In the world of acoustic guitars, few instruments are as iconic as the Takamine 12-string. With its rich, full sound and distinctive look, this guitar has been a favorite of musicians for decades.
Editor’s Note: “The Takamine 12-string guitar is a unique and versatile instrument that is perfect for a variety of genres, from folk and rock to country and blues.”
If you’re considering buying a Takamine 12-string guitar, you’ll want to do your research to find the right model for your needs. There are a number of different models available, each with its own unique sound and features. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this guide to the Takamine 12-string guitar.
Key Differences
| Feature | Takamine 12-string |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Jumbo, dreadnought, or grand auditorium |
| Top Wood | Solid spruce or cedar |
| Back and Sides | Solid mahogany or rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany or nato |
| Fretboard | Rosewood or ebony |
| Electronics | Takamine’s proprietary preamp system |
Main Article Topics
- The history of the Takamine 12-string guitar
- The different models of Takamine 12-string guitars available
- The sound of the Takamine 12-string guitar
- The pros and cons of the Takamine 12-string guitar
- How to choose the right Takamine 12-string guitar for you
1. Body Shape
The body shape of a guitar has a significant impact on its sound and playability. The Takamine 12-string guitar is available in three body shapes: jumbo, dreadnought, and grand auditorium.
- Jumbo
Jumbo guitars are the largest and loudest of the three body shapes. They have a deep, resonant sound that is perfect for strumming and fingerpicking. Jumbo guitars are also very comfortable to play, thanks to their large body and wide neck.
- Dreadnought
Dreadnought guitars are slightly smaller than jumbo guitars, but they still have a full, rich sound. They are known for their powerful projection, which makes them a good choice for playing in a band or for solo performances. Dreadnought guitars are also relatively easy to play, making them a good choice for beginners.
- Grand auditorium
Grand auditorium guitars are the smallest of the three body shapes. They have a more balanced sound than jumbo or dreadnought guitars, with clear highs and lows. Grand auditorium guitars are also very comfortable to play, thanks to their smaller body and narrower neck.
Ultimately, the best body shape for a Takamine 12-string guitar depends on the player’s individual preferences. However, each body shape has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to try out different guitars before making a decision.
2. Top Wood
The top wood of a guitar is one of the most important factors that determines its sound. The Takamine 12-string guitar is available with two different top wood options: solid spruce and solid cedar.
Solid spruce is a lightweight wood with a bright, clear sound. It is known for its excellent projection and articulation, which makes it a good choice for strumming and fingerpicking. Solid spruce is also very responsive to the player’s touch, so it is a good choice for players who want a guitar that is expressive and dynamic.
Solid cedar is a heavier wood with a warmer, darker sound. It is known for its rich, full tone, which makes it a good choice for fingerpicking and ballads. Solid cedar is also less responsive to the player’s touch than solid spruce, so it is a good choice for players who want a guitar with a more mellow sound.
Ultimately, the best top wood for a Takamine 12-string guitar depends on the player’s individual preferences. However, each top wood has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to try out different guitars before making a decision.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between solid spruce and solid cedar:
| Characteristic | Solid spruce | Solid cedar |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavyweight |
| Sound | Bright, clear | Warm, dark |
| Projection | Excellent | Good |
| Responsiveness | Very responsive | Less responsive |
3. Back and Sides
The back and sides of a guitar play a significant role in determining its sound and projection. The Takamine 12-string guitar is available with two different back and sides options: solid mahogany and solid rosewood.
- Solid mahogany
Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood with a warm, rich sound. It is known for its excellent projection and sustain, which makes it a good choice for strumming and fingerpicking. Mahogany is also very durable, so it is a good choice for guitars that will be played frequently.
- Solid rosewood
Rosewood is a dense, heavy wood with a bright, clear sound. It is known for its excellent projection and articulation, which makes it a good choice for strumming and fingerpicking. Rosewood is also very durable, so it is a good choice for guitars that will be played frequently.
Ultimately, the best back and sides wood for a Takamine 12-string guitar depends on the player’s individual preferences. However, each wood has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to try out different guitars before making a decision.
