Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Spruce and cedar soundboards have been many small changes that add up to a significant
used for well over a millennium, and the modern difference in volume, balance and richness.
bracing system has been around for at least Takamine soundboards are braced and voiced TOBY KEITH ASHTON SHEPHERD SIMPLE PLAN JOHN SCOFIELD
150 years. We use a traditional ‘X’ bracing by hand. By tapping each top, a skilled luthier
pattern on our steel strings, differently voiced knows just how to shape the braces for the best
for each application. possible response.
Rather than take a radical departure, we make
Is There a Pe r f e c t N e c k S h a p e ?
A hundred years ago, the wide classical shape Takamine necks have an “asymmetrical ‘C’ shape” –
with a flat fingerboard was the only shape an ergonomic contour that’s slightly thinner CHRISTINE KANE JON BON JOVI BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN NANCY WILSON
considered “proper,” but we’ve become more on the treble side of the neck so that it fits the
open-minded since then. Some players feel you natural shape of your hand. Overall, it’s thin
can never be too thin, while others feel it’s phat from front to back, medium in width, with a gentle
to be fat. It’s that personal taste thing again. fingerboard arch. Perfectly comfortable.
A guitar body, with its many curves, more balanced. A thinner body may project less,
accommodates a wide range of frequencies. but sound more pleasing to the player. Play as
Different body shapes favor different many sizes as you can with comfort and sound in
frequencies giving them a distinct character. mind. Your choice is very personal - what sounds
Dreadnoughts are typically louder, with stronger and feels best to you.
lows. Smaller bodies, like our NEX, tend to be
MONTGOMERY GENTRY MARTY ROE – DIAMOND RIO Marty Schiff – JOE NICHOLS
Martina M c Bride
APPOINTMENTS B Y DE L U X E
Takamine pioneered the use of uncommonly Look closely at Takamine rosettes and inlays.
artistic and complex inlays on guitars for This meticulous handwork is a highly visible
the common man. We have developed the reminder of our commitment to excellence on
art of design and the craft of precise inlay every part of our guitars.
work far beyond the capability of most
other guitarmakers.
SCOTT PATTON – SUGARLAND Jerry Cantrell – TOM DUMONT – NO DOUBT FRED MASCHERINO –
Alice in Chains THE COLOR FRED
Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm) Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm) Length_________ 19 1/8” (48.5cm) Length__________19 1/2” (49.5cm) Length_________ 20 7/8” (53cm) Length_________ 19 5/16” (49cm)
Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm) Depth___________ 4 5/16” (11cm) Depth________________4” (10cm) Depth_____________ 4 1/4” (11cm) Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm) Depth________________4” (10cm)
Upper bout_______ 11 1/8” (30cm) Upper bout______11 1/4” (28.5cm) Upper bout__________ 11” (28cm) Upper bout___________11” (28cm) Upper bout______12 9/16” (32cm) Upper bout______ 11 7/16” (29cm)
Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm) Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm) Lower bout______14 3/4” (37.5cm) Lower bout_______15 3/8” (39cm) Lower bout______17 1/8” (43.5cm) Lower bout_______14 9/16” (37cm)
Making guitars is like making music –
part art and part craft.
Like music, guitarmaking is more
than just having the parts fit together.
There’s a right way and a wrong way –
and it takes artistic commitment
to make sure the right way prevails.
At Takamine, we work together a lot
like your band probably works together.
We talk ideas out, we state our case,
we argue some, and stand up for our beliefs.
In the end, we come together.
Over the past 40-plus years,
guitar players around the world
have given us their respect.
We hope to keep earning it
by crafting the best instruments we can
in the most artful way we know.
