1 Topic by abbylovesguitar (edited by abbylovesguitar 2010-12-20 01:36:27)

  • From: Johnson City, Tennessee
  • Registered: 2010-12-17
  • Posts: 1

Topic: takamine acoustic guitar

I have been looking for a bigger guitar because mine is small. I went to Honeycutts in the mall and saw a Takamine for $299 I need to know if this is a good deal. The salesman said it was the best deal on new Takamine guitars I would find. I need to know also if there is an acoustic guitar with better quality i should look at. thank you. The model is the: GS430S. This guitar is new.

Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true. smile
  • From: Madeira Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2007-12-05
  • Posts: 3,312

Re: takamine acoustic guitar

Hi abbylovesguitar and welcome to Chordie!

Takamine is a well respected name in the guitar industry and in general and IMO, makes a quality "bang for your buck" guitar. That said, without knowing more details (like model #), it is hard to say a Tak for $300 is a good deal - they make guitars in a very large price range. I own a Tak EF series and am happy with it's playability and tone.

There are several manufacturers to consider in the $300 range - a couple others that come to mind are Seagull and Yamaha. Your best bet is to visit your local shop (or shops preferably) with a guitar playing friend and play and listen to everything in your price range. Then let your fingers and ears be your guide.

Good Luck!

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2009-06-12
  • Posts: 873

Re: takamine acoustic guitar

Abby,
Where should I start? Anyone trying to answer your questions would need to know at least what model it is. New? Used? Of course the salesman is going to tell you its a good deal. In most (but not all) cases, the saleman's mission is to get you out the door with a guitar in your hand. You mention the mall. This scares me. No surprise, most men are scared of the mall but a music store in the mall would be one of the last places I visited if I as looking for a good deal. Now  maybe that is the ONLY guitar store available to you. If so, shop where you must.

There are literally hundreds of good acoustic guitars in this price range both new and used. Play as many as you can before making a purchasing decision. It might turn out that this Takamine is a good deal and the best guitar for you.

Good luck.

p.s. Did I mention: play as many as you can before making a purchasing decision?

4 Reply by naolslager (edited by naolslager 2010-12-19 19:51:07)

  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2009-06-12
  • Posts: 873

Re: takamine acoustic guitar

Abby,
One more thing. I suspect the Takamine of which you mention is most likely either the GS430S (OM-sized body) or the GS330S (Dreadnought). Both are nice, solid cedar top with some sort of mahogany-esque wood on the back and sides, lovely satin finish. I looked at the 430 the other day and it was priced a $299. I subsequently found a used one on Craig's List for $200 with a hard shell case. I did not purchase as I am still shopping and may need to part with another to make room.

$299 is a pretty good price for either of these guitars but there are many other brands, etc to consider. So (again) I suggest you play as many as you can. For me that is one of the joys of the purchasing/playing experience.

  • From: Sioux City, IA
  • Registered: 2010-11-22
  • Posts: 71

Re: takamine acoustic guitar

Abby,

I own a GA430S OM, and I really like it. (I also have several other acoustics, including a Fender, and Epiphone, and an Art and Lutherie.) I paid 299.00 for mine. You might be able to get it cheaper on-line, but then you wouldn't be able to play it before hand. The things I like about the Takamine: the tone and projection of the solid cedar top, the natural satin finish, the action, and the shape of the OM style. I think it's a great looking and sounding guitar and I don't think you'll be disappointed if you buy it.

  • NELA
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
  • Posts: 1,303

Re: takamine acoustic guitar

I play a Tak - just not that model. Taks are a well respected guitar and are played by several well known artists. Check out what the Eagles play. or Garth Brooks, or Steve Wariner play just to name a few. Granted what they play are several steps above the entry level, $299.00 guitar you are looking at. If you play guitar then be sure and try it out before buying. If you don't play well enough now find someone who has some playing knowledge and have them "test" the guitar for you. Then if you decide to buy but it have them do a complete set-up (for easier playing) and have them put on a new set of strings. If the guitar plays like you want it too, sounds like you want it too, looks like you want it too, puts a smile on your face and is within your budget - then buy it!

Also - welcome to Chordie.

Nela

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