Yamaha A5R vs Takamine P5DC

Guitar Gallery compares the two giants from Japan. We have both the Yamaha A5R and the Takamine P5DC in stock and always wanted to hear what the differences are. We have fitted both guitars with Santa Cruz Medium Tension just before the review. Let us know which guitar your prefer. You can also visit us at www.guitargallery.co.za to view our amazing range of guitars.

[@simongener8653]

I feel more drawn to the warm Yamaha sound, but on the other hand the Takamine seems to sound more clear... I'd really be interested in hearing a comparison of the pickup sounds as well.

[@stevekellys]

The Yamaha has much more in the way of woody overtones and a thicker overall sound to my ears. The bottom E on this guitar is also louder and more balanced than the Takemine. Assuming both guitars are played using the same force the Yamaha is a fair bit louder. In praise of the Takemine, the mid range is really good with most of Its character falling in this region. Overall tone is not covered in this opinion as that is purely down to personal choice and has been covered in other comments.

[@jed1166]

Wow! I have played a Takamine CP4DC-OV, (ovangkol back and sides, very similar to rosewood), for the past 5 years. I love my Takamine, but, this Yamaha sounds so sweet... what a beautiful tone! Have ordered a Yamaha LL-TA, to get the Transacoustic effects, but now am really looking forward to experiencing the true acoustic sound it will bring!

[@KibatsuMusic]

thanks so much for this video. not only is the sound recording great, but you even positioned yourself exactly the same in the camera, so i can tell that the wider body a5r compared to normal dreadnoughts doesnt actually affect your arm position or comfort at all. your arm is at the same exact angle. Thanks!

[@dan04153]

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent comparo! No nonsense, straight up quick comparisons. Well done! Seems the Tax is a little brighter or the Yamaha was a little less loud, volume; something...

[@helpmechangetheworld]

Yamaha a5r all the way! Such emotion from it!

[@Marshall_EL34]

Yes! The Yamaha is without a doubt ...more "emotive". Because it's bracing was designed to give it a fuller midrange ...that "midrange" when it breathes and decays give it that amazing "emotive" quality.

[@iamthemusicman13]

Recently purchased the P3DC and love it!

[@vinekolladiv4494]

A5R FTW. Takamine has laminated sides AND is a couple hundred dollars more expensive. A5R has all solid wood construction. Not to mention that it sounds richer. You are basically getting more for the Yamaha.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

Takamine pro series is all solid mate. A5R sound better is correct though

[@andrewchristie6483]

@@phanhuyduc2395 Not the pro 5 series. You have to go to pro 7 series for solid rosewood sides.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

@@andrewchristie6483 I don't know what you guy checking. I have P3 series and it is all solid already. If you still not believe me go to the Takamine website. They clearly stated that P5 have solid rosewood back and side

[@andrewchristie6483]

@@phanhuyduc2395 From Takamine Pro 5 webpage header: “Pro Series 5 guitars are crafted with the performer in mind. Featuring solid spruce tops, solid rosewood backs and rosewood sides.” From Takamine Pro 7 webpage header: “Pro Series 7 guitars are for serious performers. Featuring solid spruce tops and solid rosewood backs and sides.”

[@phanhuyduc2395]

@@andrewchristie6483 to be honest who give a fuck about solid side , lol. To be honest I prefer laminated side, just in case I want to bang someone head with my guitar

[@phxrider950]

They both sound great, I'd have a really tough time choosing between them if I was trying to make a decision at the store, and I own the A5R.

[@markschultz2115]

I think the first taste of the Tak is really appealing - it's got a crystal bell sort of glassy high end. But as the sample progress, the A5R obviously has a warmer low end that comes forward even on the higher note runs. You expect the mids to be scooped on EIR back+sides models, but I think the low-end drop-off on the Tak is a concern. Great video - congrats on a terrific presentation.

[@yudhistiramelody3449]

Both sound fantastic! The Takamine has more mids, the Yamaha has more balanced tone. Can't decide which is better because it comes down to personal preference.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

It’s the other way round; listen carefully, how Yamaha’s sound is dying and the highs die quickly, leaving mids to waver. Yamaha did not balance the instrument, it is top heavy and can’t sustain highs.