4. Neck
The neck of a guitar is an important factor that affects the playability and sound of the instrument. The Takamine 12-string guitar is available with two different neck wood options: mahogany and nato.
Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood that is known for its warm, rich sound. It is also very durable, making it a good choice for guitars that will be played frequently. Nato is a lighter wood than mahogany, and it has a brighter, clearer sound. It is also less expensive than mahogany, making it a good choice for budget-minded players.
Ultimately, the best neck wood for a Takamine 12-string gui
tar depends on the player’s individual preferences. However, each wood has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to try out different guitars before making a decision.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between mahogany and nato:
| Characteristic | Mahogany | Nato |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Dense, heavy | Light |
| Sound | Warm, rich | Bright, clear |
| Durability | Very durable | Less durable |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
5. Fretboard
The fretboard of a guitar is an important factor that affects the playability and sound of the instrument. The Takamine 12-string guitar is available with two different fretboard wood options: rosewood and ebony.
Rosewood is a dense, heavy wood that is known for its warm, rich sound. It is also very durable, making it a good choice for guitars that will be played frequently. Ebony is a dense, heavy wood that is known for its bright, clear sound. It is also very durable, and it is often used on high-end guitars.
Ultimately, the best fretboard wood for a Takamine 12-string guitar depends on the player’s individual preferences. However, each wood has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to try out different guitars before making a decision.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between rosewood and ebony:
| Characteristic | Rosewood | Ebony |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Dense, heavy | Dense, heavy |
| Sound | Warm, rich | Bright, clear |
| Durability | Very durable | Very durable |
| Price | More expensive | More expensive |
6. Electronics
Takamine’s proprietary preamp system is a key component of the Takamine 12-string guitar’s sound and versatility. The preamp system is designed to amplify the guitar’s natural sound while also providing a variety of tonal options. This makes the Takamine 12-string guitar a great choice for a variety of genres, from folk and rock to country and blues.
One of the most important features of Takamine’s preamp system is its ability to reproduce the natural sound of the guitar. The preamp system is designed to amplify the guitar’s sound without adding any coloration or distortion. This results in a sound that is clear, articulate, and full of detail.
In addition to its ability to reproduce the natural sound of the guitar, Takamine’s preamp system also provides a variety of tonal options. The preamp system includes a three-band EQ, which allows the player to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble response of the guitar. The preamp system also includes a variety of effects, such as reverb, chorus, and delay. These effects can be used to add depth and atmosphere to the guitar’s sound.
The combination of natural sound reproduction and tonal versatility makes Takamine’s proprietary preamp system a powerful tool for guitarists. The preamp system allows guitarists to achieve a wide range of sounds, from warm and mellow to bright and jangly. This makes the Takamine 12-string guitar a great choice for a variety of genres and playing styles.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Natural sound reproduction | Clear, articulate, and full of detail |
| Three-band EQ | Adjust the bass, midrange, and treble response |
| Variety of effects | Add depth and atmosphere to the guitar’s sound |
7. Sound
The Takamine 12-string guitar is known for its rich, full, and resonant sound. This is due to a number of factors, including the guitar’s body shape, top wood, and bracing.
The Takamine 12-string guitar’s body shape is designed to produce a deep, resonant sound. The guitar’s large body and deep cutaway provide plenty of room for the sound to develop and resonate. The guitar’s top wood is also a major contributor to its sound. The Takamine 12-string guitar is available with a variety of top woods, including spruce, cedar, and mahogany. Each type of wood has its own unique tonal qualities, but all of them contribute to the guitar’s rich, full sound.
The Takamine 12-string guitar’s bracing is also important to its sound. The guitar’s bracing is designed to support the top wood and prevent it from collapsing under the tension of the strings. The bracing also helps to distribute the sound evenly across the guitar’s body, resulting in a more balanced sound.
The combination of the Takamine 12-string guitar’s body shape, top wood, and bracing gives it a rich, full, and resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of genres, from folk and rock to country and blues.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Produces a deep, resonant sound |
| Top wood | Contributes to the guitar’s rich, full sound |
| Bracing | Supports the top wood and prevents it from collapsing, also distributes the sound evenly across the guitar’s body |
8. Playability
The Takamine 12-string guitar is known for its comfortable and easy to play neck. This is due to a number of factors, including the guitar’s neck shape, fretboard radius, and string spacing.
