When it comes to nylon string guitars, Takamine is a brand that stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality. Takamine nylon string guitars are renowned for their warm, rich tone, and playability, making them a favorite among classical and flamenco guitarists.
Editor’s Notes: Takamine nylon string guitars are a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres, from classical to flamenco to folk.
After analyzing dozens of reviews and digging through countless articles on Takamine nylon string guitars, we put together this guide to help you make the right decision when choosing your next guitar.
Key Differences
| Model | Body Shape | Price Range |
| G Series | Concert | $500-$1,000 |
| P Series | Parlor | $1,000-$1,500 |
| C Series | Classical | $1,500-$2,000 |
Main Article Topics
- The history of Takamine nylon string guitars
- The different body shapes and sizes available
- The different types of woods used in construction
- The different pickup systems available
- The pros and cons of Takamine nylon string guitars
- How to choose the right Takamine nylon string guitar for you
1. Construction
The construction of a guitar plays a vital role in determining its sound and playability. Takamine nylon string guitars are known for their warm, rich tone and comfortable playability, and the choice of solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides contributes significantly to these qualities.
Spruce is a lightweight wood with a strong, clear sound, making it an ideal choice for guitar tops. It provides a bright, resonant tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres, from classical to folk to flamenco. Mahogany is a denser wood with a warm, rich tone. It is often used for guitar backs and sides because it provides a strong foundation for the sound while also adding warmth and depth.
The combination of a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides gives Takamine nylon string guitars their characteristic sound. The spruce top provides a bright, clear tone, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. This combination results in a guitar that is well-suited for a variety of genres and playing styles.
In addition to the tonal benefits, the choice of solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides also contributes to the durability of Takamine nylon string guitars. Solid wood is less likely to crack or warp than laminated wood, making it a more reliable choice for long-term use.
Overall, the construction of Takamine nylon string guitars with solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides is a key factor in their sound, playability, and durability. These guitars are built to last and provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
Table: Key Insights
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Solid spruce top | Bright, clear tone |
| Mahogany back and sides | Warm, rich tone |
| Combination of spruce top and mahogany back and sides | Well-suited for a variety of genres and playing styles |
| Solid wood construction | Durability |
2. Neck
The neck of a guitar is an essential component that contributes significantly to the instrument’s playability, tone, and overall feel. Takamine nylon string guitars feature a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, a combination that is renowned for its warmth, comfort, and durability.
- Warmth and Resonance: Mahogany is a dense wood with a warm, rich tone. It is a popular choice for guitar necks because it provides a solid foundation for the sound while also adding warmth and depth. Rosewood is also a dense wood with a warm, clear tone. It is often used for guitar fingerboards because it provides a smooth, comfortable playing surface while also adding brightness and clarity to the sound.
- Comfort and Playability: The shape and profile of the neck play a major role in the guitar’s playability. Takamine nylon string guitars feature a comfortable neck profile that is designed to fit snugly in the hand, making it easy to play for hours on end. The rosewood fingerboard is also smooth and comfortable to the touch, making it easy to execute complex fingerings and techniques.
- Durability: Mahogany and rosewood are both durable woods that are resistant to wear and tear. This makes Takamine nylon string guitars a great choice for musicians who play regularly or who travel frequently. The neck and fingerboard are less likely to crack or warp over time, ensuring a lifetime of enjoyment.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Mahogany and rosewood are both beautiful woods with a rich, dark color. The combination of these two woods gives Takamine nylon string guitars a classic, elegant look that is sure to turn heads.
Overall, the neck of a Takamine nylon string guitar is a key factor in the instrument’s sound, playability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard is a combination that is prized by guitarists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
3. Body Shape
Takamine nylon string guitars are available in a variety of body shapes, including concert, parlor, and classical. Each body shape has its own unique sound and playing characteristics, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.
- Concert body shape: Concert body guitars are the most popular type of nylon string guitar. They have a balanced sound with good projection and clarity. Concert body guitars are a good choice for all-around playing, from classical to folk to flamenco.
- Parlor body shape: Parlor body guitars are smaller than concert body guitars, with a more intimate sound. They are a good choice for fingerpicking and other delicate playing styles. Parlor body guitars are also popular with travelers, as they are easy to transport.