GOLDEN AGE GUITARS
The Golden Age of guitarmaking is alive
and well at Takamine. The Nashville Series
is an expression of our deep admiration
TNV460SC for the great vintage instruments that
in-the-know players have coveted for decades. TNV360S
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • Ebony Fingerboard • 25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length
Gloss Natural Finish • CoolTube Preamp • Hard Shell Case Included
MODEL BODY STYLE TOP BACK & SIDES PREAMP NUT WIDTH
TNV360S Dreadnought Solid “Bear Claw” Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
TNV360SC Dreadnought C/A Solid “Bear Claw” Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
TNV460SC NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Solid “Bear Claw” Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
3
Takamine has
a big vintage
sound acoustically
G O L DE N T O N E TNV360SC that makes you
If you’ve got a sharp eye want to pick
for craftsmanship and a
love for the vintage, these for hours.
guitars will stop you in your
tracks. But seeing is only
the beginning. The Nashville
Series delivers acoustic
purity and vintage vibe in
abundance. The on-board
tube-driven preamp brings
it home in the warmest
way possible.
DANN Y GROA H – ALAN JAC KSON BAND
I can leav e
my p rized pre war
dreadnoug hts
at home and still
get the same
feel and sound
on the road
KC70
SW341SC
EF360GF
JJ325SRC
GB7C
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • Rosewood Fingerboard • Hard Shell Case Included
25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • 1 11/16” (43mm) Nut Width
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES PREAMP SPECIAL
KC70 OM Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back CT4B Rosette by Kenny Chesney
SW341SC Dreadnought C/A Gloss Black Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back CT4B Abalone Binding, “SW” inlay
EF360GF Dreadnought Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back CT4B 1980s specs
JJ325SRC Dreadnought C/A Gloss Red Stain Solid Spruce Bubinga DSP Abalone Rosette, “JJ” Inlay
JJ325SRC-12* Dreadnought C/A Gloss Red Stain Solid Spruce Bubinga DSP 12-String, 1 7/8” Nut Width
GB7C Dreadnought C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Back CT4B Guitar-shaped Soundhole
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
KENNY CHESNEY
Playing for tips in college, with nothing but a dream
and an acoustic guitar, Kenny Chesney now plays for a
million-plus fans per year. What hasn’t changed is his love
affair with acoustic guitar. Kenny spec’d out his own cedar
top mahogany OM and designed the inlays and rosette.
STEVE WARINER
Steve Wariner is a nearly full-time resident of
the country music charts as a guitarist, singer and
songwriter – with Takamine in hand, of course. The
solid cedar top and solid mahogany back give Steve’s
signature model a deeper, warmer acoustic voice.
G LE N N F R E Y
Take it Easy. The opening lick of that song is a cultural
icon in its own right. Another icon is Glenn’s “#1” –
the Takamine he’s been playing for over 20 years.
The Glenn Frey Model is a duplicate of one of the most
well-traveled guitars in rock and roll.
JOHN JORGENSON
For years, Takamine has been adjusting and
tweaking the bracing of John Jorgenson’s guitars.
What you first notice in the JJ models is their
sweeping dynamic breadth. John certainly knows
the sweet spot when he hears it.
GARTH BROOKS
Nothing short of a perfectionist, Garth worked
closely with us on the GB7C. Its solid cedar top
and rosewood back and sides deliver an evenness
of tone and a solid, reliable fullness. That original
guitar-shaped soundhole is Garth’s personal touch.
SI G N A T U R E M O DE L S
When you hear an acoustic guitar at a gig, odds are high that it’ll be a Takamine.
So what’s the deal? Why is Takamine the live player’s favorite? Maybe it’s because
5
no other acoustic/electric guitar works so well on stage. Among the hundreds of
Takamine artists are five who’ve worked with us to design their own signature models.
Let’s face it:
you don’t go pro in the music biz
because the money is easy,
or your father thinks it’s a growth industry.
You do it because it’s what you’re built to do.
You’re called to walk into a club
full of strangers with nothing but your axe and your mojo
and lead them on an expedition to elsewhere.
Easy?
No.
Worth it?
Absolutely.
We agree.
Wherever the Joy of Music intersects with Serious Business,
there’s a headstock that says “Takamine.”
I know I can alw ays de p end on my T a k amine
to sound greaT no matter wh at I do to it !