[@Marshall_EL34]

Wrong ...Takamine has medium bass and slightly recessed mids with a bright treble. Yamaha has slightly more bass and the mids are NOT recessed and the treble is warmer and rounder. What you are actually hearing is because the MIDS on the Yamaha are so PRESENT ...they sustain longer ...the treble is not dying ...it is simply the mids that are hanging around. @@zvonimirtosic6171

[@sunnytaufiq07]

Both sound different but both are great guitars. Love to have both of them in my collection.

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

My other two Yamahas are so bright and clear (LL36 and 1993-LL23) and this one has considerably more warmth and that's what Im looking for and wanted to get that in a Yamaha instead of a Martin and believe I found it.Thank you for sharing!

[@user-it3ki3uv9b]

Thk​ for review I like a5r full and bright

[@blurtso788]

Thanks! The Yamaha sounds really sweet.

[@AndersonGodinho10]

Both sound fantastic! I would like to hear it in the mix.

[@musicmotorskate7540]

The Takamine has a bright clear tone while the Yamaha sounds warm and rich. I'm sure they're both great!

[@stevec.1802]

Lovely presentation. To my ears only with headphones in this particular demo- I’m leaning toward the Takamine because of note separation and midrange forward clarity, with the right balance of bass.

[@alessandrogiallombardo3214]

More dreadnought typical BOOMY sound from the Yamaha but better "voice" from Takamine, clearer and more defined sound!

[@MarianoPerez]

The most important observation is that both of these guitars sound amazing. Having said that, the Takamine sounds very sparkly and modern. It has a beautiful midrange sound. It would be perfect for a lot of modern pop song finger picking solos. The Yamaha on the other hand has a lovely round sound, best way to describe it is like an amazing smooth coffee. The sound is super warm, round, and balanced. If I were going to do a song where I'm just playing my guitar and singing, I'd totally pick the Yamaha. One also has to keep in mind that the Takamine is about $450 USD more expensive than the Yamaha.

[@jameswilliford5478]

Big Yamaha fan. I have a ll-ta and am thinking about getting the A5R to have a good Japanese made cutaway. The Takamine does seem to project better in this video though.

[@AcousticHunter]

The sound of that Yamaha is amazing! Wow

[@daytekblue]

Yamaha gets my vote

[@jeffreyhall76]

Yamaha wins for me. I had an ac3r and traded it. I regret it and am going to get the ac5r soon. This series from Yamaha is really good I’ve played the ac3m and it’s amazing too. The sound, size, and neck are all perfect.

[@rayohlinger1252]

I got a demo model of the AC5R from Sweetwater at a decent discount. I’m was living in Ukraine and evacuated to Albania until I get home to the US this summer. Can’t wait to play it! Bought after watching so many reviews and reading reviews on multiple sites. I left behind a Yamaha APX600 in Ukraine.

[@drummerboy1390]

It’s not a case of what’s one is best, it’s what one is best for you. They’re both great, different, but equally good. I would imagine the Yamaha if you’re solo, its mellower and will sit nicely with your voice, whereas the Takamine will cut through where there’s other instruments. Takamine’s shine in band situations.

[@JunkHeap]

Would be great to know what microphone you're using to catch these guitars. ...and any other coloring, or if just clean?

[@pooshNchums]

Great recording! Can really hear quite a difference between them. Lot more bass on the Yamaha which would be fun to play but I feel like the notes are more separated on the takamine.

[@MarianoPerez]

Just curious, do you remember which guitar was louder acoustically (not plugged in)? I'm guessing the Takamine was easier to play?

[@mailvilla]

07/11/2021: I bought the Yamaha A5RC for ($1,400.00) and at the same time I bought a Taylor 414RC ($2,600.00). But, I loved the Yamaha with warm tones and straight tight wood grain with no demarcations in the grain. The Taylor was too bright sounding and had a lot of delamination marks in the wood grain on the top and back wood grain. I actually bought two 414RC and both had ugly wood grain patterns. They looked like a cat scratched them up. Taylor calls those markings Bear Claws. I call it using cheap inferior wood without tight and straight wood grain. I have heard that the straighter and the tighter the grain, the better is the tone. Plus, it looks very nice!