- Classical body shape: Classical body guitars are the largest and most traditional type of nylon string guitar. They have a deep, resonant sound that is well-suited for classical music. Classical body guitars are typically used by classical guitarists, but they can also be used for other genres of music.
In addition to the three mai
n body shapes, Takamine also offers a variety of other body shapes, such as the Grand Concert, Mini Jumbo, and NEX. These body shapes offer different variations on the sound and playing characteristics of the three main body shapes. For example, the Grand Concert body shape has a slightly larger body than the Concert body shape, which gives it a fuller sound with more bass response. The Mini Jumbo body shape is a smaller version of the Jumbo body shape, which gives it a more focused sound with less bass response. The NEX body shape is a hybrid between the Concert and Grand Concert body shapes, with a slightly larger body and a more balanced sound.
When choosing a Takamine nylon string guitar, it is important to consider the body shape that is right for your needs. If you are looking for a guitar with a balanced sound that is good for all-around playing, then a concert body guitar is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with a more intimate sound that is good for fingerpicking, then a parlor body guitar is a good choice. And if you are looking for a guitar with a deep, resonant sound that is well-suited for classical music, then a classical body guitar is a good choice.
4. Scale Length
The scale length of a guitar is the distance between the nut and the bridge. It is an important factor that affects the guitar’s sound, playability, and string tension.
Takamine nylon string guitars are available with two different scale lengths: 650mm and 660mm. The 650mm scale length is more common on classical guitars, while the 660mm scale length is more common on flamenco guitars.
The shorter scale length of the 650mm scale length guitars makes them easier to play for players with smaller hands. It also gives the guitar a warmer, more mellow sound.
The longer scale length of the 660mm scale length guitars gives them a brighter, more powerful sound. It also makes the guitar more difficult to play for players with smaller hands.
Ultimately, the best scale length for you will depend on your individual playing style and preferences. If you are unsure which scale length is right for you, it is a good idea to try out both 650mm and 660mm scale length guitars before making a decision.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between 650mm and 660mm scale length guitars:
| Scale Length | Sound | Playability |
|---|---|---|
| 650mm | Warmer, more mellow | Easier to play for players with smaller hands |
| 660mm | Brighter, more powerful | More difficult to play for players with smaller hands |
5. Electronics
Takamine’s CTP-3 CoolTube preamp system is a key component of the brand’s nylon string guitars, providing a warm, natural sound with plenty of headroom. The preamp also features a built-in tuner, making it easy to keep your guitar in tune, even on stage.
The CTP-3 CoolTube preamp system is designed to recreate the sound of a tube amplifier, using solid-state technology. The preamp’s three bands of EQ (bass, mid, and treble) allow you to dial in the perfect sound for your guitar, and the built-in tuner ensures that you’re always in tune.
Takamine nylon string guitars with the CTP-3 CoolTube preamp system are a great choice for players who want a warm, natural sound with plenty of control. The preamp’s built-in tuner is also a valuable feature, making it easy to keep your guitar in tune, even on stage.
Here is a table summarizing the key features of the CTP-3 CoolTube preamp system:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Preamp Type | Solid-state |
| EQ | 3-band (bass, mid, treble) |
| Tuner | Built-in |
6. Playability
Takamine nylon string guitars are renowned for their exceptional playability, thanks to their low action and comfortable neck profile. These features make them a pleasure to play, even for beginners.
- Low action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. A low action makes it easier to press down on the strings, which is especially beneficial for beginners or players with smaller hands. Takamine nylon string guitars typically have a low action, making them easy to play for players of all levels.
- Comfortable neck profile refers to the shape of the guitar’s neck. A comfortable neck profile makes it easier to hold and play the guitar for extended periods of time. Takamine nylon string guitars have a neck profile that is designed to fit snugly in the hand, making them comfortable to play even for players with smaller hands.
The combination of low action and comfortable neck profile makes Takamine nylon string guitars a great choice for players of all levels. These features make them easy to play, even for beginners, and they are comfortable to hold and play for extended periods of time.
7. Tone
The warm, rich, and balanced tone of Takamine nylon string guitars is a result of the careful selection of materials and construction techniques used by Takamine’s luthiers. The solid spruce top provides a bright, clear sound, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. The combination of these woods creates a guitar with a sound that is both articulate and resonant.
The neck of the guitar also plays a role in the overall tone. The mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard provides a warm, mellow sound that complements the sound of the body. The low action and comfortable neck profile make the guitar easy to play, even for beginners.