The Takamine 12-string guitar’s neck shape is designed to fit comfortably in the player’s hand. The neck is not too thick or too thin, and it has a gentle taper from the nut to the body. This makes it easy to reach all of the frets, even on the higher strings.
The Takamine 12-string guitar’s fretboard radius is also designed to make playing comfortable. The fretboard radius is the amount of curvature that is applied to the fretboard. A flatter fretboard radius makes it easier to play chords, while a more curved fretboard radius makes it easier to play single notes. The Takamine 12-string guitar has a medium fretboard radius that is comfortable for both chording and soloing.
The Takamine 12-string guitar’s string spacing is also important for playability. The string spacing is the distance between the strings. Wider string spacing makes it easier to pick and finger individual strings, while narrower string spacing makes it easier to play chords. The Takamine 12-string guitar has a medium string spacing that is comfortable for both picking and chording.
The combination of the Takamine 12-string guitar’s neck shape, fretboard radius, and string spacing makes it a very comfortable and easy to play guitar. This is important for both beginner and experienced players, as it makes pla
ying the guitar more enjoyable and less fatiguing.
Here is a table that summarizes the key features of the Takamine 12-string guitar’s neck:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Neck shape | Fits comfortably in the player’s hand |
| Fretboard radius | Comfortable for both chording and soloing |
| String spacing | Comfortable for both picking and chording |
9. Versatility
The Takamine 12-string guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a wide range of genres. This is due to its unique sound and construction, which makes it well-suited for both strumming and fingerpicking.
- Acoustic
The Takamine 12-string guitar’s rich, full sound makes it a great choice for acoustic music. It can be used to play a variety of genres, from folk and country to blues and rock.
- Electric
The Takamine 12-string guitar can also be used to play electric music. Its built-in electronics make it easy to plug into an amplifier and play a variety of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and blues.
- Classical
The Takamine 12-string guitar can also be used to play classical music. Its nylon strings give it a mellow sound that is well-suited for classical pieces.
- Flamenco
The Takamine 12-string guitar can also be used to play flamenco music. Its bright, percussive sound is well-suited for flamenco rhythms.
The Takamine 12-string guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a wide range of genres. Its unique sound and construction make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced players.
10. Value
The Takamine 12-string guitar is a high-quality instrument that is offered at a reasonable price. This is a significant advantage, as many other high-quality 12-string guitars on the market are much more expensive. The Takamine 12-string guitar is made with high-quality materials and construction, and it produces a rich, full sound. It is also very comfortable to play, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced players.
One of the things that makes the Takamine 12-string guitar such a good value is its versatility. It can be used to play a wide range of genres, from folk and rock to country and blues. This makes it a great choice for musicians who want a guitar that they can use for a variety of purposes.
Another thing that makes the Takamine 12-string guitar a good value is its durability. It is built to last, and it can withstand the rigors of regular use. This makes it a great choice for musicians who want a guitar that will last for many years to come.
Overall, the Takamine 12-string guitar is a high-quality instrument that is offered at a reasonable price. It is a great choice for musicians who want a versatile, durable, and affordable guitar.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of the Takamine 12-string guitar:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| High-quality construction | The Takamine 12-string guitar is made with high-quality materials and construction, and it produces a rich, full sound. |
| Reasonable price | The Takamine 12-string guitar is offered at a reasonable price, making it a great value for the money. |
| Versatility | The Takamine 12-string guitar can be used to play a wide range of genres, from folk and rock to country and blues. |
| Durability | The Takamine 12-string guitar is built to last, and it can withstand the rigors of regular use |
FAQs about Takamine 12-string Guitars
Takamine 12-string guitars combine exceptional craftsmanship with a unique, rich sound, making them highly sought-after instruments among musicians. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these guitars:
Question 1: What are the key features of Takamine 12-string guitars?
Takamine 12-string guitars are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, which stems from a combination of factors such as their solid spruce or cedar tops, mahogany or rosewood back and sides, and proprietary preamp systems.
Question 2: What is the difference between a Takamine 12-string guitar and a standard 6-string guitar?
