I bought a Takamine GS330 all Ceder top. Got the thing home and found out it sounds better than my martin.

[@jumpercable20]

I've got 7 acoustic guitars, Yamaha, Applause, Sigma, Rogue, Epiphone, and Orangewood parlor, yet my favorite is my Takamine EG334-SC, I still want a Martin (any model) and a Taylor (any model). I've played for 40 years, my first was a Yamaha FG-200. My wife wonders why I need so many, I tell here because they aren't all tuned to EADGBE. Her reaction ????? Huh ?

[@SeanHaleWoodcraftsandMusic]

I got my first "Lawsuite" Takamine 12 string guitar in around 1979. I still play it today. You may wanna check my channel where I first repaired a broken Takamine and then woodburned onto it.

[@richardlynch5632]

😁 Gotta have one more than I have. 😎👍❤🖖

[@gr500music6]

But what about a backup for the backup? Need those too!

[@stevepostell]

Good idea!

[@theyacht40]

Great demo ,cheers from Ireland

[@loadi2865]

enjoyed your video Sir....

[@ZakiRa1111]

5:42 son that's nice

[@annirvin6555]

Sounds lush🤗

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Sounds great!

[@Guitarman47]

Takamine is and always has been distributed in the US by Kaman, but not owned by Kaman. Back in the day, most Takamine guitars had Kaman on the inside label also.

[@arigoldberg8212]

Very nice tone. Do you do apply any effects or is it just straight into an amp dry? Do you use the Aux pickup or just the built-in pickups and where do you set the cool tube blend knob? Thanks.

[@chiefpotpipe]

Just ordered a P5DC today.

[@MM-tn3br]

if I were a guitar maker I would make the fret from a different material to where it doesn't hinder the finger sliding yet not transmit the sound of the string scratch to the speakers

[@lebe220]

That string scratch is annoying (my wife hates it)

[@BillyBlaze7]

thats because they are wound strings, frets have nothing to do with it

[@LiveAndInPerson]

Thats wonderful. Do you share anything with kids? Like lessons or guitars..something to keep the next generation in music. The schools dont teach any music any more.

[@leonarddaneman810]

Well played . . . if only well recorded! Maybe an Oriental carpet on the floor would do the job. If not, a couple large folding acoustic panels out of camera range. Mix in separate mics for voice and the guitar . . . On a positive note, nice kitchen room. At least it isn't some fake 'office' with the walls lit up purple.

[@paulwatson9217]

I’ve got the P5NC just love it it’s a keeper

[@annirvin6555]

You say “old hands” but Leland tells us, that you are the young pup in the IF.😊

[@stevepostell]

That’s definitely a perk of being in that band

[@frankstephenson1746]

Same boat, my ean15 is wore out from gigging. So time for another Tak Would love to go American but nothing sounds as good plugged in and on stage.

[@dubdub4862]

Hey Steve - I have an EF360 acoustic electric lawsuit model from about 1980. I love it and I want another with the same electronics but with the battery more accessible. Thoughts?

[@michaelburkmier488]

I love my 360

[@ska6864]

Hey Steve!!! Beautiful playing on a gorgeous guitar. I just ordered a Takamine myself. Did you need to adjust the action or was it pretty good out of the box (not typical lol)? Thanks for your video. Clear concise and friendly!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I've owned 3 hi-end Japanese Takamine's ( all at the same time ). I bought each one brand new, one at a time, and all 3 came perfectly set up right out of the case. And this is coming from a lifelong highly seasoned guitarist/stage performer of many years, I'm a perfectionist. I never had a single thing changed on any of my Takamine's. The quality is so outstanding, there's just no need for it.

[@ska6864]

Thank you!! You make it sound great!!! I will strive to do it justice

[@howabouthetruth2157]

You're very welcome. After 24 yrs of gigging all over east/central Florida, I "retired" because I grew tired of the club/restaurant scene. ( High class restaurants wanted acoustic acts. ) But I do miss the music. Then we had that awful recession in '08 that started a year earlier in Florida, which was hit the hardest & lasted the longest of any state in the nation. I had to sell off everything to save our home, including my Takamine's and 1 Taylor that I also owned. Recently, after doing a lot of online/video research, I've decided I will be buying very soon, a new Yamaha acoustic model LL16 D. Not as great as my Takamine's of course, which were far more expensive. But for $1130.00, it sure gives a lot of bang for the buck. Pro guitarists and even master luthiers give it high praise. It actually competes with guitars costing far more money. I'm sure I will be thoroughly pleased with it, but I highly doubt it will be as great as any of my Takamine's were. Enjoy your music, your Takamine, and cherish it always. @@ska6864

[@juansantana9678]

Your 2000 model has a older pickup , you should upgrade it to the same one your new guitar has CT-4bii , its around 200 bucks then compare it to.

[@MikeO-p8l]

I know the feeling buddy I have a Washburn Lyon that's guitar I ever had

[@Andrew.96]

Beautiful Guitar! Looking at getting one soon. What was that little piece you first played. It was beautiful. Was it a song or were you just playing?

