Electroacoustic guitar made in Japan, 20 frets. Micro Takamine "palathetic pickup" that uses piezoelectric technology in a rather original.

Preamp CT4B-II (read: version II preamp with a Chromatic Tuner and 4 bands)

Solid Cedar
Solid mahogany back and sides laminated mahogany (cheaper, stronger and very low impact sound: everyone found there)

Mechanical golden oil bath with amber button. Nut and bridge bone.

Features unadorned, a satin covers the body and the handle. It is simple and class at a time. For the price you can find "more" but in this natural spirit (hence the name of the series) and effective: A no-fault especially as it is delivered in case!

PS: After a year, you start to think about a shield because even without playing "nag" you can not prevent a few shots on the table <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt="sad" /> . But why not a beautiful wooden plaque to keep the side "Satin <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="biggrin" /> ?

UTILIZATION

The handle is very nice. The satin finish is very nice and makes all travel. The shape of the handle is not as comfortable as that of Taylor but it&#39;s still very very good and very playable, especially if the guitar is well set: This was the case with mine when it was delivered to me.
Access to acute is that of an acoustic cutaway: That is pretty good but do not expect to put a solo on the 18th or 20th check up!
The ergonomics of the beautiful is very good too. It is easy to handle and allows himself to play both sitting and standing.

We get easily a good sound. Just play it! Then it will be necessary for the electrical plug into an amp or PA system suitable without any adjustment, it is already usable.

SOUNDS

This guitar is very versatile. As often with Takamine is very balanced. on the other hand, unlike other entry-level model, the highs are very fine and precise but not at all aggressive!
The bass is well rounded and does not drip into the sound space. Mediums are well balanced with the low register and acute, and we hear them well ... usual on this kind of cash they are feeling a little down but not here.

This is not the best acoustics in the world and it has not much character but is very clean, and it gives free rein to the expressiveness of the musician.

The electro sound now. For a quick reminder, the brand Takamine, a pioneer in the amplification of acoustic guitars has a property called micro "palathetic pickup".
It uses micro piezo technology but unlike the competition, it is not a bar under the bridge saddle but of six small piezoelectric sensors mounted together and attached under the bridge inside the case. (Recently Yamaha has also explored a similar route by positioning piezo sensors in various places in the body ... it&#39;s a great way for me, much better than sensors or magnetic pickups)

This results in a less caricatured and better capture the vibrations of the body.

So of course it&#39;s still "piezo." Found aggression in the treble and bass a little dry but it is usable by correcting a little stamp with the preamp and the EQ on the console or amplifier.
It is usable in comparison to conventional or a piezo system of expression in Taylor because here we can fix the patch. At Taylor is vain thing because when we try to mitigate the side "plastic" sound of the strings so high E and is destroyed pretty low ...

Of course not found at all of breath. The preamp is economical and the battery is changed with ease. The preamp can be changed and also allows the player to upgrade his guitar! Very practical, too, the tuner is very fast!

You tell me that I could take advantage of the TAN 10C and tube preamp. Yes, but having owned the tube preamp, I think it colors the sound too, and it consumes too much battery. I preferred to stay in the spirit of the series "natural" of the Japanese house by opting for a simple preamp but very effective, and control the Anglo-Saxon model, the 10C available EAN United States, UK and in Germany, especially in Thomman for € 885!!

Roughly 7.5 for audio and 9 electro. (Notes published after a year of use)

EDIT: I was offered a preamp DSP for 70 € on ebay. I gave an opinion on the beast. It consumes a lot (too) battery (about 8-10 hours of battery life for 2 x 1.5 V, but easy to change though). This weakness is offset by its truly exceptional! My EAN10C becomes a DAN10C
I keep notes because the sound is unchanged. The electro sound is much better but less convenient (no on / off button for the tuner, autonomy ...).
PS: (After a year) The acoustic sound gains in warmth and character even if it is still far from exceptional
On some presets preamp, you could hear a sound distortion that seemed to be that the sensor too strong an attack preamp "digital". The defect is corrected by fitting a knob to "gain" by amon preamp. The sound is now a nickel but I let go of € 50 :-(



OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one week, intensive preparation for a solo concert with the Boss as the only accompanying RC20XL! I needed a good electric guitar, easy to use and I found a price that is unbeatable!

What I like most is his side "just the basics."

What I like least is not being able to have the latest preamp from the brand that incorporates the features of CT4B-II but allowing the addition of an additional sensor or micro ... For now it is available in Japan and China ... but only when it is available in the United States or Europe, I order with a B-Band AST in the box!

I have tested models for four months. In discomfort with a Taylor 410ce, I tested almost every electronic solutions of the moment: Fishman (at least 5 preamp), B-band, shadow, the new StudioLâg the lounge music, Ovation, Seagull, Yamaha ART , Godin ...

The technological achievements announced are only window dressing. A Takamine that ensures the job on stage.
For a true sound acousituqe, plan a microphone in front or in the case.

I highly recommend this model to value for money impeccable.

EDIT: With the DSP amp, no need for additional microphone. The sound is very easy to work and we will get very natural and not made ​​according to the uses and circonsatnces.