The most noticeable difference is the number of strings. Additionally, 12-string guitars often have a wider neck and a deeper body to accommodate the extra strings and produce a fuller sound.
Question 3: What genres of music are Takamine 12-string guitars suitable for?
Takamine 12-string guitars are versatile instruments that can enhance a wide range of genres, including folk, rock, country, and blues. Their rich, resonant sound adds depth and texture to both strumming and fingerpicking styles.
Question 4: Are Takamine 12-string guitars suitable for beginners?
While Takamine 12-string guitars are generally accessible to players of all levels, beginners may find them slightly more challenging to play due to the wider neck and increased string tension. However, with practice and dedication, beginners can certainly learn to play and appreciate these instruments.
Question 5: How do Takamine 12-string guitars compare to other brands?
Takamine 12-string guitars are widely regarded for their high quality and distinctive sound. They offer a unique combination of craftsmanship, playability, and tonal versatility that sets them apart from many other brands in the market.
Question 6: What are the key factors to consider when choosing a Takamine 12-string guitar?
When selecting a Takamine 12-string guitar, essential factors to consider include the body shape (jumbo, dreadnought, or grand auditorium), top wood (spruce or cedar), back and sides wood (mahogany or rosewood), and electronics (preamp and pickup system). Each combination offers a distinct sound and playing experience, so it’s recommended to try out different models to find the one that best suits your preferences.
In summary, Takamine 12-string guitars are exceptional instruments that combine rich sound, versatility, and high-quality construction. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or an aspiring player, these guitars offer a unique and rewarding playing experience.
Transition to the next article section:
Explore the diverse range of Takamine 12-string guitar models available, covering different body styles, tonewoods, and electronic features, to find the perfect instrument for your musical journey.
Tips for Playing the Takamine 12-String Guitar
The Takamine 12-string guitar offers a unique and rich sound that can enhance any musical performance. Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your Takamine 12-string guitar:
Tip 1: Use a Light Touch
The 12 strings on a Takamine guitar create more tension than a standard 6-string guitar. Using a light touch when strumming or picking will help prevent the strings from breaking and will also produce a clearer, more articulate sound.
The 12 strings on a Takamine guitar can easily go out of tune, especially when new. Make sure to tune your guitar regularly, especially before and after playing, to ensure optimal sound quality.
Tip 3: Use a Humidifier
Takamine guitars are made with natural wood, which can be affected by changes in humidity. Using a humidifier in your guitar case will help protect your guitar from damage and keep it sounding its best.
Tip 4: Experiment with Different String Gauges
The gauge of your strings can affect the sound and playability of your guitar. Experiment with different string gauges to find the combination that provides the best tone and feel for your playing style.
Tip 5: Learn Proper Fingerpicking Techniques
Fingerpicking is a great way to bring out the unique sound of a Takamine 12-string guitar. Learn proper fingerpicking techniques to enhance your playing skills and create beautiful melodies.
Key Takeaways
- Using a light touch and tuning regularly will help maintain the sound quality of your Takamine 12-string guitar.
- Protecting your guitar from humidity changes and experimenting with different string gauges will optimize its performance.
- Mastering fingerpicking techniques will expand your playing abilities and allow you to fully utilize the unique sound of a 12-string guitar.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the rich and resonant sound of your Takamine 12-string guitar for years to come.
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration of the Takamine 12-string guitar, we have uncovered its unique sonic qualities, versatility, and exceptional craftsmanship. The combination of its rich, resonant sound, comfortable playability, and stunning aesthetics has captivated musicians across genres, from folk and rock to country and blues.
As we bid farewell to this journey into the world of Takamine 12-string guitars, let us remember that these instruments are more than just tools for creating music. They are works of art, each with its own story to tell. Whether you are a seasoned musician seeking to expand your sonic palette or an aspiring player yearning for a guitar that will inspire and accompany you on your musical path, the Takamine 12-string guitar stands as an exceptional choice.
Embrace the allure of the Takamine 12-string guitar, and let its enchanting sound and unparalleled playability elevate your musical journey to new heights. Its legacy as a cherished instrument among musicians worldwide is a testament to its enduring quality and timeless appeal.