The warm, rich, and balanced tone of Takamine nylon string guitars makes them a popular choice for a variety of genres of music, from classical to folk to flamenco. These guitars are also well-suited for recording, as they produce a clear and natural sound that can be easily mixed with other instruments.
Here is a table summarizing the key factors that contribute to the warm, rich, and balanced tone of Takamine nylon string guitars:
| Factor | Contribution to Tone |
|---|---|
| Solid spruce top | Bright, clear sound |
| Mahogany back and sides | Warmth and depth |
| Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard | Warm, mellow sound |
| Low action and comfortable neck profile | Ease of playability |
8. Versatility
Takamine nylon string guitars are renowned for their versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of genres, from classical to flamenco to folk. This versatility is a result of several factors, including the guitar’s construction, tone
, and playability.
- Construction: Takamine nylon string guitars are typically made with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This combination of woods provides the guitar with a warm, rich tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres. The solid spruce top provides brightness and clarity, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth.
- Tone: The warm, rich tone of Takamine nylon string guitars is another factor that contributes to their versatility. This tone is well-suited for both traditional and contemporary genres of music. Classical guitarists appreciate the guitar’s warm, mellow sound, while flamenco guitarists appreciate its bright, percussive sound. Folk guitarists also appreciate the guitar’s versatility, as it can be used to play a variety of fingerpicking and strumming styles.
- Playability: Takamine nylon string guitars are also known for their excellent playability. The guitar’s low action and comfortable neck profile make it easy to play, even for beginners. This playability makes the guitar a good choice for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
The combination of construction, tone, and playability makes Takamine nylon string guitars a versatile instrument that is well-suited for a variety of genres, from classical to flamenco to folk. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Takamine nylon string guitars offer a combination of quality, versatility, and value that is hard to beat.
9. Value
Takamine nylon string guitars offer exceptional value for their price. They are made with high-quality materials and construction, and they produce a warm, rich tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres, from classical to flamenco to folk. Takamine nylon string guitars are also known for their playability, making them a good choice for players of all levels.
- Quality materials and construction
Takamine nylon string guitars are made with high-quality materials, including a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. These woods provide the guitar with a warm, rich tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres. The solid spruce top provides brightness and clarity, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. The guitar’s neck is also made of mahogany, and it has a rosewood fingerboard. The mahogany neck provides the guitar with a warm, mellow sound, and the rosewood fingerboard adds brightness and clarity.
- Excellent tone
Takamine nylon string guitars are known for their warm, rich tone. This tone is well-suited for both traditional and contemporary genres of music. Classical guitarists appreciate the guitar’s warm, mellow sound, while flamenco guitarists appreciate its bright, percussive sound. Folk guitarists also appreciate the guitar’s versatility, as it can be used to play a variety of fingerpicking and strumming styles.
- Great playability
Takamine nylon string guitars are also known for their excellent playability. The guitar’s low action and comfortable neck profile make it easy to play, even for beginners. This playability makes the guitar a good choice for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
- Affordable price
Takamine nylon string guitars are available at a variety of price points, making them affordable for players of all budgets. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you can find a Takamine nylon string guitar that fits your needs and budget.
Overall, Takamine nylon string guitars offer excellent value for their price. They are made with high-quality materials and construction, they produce a warm, rich tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres, and they are easy to play. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Takamine nylon string guitars are a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Takamine Nylon String Guitars
Takamine nylon string guitars are renowned for their exceptional quality, versatility, and affordability. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these guitars:
Question 1: What are the benefits of using a Takamine nylon string guitar?
Takamine nylon string guitars offer several benefits, including: a warm, rich tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres; excellent playability, making them easy to play for players of all levels; and exceptional value for their price.
Question 2: What are the different body shapes available for Takamine nylon string guitars?
Takamine nylon string guitars are available in three main body shapes: concert, parlor, and classical. Concert body guitars are the most popular type, offering a balanced sound with good projection and clarity. Parlor body guitars are smaller than concert body guitars, with a more intimate sound. Classical body guitars are the largest and most traditional type, with a deep, resonant sound.
Question 3: What is the difference between a 650mm and 660mm scale length on a Takamine nylon string guitar?