TF430SS
SINGER/SONGWRITER
If you and your songs are center stage, you owe it to yourself
to audition the Takamine Singer/Songwriter. It’s voiced to
complement and support the vocal range, with a balance and
sweetness that will give your songs extra dimension.
TF740FS
FINGERSTY LE
Our latest contribution to the world of fingerstyle. The wide neck
gives your right hand fingers some room to dance, and the 12-fret
body puts the bridge in the sweet spot of the lower bout for added
fullness and depth.
TB10
B ASS
The Takamine TB10 rules the vast valley between acoustic bass guitar
and upright bass. As flexible as it is gorgeous, the telescoping endpin
lets you play it either way. Its remarkable acoustic fullness carves out
an identity all its own.
COMMON FEATURES: Ebony Fingerboard • Hard Shell Case Included • 25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • Bass 34” (864mm) Scale Length
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES PREAMP NUT WIDTH
EF340SBG Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Mahogany TLD 1 3/4” (45mm)
TF340SBG* Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Mahogany CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
EF360SBG* Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood TLD 1 3/4” (45mm)
TF360SBG Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
TF430SS NEX/Gr. Aud Satin Sunburst Select Solid Cedar Solid Ovangkol CoolTube 1 11/16” (43mm)
TF740FS OM C/A 12-fret Gloss Natural Select Cedar Solid Mahogany CoolTube 1 7/8” (48mm)
TB10 Archtop C/A Satin Violin Spruce Maple CoolTube 1 13/16” (46mm)
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
F L A TP I CK ER
We have a friend
who melts down EF340SBG
flat picks at the rate
of one-per-solo.
He llllllooovvvvves The recording
this guitar. We can’t print
the non-technical term studio is the
he uses to describe
the extraordinary toughest quality
presence and clarity
of this powerful b enchmark for
dreadnought.
any guitar.
The Tradesman
passes with
TF360SBG
flying colors
BRA D D A VI S
9
TAN16C
11
THE SOUND OF TRUTH
The stripped-down essence of Takamine guitarmaking is represented by the
Natural Series. These instruments are a union of forthright, old-world design,
meeting meticulous craftsmanship, in the service of a single intention: the widest,
richest sonic radiance possible.
ETN10CTBS And radiant it is.
The select materials – like the solid cedar top and solid mahogany back –
are chosen for their sonic excellence. Every process is aimed at increased
vibrancy and dynamism. Freedom of vibration ensured by the restrained
touch of a thin satin finish and a pickguard is left on the parts shelf.
ETN70C ETN40C
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Cedar Top • Solid Mahogany Back • Rosewood Fingerboard
25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • 1 11/16” (43mm) Nut Width • CT4B Preamp • Hard Shell Case Included
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES SPECIAL
ETN10C Dreadnought C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
ETN10C-LH* Dreadnought C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back Left-hand
ETN10CTBS Dreadnought C/A Tobacco Burst Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
ETN40C NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
ETN70C OM C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
13
I always
want the
ETN10C
best sound
I can get ,
as I ’ m sure
e very b ody does .
My Ta k amine
instruments
ena ble me to do
just th at –
get the best
acoustic guitar
sounds possi b le
PA U L J A C KS O N J R .
TF450SMSB EF508KC
EF740SGN
GU I T A R S TH A T DE FY C A T E G O RY
Maybe it’s the sound. Maybe it’s the fit. These alternatives to the The solid spruce top and choice of solid flame maple or
dreadnought reflect Takamine’s long-standing promise to give mahogany back delivers great presence and balance.
artists as broad a palette as possible.
Noveau small-bodies are favorites of both coffeehouse and arena
A studio favorite – the Noveau Jumbo – brims with personality guitarists. The exclusive NEX/Grand Auditorium body delivers a
and still leaves plenty of room in the mix. Engineers love it. focused sound with clear articulation and pleasing brilliance.