[@dennisng1443]

Hands down, I would choose the Yamaha. I like it's warm sound and low lows. I am planning to get one early 2022.

[@dennisng1443]

I ordered my Yamaha A5R January 2022 through Guitar Center.

[@rayohlinger1252]

@@dennisng1443 Just got one from Sweetwater

[@phxrider950]

I'd be curious how long it takes to get one now. I bought mine about 2 years ago - EVERYONE is out of them now.

[@dennisng1443]

2/2022. I bought myself one. I have 8 guitars. Martin D16, D35 and Dx1, Guild D55, Takamine Ef360tt, Takamine 12 string, Taylor 410-r and finally the Yamaha A5R.

[@phxrider950]

Dennis, how does it compare to the others, especially the D35 and the Guild?

[@talkychris]

Yamaha by a distance. Warmer, smoother, richer sound. The Takamine sounds brittle by comparison. I guess it depends what you want from your acoustic but I'd choose the Yamaha.

[@kzy-ngakyaw]

Yamaha = V curve shaped EQ with high on the highs KHz Tak = much flat shape EQ with balanced and warm overall

[@emmakeyser1459]

I liked them both for different reasons. The tak has a flatter response while the yamaha is all highs and lows.I would think the tak would be a better stage guitar and I have a thing for takamines. Ive had 2 and liked them both. 1 was really high end 2500 dollar range {not worth it} and 1 lower g series.

[@jonathanrittenour8862]

Was that the beginning of guitar town I heard?

[@AcousticGravity]

What microphone and Interface did you use?

[@kaol9393]

I had to make this decision myself and ended up going with the A5R. No complaints and whether it’s an all acoustic session or a gig when I am plugged in I love it.

[@ComicKish]

i got a taylor 314ce should i return it and buy a yamha a3m or a5 m ?

[@ComicKish]

please reply asap

[@abellalawr9978]

Both guitars are great it depends on the player of what guitar he wants to play.

[@craigbuchan]

Both sound great but very different. Would love either tbh

[@siwy7867]

Bought Takamine. Fantastic guitar 👌

[@BillyBlaze7]

I prefer Takamine above ALL other acoustics IF its equiped with the CTP preamp and optional Triax, blended together its the best plugged in sound that you can get at any price

[@JamesCason-lc5xx]

I like the takamine guitar I own two of them the pro series 2,EF341sc takamine guitar

[@TheRycooder]

Yamaha, warmer, better mids, richer not as bright but the brightness of Takamine seemed almost too bright.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Great demo. In this case Takamine might be better. It seems easier to handle. I own Yamaha.

[@savasacboz9653]

as a takamine fan and owner I guess yamaha sounds better here

[@iraktanlobao4028]

O Yamaha tem ym som mais encorpado, mais definido nas frequências. Sou muito fã dos violões Yamaha. Pra que pagar mais caro , só pra dizer que possue um Takamine?

[@odeanerochadosanjos]

É de doer, não dá pra decidir qual melhor dos dois.

[@thecorral1179]

Both sound pretty nice.. the Yamaha is warmer… somewhat Martin-ish… I preferred the Tak though, for its Crystal clear sparkly tone.

[@valmirmelopdatrindade7729]

Low end tones, playability and price: Yamaha. If you prefer a brighter sound and a beautiful instrument: Takamine. Both sounds great when you plug them.

[@tanza1435]

why doesnt anyone plug it in so we can hear the pickups.. thats a huge piece and no one does it

[@LAOBASS]

how do they compare to yamaha FG5 and martin d28?

[@soofitnsexy]

cmonnnnnn man

[@AchillesWrath1]

The FG5 is comparable to the D18. I think A5R would be more comparable to the d28 i just wish it didn't have an eq hole punched in the side because im not plugging it in. Cutting a hole in the side of the guitar like that has gotta affect the sound a little bit. It still sounds great but i'd prefer to have an A5R without it.

[@kalampathan8397]

No doubt for me ac5r are the best.

[@manaumman9732]

Just tpp and back for takamine (solid)!

[@larrydering1598]

Yamaha has more of a Martin tone. Takamine reminds me of Taylor.

