Members Armchair Bronco Posted October 15, 2006 Members Posted October 15, 2006 I'm considering buying a used Takamine acoustic guitar sight-unseen off the internet. A friend of mine has the identical model; I've been playing his guitar off-and-on for a couple of months and I like everything about it. I've also played other similar Takamine models at various guitar shops, and without exception I've liked them all. Almost every review I've read of this model has been very positive, too, but a number of the reviews have said things like this: "This is a great guitar, but maybe I just got lucky with mine." "No question about it: I got a live one, and your mileage may vary." So I'm wondering: for a Takamine guitar that typically sells for $750 new, what are the chances that the guitar I'm considering buying will be a dud? Obviously, I'm only looking for "rules of thumb" here. My assumption is that at this price point, and with the overall reputation of Takamine, I shouldn't fret too much about getting a used dud (and the seller assures me that this is a great-sounding guitar).
Members roadscholar Posted October 16, 2006 Members Posted October 16, 2006 What model are you looking at? Made in Japan, or G-series? I've got 6 Taks, and have owned a few others. (all made in Japan. Never owned a G-series) Based on the info you've given, I'm pretty sure you're safe to go ahead and make the deal, but I'd like to know which model we're talking about.
Members Armchair Bronco Posted October 16, 2006 Author Members Posted October 16, 2006 It's a G-Series, the 334 Dreadnaught with a cutaway and preamp -- these are the 3 "must-have" things I'm looking for in an acoustic. This would be my first acoustic (I only started playing less than 4 months ago), and I don't want to spend more than $400 for everything. I really like the tone and the fit of my buddy's EG-334SC, and if I can get one just like his at 60% of the price I'll be happy.
Members pipedwho Posted October 16, 2006 Members Posted October 16, 2006 I agree with roadscholar. I also have a few Takamine's and they are my favourite of all the acoustics I've had/have. Very consistent between production batches. I'm haven't seriously played any G-series Taks (except the obligatory mucking around in music stores), but from what I've seen, they don't look too bad at all - a little less of the classic Takamine sound, but still recognizable. Also, as long as a guitar has been taken care of, there is nothing wrong with getting a second hand one. If worst comes to worst, you could always flip it back on the 'bay.
Members Freeman Keller Posted October 16, 2006 Members Posted October 16, 2006 How old is it? Any more than say ten years I would ask the seller to take a picture of a straightedge on the fretboard touching the bridge, the action at 12 and how much saddle is sticking out of the bridge (you can see what I'm talking about in the "Is My Guitar Sick" sticky). If the neck angle is OK, the setup can be easily (and inexpensively) adjusted to your liking - if the angle is bad its gonna be expensive. Otherwise, go for it.
Members alan814 Posted October 16, 2006 Members Posted October 16, 2006 I'd recommend going ahead and getting the Tak. If you have played that model and liked it, the odds are that this one will be very similiar in playability and sound. I've owned a couple of Tak's (and still have 1) and have liked the way they play and sound. There's lot's and lot's of good guitars out there so any that sounds good to you is worth it. Enjoy.
Members Armchair Bronco Posted October 16, 2006 Author Members Posted October 16, 2006 Thanks for all the feedback. The guitar I'm thinking of buying is only 2 years old, so unless it's been floating around in a flooded basement, it should be OK. I'm pretty sure that if I get this used guitar, I'll be happy with it. But -- as always -- I'll end up with "Buyer's Remorse" anyway, because right now I'm having to choose between getting a used acoustic and a new Fender Jaguar Special. Objectively, at this point in my playing "career" I think I'll get more out of a good quality acoustic. But subjectively, an electric Jaguar Special is WAY COOLER than a Takamine acoustic. Common sense will win out in the end, but that won't make the "Buyer's Remorse" any less painful.
Members Armchair Bronco Posted October 18, 2006 Author Members Posted October 18, 2006 Well, I just pulled the trigger on a "Buy It Now" auction: $350 (plus $40 shipping) for a 2-year old Takamine EG-334SC in excellent condition (no dings or scratches) plus a hard-shell case.I'm happy -- $390 for a used guitar that would have sold for $690 new (including tax). The money I saved will make a nice down payment on my NEXT guitar.
Members steve_man Posted October 18, 2006 Members Posted October 18, 2006 I've got a 10 year old Tak EG guitar, and it still plays great. The newer electronics are better, so seeing as how yours is only 2 years old...it should sound great! Is it natural color, or is it stained a color?
Members Armchair Bronco Posted October 18, 2006 Author Members Posted October 18, 2006 Originally posted by steve_man I've got a 10 year old Tak EG guitar, and it still plays great. The newer electronics are better, so seeing as how yours is only 2 years old...it should sound great! Is it natural color, or is it stained a color? Here's one of the larger pictures from the auction:The top is solid spruce; the sides and back are ovangkol, which is a beautiful, dark exotic hardwood. The EG-334SC is the only guitar in the G-Series that uses ovangkol, and when I saw it on my buddy's guitar, I knew I had to have one myself.Here's an ovangkol back on a Taylor guitar (the Taks seem to be a bit darker than this):
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