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • 25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • 1 11/16” (43mm) Nut Width • 12-String 1 7/8” (48mm) Nut Width
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES FNBRD PREAMP SPECIAL
EF261SAN* FXC C/A Gloss Antique Stain Solid Cedar Mahogany Rosewood CT4B
EF261SBL FXC C/A Gloss Black Solid Cedar Mahogany Rosewood CT4B
EF241S* Jumbo Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CT4B
EF281S* Jumbo Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CT4B 12-String
EF740SGN OM Satin Antique Solid Cedar Sapele Rosewood CT4B
EF508KC NEX/Gr. Aud. C/A Gloss Natural Koa Koa Rosewood CT4B
TF241DLX* Jumbo C/A Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CoolTube
TF281DLX* Jumbo C/A Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CoolTube 12-String
TF250SMC* Jumbo C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TF250SMCSB Jumbo C/A Gloss Sunburst Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TF250SMC12 Jumbo C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube 12-String
TF250SMCSB12* Jumbo C/A Gloss Sunburst Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube 12-String
TF450SM* NEX/Gr. Aud Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TF450SMSB NEX/Gr. Aud Gloss Sunburst Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TSF48C NEX/Gr. Aud. C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back Ebony CoolTube Black Crow Rosette/
Eagle Fbd. Inlays
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
TF250SMC12 TF250SMCSB
EF261SBL
Whether I’m
playing delicate
acoustic shows
or roaring rock —
caressing them
or manhandling
them – they
deliver!
Takamine guitars
are built and
sound better
than ever.
TSF48C Complex Santa Fe inlays and beautifully
themed rosettes have been lovingly
developed, almost to the point of painterly
expression. The rich traditions of the American
Southwest are embodied and honored in this
fine instrument.
Stunning inlay
work with rare
woods and
select shell is N I L S LO F G R E N
a Santa Fe
trademark.
15
THIN K A C O U S T I C … L IV E E LE C T R I C
Your Takamine will hold its own with any acoustic guitar in the room.
Now plug it in and watch lesser guitars raise the white flag. The pickup is unique in acoustic/electric guitars –
actually six pickups embedded in the bridge plate, where the full sound of the guitar comes home.
When the venue is bigger than your living room, your acoustic guitar needs a preamp,
and Takamine has a range of electronics to suit every need and taste.
J OH N J O R G E N S O N
2:00
Always clear
as a bell,
with tons
of definition to
cut through
even the
densest
of mixes.
Oh yeah ...
the electronics
are friggin’
sweet too!
EF341SC EF340SC
Keystone Dreadnoughts
feature backs and sides
made of select tonewoods –
rosewood, flame maple,
and mahogany.
TH90
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • Solid Rosewood Back & Sides • Ebony Fingerboard - 25 9/16” (650mm) Scale
Gloss Natural Finish • Hard Shell Case Included
MODEL BODY STYLE TOP BACK & SIDES FNBRD NUT WIDTH PREAMP
H5 Classical Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Ebony 2” (51mm)
H8SS Classical Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Ebony 2” (51mm)
TH5* Classical Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Ebony 2” (51mm) CoolTube
TH5C Classical C/A Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Ebony 2” (51mm) CoolTube
TH90 Classical with Oval Soundhole C/A Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Ebony 2” (51mm) CoolTube
TH8SS* Classical Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Ebony 2” (51mm) CoolTube
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
21
TC135SC
TC132SC EC132C
COMMON FEATURES: Gloss Natural Finish • Rosewood Fingerboard - 25 9/16” (650mm) Scale • Hard Shell Case Included
MODEL BODY STYLE TOP BACK & SIDES NUT WIDTH PREAMP SPECIAL
C132S* Classical Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Back 2” (51mm)
EC132C Classical C/A Spruce Rosewood 2” (51mm) CT4B
EC132C-LH* Classical C/A Spruce Rosewood 2” (51mm) CT4B Left-hand
EC132SC* Classical C/A Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Back 2” (51mm) CT4B
TC132SC Classical C/A Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Back 2” (51mm) CoolTube
TC135SC Classical C/A Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back 2” (51mm) CoolTube 14-Fret
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
EG530SSC GS330S EG340SC
TA KAMINE F O R EG531SCDR
EV ERYONE
Built to Takamine designs
in some of the most modern
guitar shops in the world,
G-Series instruments are priced
for every budget. In addition
to the extensive line of
Dreadnoughts and Jumbos,
the G-Series features smaller
NEX/Grand Auditorium and
FXC sizes. Your G-Series guitar
is every bit a Takamine, from
its acoustic performance to
the latest in pickup and
preamp design.