[@tao694t]

had the exact same thought

[@SuperOgames]

I have the Yamaha ARE5.

[@michaelhayes9773]

I didn't realize those yamahas A5R;s sounded that good.

[@tidaltidaltidal]

I like takamine, but the only thing prevented me from buying it is the weird placement of the pickup. It's large, located in the front, which ruins the wood aesthetics. I could've bought the non-electric version but it's very hard to find in my area.

[@foroifilho]

Takamine❤

[@guitarbluz62]

Just for accuracy...the Yamaha is a AC5R...not A5R. It is a cutaway. I have a Takemine parlor, whixh is equipped with their CoolTube 3 pup system. Best plugged in sound I've ever worked with. That said, I fell in love with the Yamaha AC5R due to its incredible acoustic tone (torrified spruce top is amazing) as well as the SRT2 modeled pup system. Sounds as close to a mic'd up acoustic as the real deal. I love my American-made guitars but, IMHO, the Japanese-made guitars are simply better than American-made...more attention to detail and design. Can't beat the AC5R for the price...especially if you find one gently used, as I did.

[@moisesperez4605]

People I am a blind individual, can you guys let me know, which Guitar is, The second one, because it seems like that one is the one that gives you a stronger base, overall tones, so when he starts of playing, which one is the second one he plays. Thank you

[@GuitarGallerySA]

Moises, guitar 1 is the takamine and guitar 2 is the yamaha

[@adityafirdaus3881]

Sir, which one have the thicker neck?

[@makssila3572]

Mike Tyson 😜

[@kromedge]

It’s a tight race but I’ll take the Yamaha A5R over the Takamine by a strum.

[@michaelrjmarshall4209]

Yamaha A5R

[@leonardoLMK]

what mic you used?

[@GuitarGallerySA]

Akg c451b

[@Marshall_EL34]

As of this comment, the Yamaha A5R is $1650.00, and the Takamine P5DC is $2350.00. Therefore, the Takamine is 42.4% more expensive. That is massive difference in price. BTW ...what strings are on the guitars? The factory strings Yamaha installs are Elixir Nanoweb coated 80/20 lights ...as opposed to the Takamine and it's factory installed D'addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light strings. Huge difference.

[@ronaldreagan5205]

The yamaha rings all day long

[@ronaldreagan5205]

Yamaha a5r the best guitar I own

[@cdbrown30]

With fingerpicking I like Yamaha tone

[@im58woody]

I’ve owned Takamine guitars and still have one. I like the Tak better in this demonstration better. The Yamaha would be great for solo pieces but I would pick the Tak for playing with a band.

[@dragonlion1272]

Yamaha A5R brigth sound Takamine P5dc firm and warm sound I like P5dc a little more than A5R,

[@terencephilipstrydom4838]

Yamaha is warmer. More balanced and wins!

[@nikolaikirkanovic]

The sides on takamine are laminated so they're not completely equal

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

😂😂 no

[@venturaVlogger]

Yamaha a5r has pronounced bottom end, Takamine is a bit tinny sounding

[@freedomdance7601]

I’m telling you in person that Yamaha is really worth the money. It’s hard to capture the comparison on KZbin but it’s sounds in a lot of ways better and more balanced than some of the higher end Taks. The punchy low end is something that will surprise you. The video shows the tak sounding clearer on the high end but just play them in person and you’ll see

[@letitbe978]

Yamaha sounds like martin-ish

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Taylor all the way

[@esinsonat675]

yamaha A5R best !.. thanks.. *******

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Yamaha most definitely

[@lesa8020]

Think I'd select the cheaper Yamaha and get a Boss GE-7 EQ pedal and tweak it to the Tak sound if I so desire.

[@jabbieperalta2469]

Yamaha for me ❤️

[@danstevens1024]

The Yamaha sounds so much nicer and just seems like a much more refined instrument. I wish they made left handed versions of their guitars.

[@tom5216]

Yamaha all the way.

[@alkonyr]

Takamine sounds airy and bright; good mid and high range. Not enough low range to be Martin. Yamaha produces bassy but dim sound.

[@jarillaequisde6173]

yamaha its the best acoustic guitar of high range for the price in the world BY FAR!!!!!! yamaha all solid guitar and that tekamine has sides laminated and is about $450 USD more expensive than the Yamaha.. TEKAMINE OVERVALUE!!