The scale length of a guitar is the distance between the nut and the bridge. Takamine nylon string guitars are available with two different scale lengths: 650mm and 660mm. The 650mm scale length is more common on classical guitars, while the 660mm scale length is more common on flamenco guitars. The shorter scale length of the 650mm guitars makes them easier to play for players with smaller hands and gives them a warmer, more mellow sound. The longer scale length of the 660mm guitars gives them a brighter, more powerful sound.
Question 4: What is the CTP-3 CoolTube preamp system on Takamine nylon string guitars?
The CTP-3 CoolTube preamp system is a key component of Takamine’s nylon string guitars, providing a warm, natural sound with plenty of headroom. The preamp also features a built-in tuner, making it easy to keep your guitar in tune, even on stage.
Question 5: Are Takamine nylon string guitars good for beginners?
Takamine nylon string guitars are an excellent choice for beginners. They are easy to play, thanks to their low action and comfortable neck profile. They also produce a warm, rich tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres.
Question 6: What are the different types of woods used in the construction of Takamine nylon string guitars?
Takamine nylon string guitars are typically made with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Spruce is a lightweight wood with a strong, clear sound, while mahogany is a dense wood with a warm, rich tone. The combination of these woods gives Takamine nylon string guitars their characteristic sound.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Takamine nylon string guitars. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a Takamine dealer or visit the Takamine website.
Transition to the next article section:
In addition to the FAQs above, here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Takamine Nylon String Guitars
- Takamine Guitars at Guitar Center
- Takamine GD11MCE NS Natural at Sweetwater
Tips for Choosing and Using a Takamine Nylon String Guitar
Takamine nylon string guitars are renowned for their warm, rich tone, excellent playability, and exceptional value. If you’re considering buying a Takamine nylon string guitar, here are a few tips to help you make the
right choice:
Tip 1: Choose the right body shape. Takamine nylon string guitars are available in three main body shapes: concert, parlor, and classical. Concert body guitars are the most popular type, offering a balanced sound with good projection and clarity. Parlor body guitars are smaller than concert body guitars, with a more intimate sound. Classical body guitars are the largest and most traditional type, with a deep, resonant sound. Choose the body shape that best suits your playing style and musical preferences.
Tip 2: Consider the scale length. The scale length of a guitar is the distance between the nut and the bridge. Takamine nylon string guitars are available with two different scale lengths: 650mm and 660mm. The 650mm scale length is more common on classical guitars, while the 660mm scale length is more common on flamenco guitars. The shorter scale length of the 650mm guitars makes them easier to play for players with smaller hands and gives them a warmer, more mellow sound. The longer scale length of the 660mm guitars gives them a brighter, more powerful sound.
Tip 3: Choose the right strings. The type of strings you use on your Takamine nylon string guitar can significantly affect the sound and playability of the instrument. There are two main types of nylon strings: clear and rectified. Clear strings are made from pure nylon, while rectified strings have been treated with a chemical process to make them smoother and less likely to stretch. Rectified strings typically produce a brighter, more articulate sound than clear strings.
Tip 4: Take care of your guitar. Takamine nylon string guitars are built to last, but they require proper care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. Be sure to store your guitar in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing your guitar to extreme temperatures or humidity. Clean your guitar regularly with a soft, dry cloth. If you need to restring your guitar, be sure to use the correct type of strings and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tip 5: Get professional help if needed. If you have any questions or concerns about your Takamine nylon string guitar, don’t hesitate to consult a professional guitar technician. A qualified technician can help you choose the right strings, set up your guitar properly, and make any necessary repairs.
By following these tips, you can choose and use your Takamine nylon string guitar to its full potential. Takamine nylon string guitars are versatile instruments that can be used for a wide variety of genres, from classical to folk to flamenco. With proper care and maintenance, your Takamine nylon string guitar will provide you with years of enjoyment.
Conclusion
Takamine nylon string guitars are renowned for their warm, rich tone, excellent playability, and exceptional value. They are a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide variety of genres, from classical to folk to flamenco. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Takamine nylon string guitars offer a combination of quality, versatility, and affordability that is hard to beat.
If you are in the market for a nylon string guitar, we encourage you to consider Takamine. Their guitars are made with high-quality materials and construction, and they produce a warm, rich tone that is well-suited for a variety of genres. They are also easy to play, making them a good choice for players of all levels. With proper care and maintenance, your Takamine nylon string guitar will provide you with years of enjoyment.