EG523SC12 EG540SC
23
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES PREAMP SPECIAL
GS330S Dreadnought Satin Natural Solid Cedar Mahogany
EG340SC Dreadnought C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Mahogany TP4T
EG530SSC Dreadnought C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Sapele Back TK40
EG531SCDR Dreadnought C/A Gloss Black Solid Spruce Mahogany TK40 Dragon inlay
EG523SC-12 Jumbo C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Flame Maple TK40 12-String
EG540SC NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Mahogany TP4T
EG540CSTCY NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Transparent Black Flame Maple Flame Maple TK40
EG540CSTRY NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Transparent Red Flame Maple Flame Maple TK40
EG540CSTBY NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Transparent Blue Flame Maple Flame Maple TK40
EG561C FXC C/A Gloss Black Spruce Nato TK40
G128S Classical Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Rosewood
For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com • Refer to the G-Series Catalog Supplement for information on currently available models.
We aim to craft guitars in an artful and thoughtful way – guitars that bring more spice to life.
Is There a P e r f e c t N e c k S hape?
A hundred years ago, the wide classical shape Takamine necks have an “asymmetrical ‘C’ shape” –
with a flat fingerboard was the only shape an ergonomic contour that’s slightly thinner CHRISTINE KANE JON BON JOVI BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN NANCY WILSON
considered “proper,” but we’ve become more on the treble side of the neck so that it fits the
open-minded since then. Some players feel you natural shape of your hand. Overall, it’s thin
can never be too thin, while others feel it’s phat from front to back, medium in width, with a gentle
to be fat. It’s that personal taste thing again. fingerboard arch. Perfectly comfortable.
The Fret S e c r e t
GOOD CHARLOTTE DARYL STUERMER – HOWIE DAY CHESTER BENNINGTON –
Most makers don’t give frets enough credit - to within 0.0001” of dead-on. Fret a note. PHIL COLLINS LINKIN PARK
or attention. A good fret job can help a player Notice how the string contacts the centerline
reach new heights. of the fret perfectly. And hear the clarity when
you play. A good fret job can be the difference
Examine the frets on a Takamine Tradesman.
between a nice guitar and a great guitar.
What you see is the work of a laser-guided fret
finishing system that levels and crowns each fret
A guitar body, with its many curves, more balanced. A thinner body may project less,
accommodates a wide range of frequencies. but sound more pleasing to the player. Play as
Different body shapes favor different many sizes as you can with comfort and sound in
frequencies giving them a distinct character. mind. Your choice is very personal - what sounds
Dreadnoughts are typically louder, with stronger and feels best to you.
lows. Smaller bodies, like our NEX, tend to be
MONTGOMERY GENTRY MARTY ROE – DIAMOND RIO Marty Schiff – JOE NICHOLS
Martina M c Bride
APPOINTME N T S B Y DE L U X E
Takamine pioneered the use of uncommonly Look closely at Takamine rosettes and inlays.
artistic and complex inlays on guitars for This meticulous handwork is a highly visible
the common man. We have developed the reminder of our commitment to excellence on
art of design and the craft of precise inlay every part of our guitars.
work far beyond the capability of most
other guitarmakers.