[@MarianoPerez]

I love both Yamaha and Takamine guitars. Honestly, it is difficult to beat Yamaha for value, my cpx1200ii sounds at par or better than guitars that are in the 3k to 5k range. Takamines are a value if you like bling on your guitar. For example, I got a takamine ltd 2020 which has beautiful inlays and they can be had min the mid 2ks. With all those inlays and beautiful sound, it is a great value. But yes, I certainly would not pay the money for the pro series. Also, you can probably get about 20% off of most Takamines.

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Best in the world LOL

[@jarillaequisde6173]

@@BkBk-gy6vr for the price!!!!

[@AchillesWrath1]

They do the laminated sides on some $5000 guitars as well for a reason. It's stronger. 90% of the tone is coming from the top wood.

[@talkychris]

It's similar with their electric guitars. I just purchased a new Revstar RSS20 for £615 and It is up there with £2000 Gibson Les Paul models I have, better in some regards. The price/quality ratio of Yamaha is astonishing.

[@GTRJohn13]

That Yamaha is WHIPPIN Takamine's ass!

[@3cardmonty602]

Yamaha wins 🏆

[@steve1982n]

The Yamaha sounds much better, deeper, clearer and more balanced

[@Mromarcito23]

Yamaha sounds more bassy and warm, Tak sounds louder and more clear. Both sound good

[@deejay7339]

For me the Takamine has an over emphasized mid. The Yamaha is warmer and more balanced frequency in this range with a shimmering top. I sold my Taylors for the same reason here with the Takamine. Always feels like it's lacking some character behind the mic. All emphasized

[@Paulo_Brasil23]

Takamine win

[@coldminded21]

am i the only one hearing glan hansard songs in most things being played with takamine?

[@sanjayaacharya7232]

I'm fan of yamaha guitar..I have Yamaha ll16dare .here a5r sound is better.

[@akelock88]

yamaha เสียงชัดกว่า

[@sjleak1]

Yamaha is better sounding in my ears and especially on the lows.

[@DH-CA]

I can hear clearly which one is better to my ears...I play and collect violins so I'm used to this... one important factor ""Overtone sound"... I'm going to pickup the winner at my local store tomorrow - can't wait. BTW, I appreciate that you play exactly the same phrase on each guitar and a short pauses in between... this demonstrade the level of professionalism...not some two guys BSing... Thank you ! We used to do "blind tests" to be sure too... I can hear it so clearly... The phrase at 4:00 minutes just blow me away - sprakling, projected and clean (but yet abundden of overtones)... as compared with the 4:30 minutes just sounded muddy unclean and flat.... I own two Martin guitars: D15 and D45... that's the signature sounds of spruce top and rosewood back Martin's

[@2505674809]

I think the main reason for buying these guitars would be to play them live plugged in.. No demo on line only ???????????

[@maniphaces]

I am shocked to say I prefer the yamaha over the takamine- for dreadnought- it had the better warmer even tone...shocked I say- shocked. ..but then again, its is Yamaha lol they do know sound.

[@mothereartha7]

These comparisons for sound are great, but how’s the action, the setup, acroutments, l think takamine looks better aesthetic wise, and has a sweeter tone the mid bottom tones are adequate , but the top end is brilliant, the Yamaha a great workhorse, lve had Yamaha’s good solid instruments,but lacking in playability,

[@slobodanaleksic345]

A fairly even race. Good guitars. Who loves what! I prefer Takamine.

[@7139Harry]

I actually sold my Taylor 914 -CE and purchased both the Yamaha AC-3r and the AC-5r. They are both exceedingly better than the Taylor in construction quality, playability and sound - especially the plugged in sound of the SRT-2 pickup system on the Yamaha. Acoustically I do prefer the sound of the Japanese built AC-5r over the AC -3r though😀

[@ondy71]

theres only one answer to this.. buy both.

[@jonmarston4166]

😂👍🤟🎉

[@prachyachailuxkason3089]

Yamaha wins

[@Ta_nuz]

takamine pronounced distinct

[@alonsoaguirre3771]

Yamaha all the way