[@PowerfulSlicer]

So jealous but so happy for you enjoy

[@matthewbanister1033]

Thanks for sharing. I know that open ing the box feeling is special. The only problem is which to play now?

[@robbarton2391]

nice i got a taka too. although i play more on my electric gibson these days with effects

[@annirvin6555]

It’s a Bonny guitar❤️

[@bouxesas2046]

Please tell us the model of the old Takamine

[@StreekMusic]

Hi Steve. I love you videos. I have a 2005 Takemine G Series EG510SC which I bought new in Dublin, Ireland. Im looking to sell it to fund another guitar but just wondered if you know what its worth please? I think I paid around 500 with a nice hard case. Cheers my man!

[@karlmartin849]

Is it a ENV460SC model?

[@billystephens9255]

Nice guitar but the two piece saddle is the deal breaker for me.

[@stevey2741]

What's a good one I can afford? 600 and change limit?

[@tommy5241]

Steve, you ever play a takamine 341 sc? how does it compare "to you" to your new Takamine P5NC? Also, what was your 2020 Takamine model?

[@TrondKristiansen]

I have both. Have used ef341sc for 10 years, and p5nc for 6 months. Two different guitars. Both are good, but the sound is better on p5nc…

[@vwdlamont]

what is the model of that first takamine? The top of the line takamine?

[@ratman-3600]

looks like a p5 if im being honest and yes its top of the line

[@BillyBlaze7]

Looks like a TNV Nashville series NEX body shape

[@BillyBlaze7]

im in the same boat i have a takamine tnv340 with ctp1 and triax, ive used it on thousands of gigs and have worn it out but i cant get another because the top of the line taks are banned from import

[@BillyBlaze7]

I broke down and bought another Takamine P5JC to get me through til I can repair my beloved TNV340

[@justastranger9868]

Outstanding work! What is your opinion on the P3NY?

[@ShamanicSavant]

My friend bought one back in 2017 and plays the bejeezus out of it. He's really hard on guitars so 'road worn" is an understatement, but that thing still sounds and plays great. I have 2 Japanese pro Taks, a Santa Fe and EF75M-TT. They make phenomenal guitars that are hugely under priced in the American market. You won't be disappointed if a parlor guitar is what you're after. Looks, plays, and sounds great :)

[@scjoe7]

Question, why did you pick this shape over the dreadnaught shape ?

[@ayibeden]

Do you think the new one sounds better?

[@ShamanicSavant]

Sounds newer :)

[@tsfurlan]

How much does it cost please ?

[@SeanRyan14]

What was the tuning you mentioned at 6:59?

[@daBass57]

what Model is your old acoustic?

[@danielfoisy2688]

So what model is the older one?

[@antonioalmeida8099]

Hello Steve-- Which is the Modell of this Takamine. Thank you.

[@NorwegianCollector_]

Takamine P5NC

[@michaelc7207]

P5NC is the model my friend 👍

[@SaintEcliptus]

You're not old Steve

[@matheus918]

Qual esse takamine

[@annirvin6555]

Hey Steve✋

[@hushcolours]

There are people who buy Porsches playing guitar 😁

[@The2Frank]

;)

[@MoneyOnTheTrackTv]

I feel like takamine guitars are overrated, sound like many cheaper guitars, but to each their own.

[@torsteinbacker-owe5648]

Not for me!😊

[@bobaldo2339]

As soon as you plugged it in I left

[@SteelerBevo]

Thanks for this.. I didn’t have to make it that far

[@jacobmoore2846]

What a silly comment…Takamine electronics are top of the line.

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

​@@jacobmoore2846Guitar with electronics is not a acoustic guitar.

[@bobaldo2339]

@@jacobmoore2846 I'm sure they are, but this is an acoustic guitar. I'd expect to, and want to hear the guitar befrore hearing its electronics.

[@MartinZiegert]

Well, I play 6 - 8 hours every day, but well, I have only 1 Guitar. Why? Well ask the guys of my Generation, ask Steve here, they will tell you: _It's never enough._ What they don't have on the paper is, that exactly this over the top consume, which triggers Climate change. Think about it, first you have to produce all that stuff, right? And how you do that? Right you burn oil and gas, to energize all these factories, which doing that producing step, oh steps, yes, you have to transport it to the shop ... and I know, it's not a bad intention, but I realized that 30 years ago ... you could have that on the paper already to the beginning of mid 1980/1990 ....

[@walterstreet1467]

Bad audio for speaking and music

[@bobpowell7002]

very boring...watchin' a slow talker open a box.

[@ShamanicSavant]

Did the dog pee in your sippy cup again?

[@DRealFatguy]

Cool story but some errors Steve. Takamine was never bought by Kaman, Fender or ESP. They've always been a private company.

[@ShamanicSavant]

If anyone would know it'd be you! Hi Darren :)

[@DRealFatguy]

@@ShamanicSavant Hi John. Long time. Hope all is well