SCOTT PATTON – SUGARLAND Jerry Cantrell – TOM DUMONT – NO DOUBT FRED MASCHERINO –
Alice in Chains THE COLOR FRED
Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm) Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm) Length_________ 19 1/8” (48.5cm) Length__________19 1/2” (49.5cm) Length_________ 20 7/8” (53cm) Length_________ 19 5/16” (49cm)
Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm) Depth___________ 4 5/16” (11cm) Depth________________4” (10cm) Depth_____________ 4 1/4” (11cm) Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm) Depth________________4” (10cm)
Upper bout_______ 11 1/8” (30cm) Upper bout______11 1/4” (28.5cm) Upper bout__________ 11” (28cm) Upper bout___________11” (28cm) Upper bout______12 9/16” (32cm) Upper bout______ 11 7/16” (29cm)
Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm) Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm) Lower bout______14 3/4” (37.5cm) Lower bout_______15 3/8” (39cm) Lower bout______17 1/8” (43.5cm) Lower bout_______14 9/16” (37cm)
SYSTEM-MATCHED ACCESSORIES – ALL PERFORMANCE – NO HASSLE
Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm) Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm) Length_________ 19 1/8” (48.5cm) Length__________19 1/2” (49.5cm) Length_________ 20 7/8” (53cm) Length_________ 19 5/16” (49cm)
Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm) Depth___________ 4 5/16” (11cm) Depth________________4” (10cm) Depth_____________ 4 1/4” (11cm) Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm) Depth________________4” (10cm)
Upper bout_______ 11 1/8” (30cm) Upper bout______11 1/4” (28.5cm) Upper bout__________ 11” (28cm) Upper bout___________11” (28cm) Upper bout______12 9/16” (32cm) Upper bout______ 11 7/16” (29cm)
Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm) Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm) Lower bout______14 3/4” (37.5cm) Lower bout_______15 3/8” (39cm) Lower bout______17 1/8” (43.5cm) Lower bout_______14 9/16” (37cm)
THE DELICATE S O U N D B OA R D B A L A N CE
Spruce and cedar soundboards have been many small changes that add up to a significant
used for well over a millennium, and the modern difference in volume, balance and richness.
bracing system has been around for at least Takamine soundboards are braced and voiced TOBY KEITH ASHTON SHEPHERD SIMPLE PLAN JOHN SCOFIELD
150 years. We use a traditional ‘X’ bracing by hand. By tapping each top, a skilled luthier
pattern on our steel strings, differently voiced knows just how to shape the braces for the best
for each application. possible response.
Rather than take a radical departure, we make
Is There a Pe r f e c t N e c k S h a p e ?
A hundred years ago, the wide classical shape Takamine necks have an “asymmetrical ‘C’ shape” –
with a flat fingerboard was the only shape an ergonomic contour that’s slightly thinner CHRISTINE KANE JON BON JOVI BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN NANCY WILSON
considered “proper,” but we’ve become more on the treble side of the neck so that it fits the
open-minded since then. Some players feel you natural shape of your hand. Overall, it’s thin
can never be too thin, while others feel it’s phat from front to back, medium in width, with a gentle
to be fat. It’s that personal taste thing again. fingerboard arch. Perfectly comfortable.
A guitar body, with its many curves, more balanced. A thinner body may project less,
accommodates a wide range of frequencies. but sound more pleasing to the player. Play as
Different body shapes favor different many sizes as you can with comfort and sound in
frequencies giving them a distinct character. mind. Your choice is very personal - what sounds
Dreadnoughts are typically louder, with stronger and feels best to you.
lows. Smaller bodies, like our NEX, tend to be
MONTGOMERY GENTRY MARTY ROE – DIAMOND RIO Marty Schiff – JOE NICHOLS
Martina M c Bride
APPOINTMENTS B Y DE L U X E
Takamine pioneered the use of uncommonly Look closely at Takamine rosettes and inlays.
artistic and complex inlays on guitars for This meticulous handwork is a highly visible
the common man. We have developed the reminder of our commitment to excellence on
art of design and the craft of precise inlay every part of our guitars.
work far beyond the capability of most
other guitarmakers.
SCOTT PATTON – SUGARLAND Jerry Cantrell – TOM DUMONT – NO DOUBT FRED MASCHERINO –
Alice in Chains THE COLOR FRED