The Takamine Bluegrass models are shipping

[bbarkow]

They're still extremely hard to find, but Music123 should have some in a couple of weeks. I can't wait to start reading some reviews, since I'm in the market for a new dread.

 

If you're not familiar, here's a quick overview:

 

All solid woods - spruce and either rosewood or hog.

Forward shifted scalloped X bracing (IIRC)

Cool Tube preamp OR an invisible active pickup.

Designed in cooperation with Brad Davis and other flatpickers.

New style headstock logo - just a T at the top of the headstock.

 

Looks like the rosewood models will be $1500-$1700 street. Takamine says they're cannons.

 

Brad Davis actually sent his Merrill to Japan. They copied the dimensions, bracing, etc. - and voiced a guitar to match. Brad said on his web page that he can't tell the difference between the two from a recording.

[bbarkow]

It just figures that I'm the only one here who cares about this.

 

[Cldplytkmn]

well some of us have been at work......

 

these sound really interesting... can't wait to get my hands on one

[min7b5]

 

....Forward shifted scalloped X bracing.... ...sent his Merrill to Japan. They copied the dimensions, bracing, etc. - and voiced a guitar to match.....

 

 

That's impressive:thu:

I don't think Jim Merrill would be stoked though.

[Jake7]

I love Brad Davis' tone and playing!

 

I'll look out for these!

[DonK]

They sound interesting...but at $1,500 to $1,700 (street?), they'd have to be pretty special to get my attention (although I realize they have electronics included). That's pretty close to Martin D-18 and D-28 territory. Larrivee's Martin-inspired models aren't way out of that range either. OTOH, if they really sound like a Merrill....