Takamine EG510S-12

(Originally written by jason8/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- Where was it made? (USA, Japan, Mexico, France...)

Made in Korea

- How many frets, what kind of pickups and what is the pickup configuration?

20 frets

Circular sound hole with abalone inlay rosette. Active TK40T preamp with integrated tuner.

UTILIZATION

- Is the neck comfortable?

Very pleasant neck if you play with a light string set.

Because barre chords with a 12-string guitar are not so easy.

- Is the access to the upper frets easy?

No cutaway so access to the upper frets is not easy, but a 12-string guitar is made for rhythm parts and arpeggios.

- Is the instrument ergonomic (body shape, weight...)?

The guitar is quite heavy so you get the impression that it's a quality instrument.

- Is it easy to get the right sound?...

The sound is very good.

SOUNDS

- Do they fit your music style?

It's perfect for me, I play folk music.

- Which amp(s) or effect(s) do you use it with?

I use it for studio recordings with an AKG C414 mic and a Universal Audio Solo610 preamp connected to a RME Fireface 400. The result is pure magic. The guitar also sounds very good with an AER amp.

- What kind of sounds do you get and which settings do you use ("crystal-clear", "fat", ...)?

The unplugged sound is very bright (exactly the sound I was looking for). When plugged the preamp gives you many sound possibilities, but IMO 12-string guitars are made to produce a brilliant tone.

- Which sounds do you prefer / hate?

I like every sound and I always find the tone I'm looking for.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you been using it?

I've been using it for three years.

- Which feature do you like the most / the least?

Pros: Extraordinary sound. Cons: Lack of cutaway, though useless for a 12-string.

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

No, it's the only one I tested and I immediately fell in love.

- How would you rate its value for money?

I got this high-end Takamine as a present when I turned twenty.

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

- Series: Natural G5
- Type: electroacoustic guitar steel strings, Dreadnought style
- Top: Solid Spruce / Nato back and sides
- Neck: Nato / Rosewood
- Preamp: active TK4NT Takamine (with integrated tuner)
- Mechanical: Oil bath
- Hardware: Chrome
- Color: Natural Satin

Equalizer effective medium to dig contour, Eq bypass tuner perfect notch filter for feedback ... top.

8 / 10 because no cover for mine, I think lack of key landmarks, often troublesome in open agreements and also lacks a belt clip.

UTILIZATION

Channel nickel, I usually handles just fine, large, hard to find on a 12 string. I compared it to almost all models of the price range of about 400/800 (Canadian brands, Cort, Yamaha, Guild, Fender Ibanez etc.).. Involved must be mounted well above both for comfort and even in other Takamine models are less easy (and less well connected).

Access to acute is that of a dread, not awkward and comfort idem. No surprise with this form, same as all the others.

I put 10/10 as no default has occurred.

SOUNDS

I play the fake nails to picking the above John Butler, perfect for a go at the 12-string with this style. On a Twin (Fender vintage tube so), the sound is balanced, powerful lens. The piezo mounted above also agrees to an overdrive to get the typical sound, but a micro magnetic rose is almost mandatory to have the real sound.

Coming out of style Butler, was a 12-string crystal not connected, but still powerful enough to open. Plugged into a table or an acoustic amp is excellent, the know-how in the Takamine electro is there!

By open, I am better, it becomes even more bass and power.

For the price, I have not found better, so 10/10 for me, although obviously there are better but more expensive!

OVERALL OPINION

I almost tried everything on the French market for 5 years (ex-pro with a lot of contacts).

I play it for 2 months now, I wanted to be sure of success to play our songs on the 12-string before investing more. This guitar has convinced me and I'll keep it in a heartbeat.

It remains well below its an amazing Cole Clark Larrivee or (Maton and probably not tested) in 12-string for my favorite but for that price it's just a wonder. Probably justified by the price: damage to the negatives. No cover to my knowledge, no references and no belt clip, the last two points are really annoying for a skyscraper scene. As I asked at once a strap lock screw in the heel are you, add as many benchmarks it's hard and they lack certain types of play It borders on perfect.