TAKAMINE GD30CE-12Nat TAKAMINE J72CE-BSB MARTIN D12X1AE
I found the Takamine GD30CE-12Nat was Several factors made me prefer the Takamine At first strum, I really liked the Martin D12X1AE.
more pleasing than the cheaper 12-strings J72CE over the less expensive model. In The sound was full, but bright enough to cut
guitars that cost a couple hundred dollars, addition to the built-in tuner, three-band EQ, through a mix, and the harmonics resonated
probably because of the spruce solid top. This and gain controls, this model also offered a without dying off too quickly. Once again, I found
was the first guitar I’ve played on an ovangkol mid contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass no flaws in the construction of the traditional
fingerboard, and the guitar’s tone was the most switch, all of which would address the jangly and dreadnought body, finish, or the beautiful satin-
jangly and boxy of the guitars I considered. I boxy tone which was similar to the GD30CE. finished Sitka spruce top. The controls were
liked that the preamp system offered a built-in The jumbo body style and maple wood added located in the top of the sound hole, which for
tuner and 3-band EQ control. The neck was more low-end. Again, the neck wasn’t overly me would take some getting used to, and did
not too chunky or wide. I didn’t see any defects wide or clunky. The abalone inlay at the 12th not offer a built-in tuner or EQ. While I was really
in workmanship or in the gloss finish. I liked fret was attractive, as was the hardware. I pleased with this model, I was surprised that
the look of the dreadnought body style and found no defects in the workmanship, and the when comparing the D12XAE with the other
cutaway. When playing through an amp—even sunburst gloss finish was eye-catching. (The 12-strings through an amp, I felt that this guitar
without equalization—it provided a strong signal J72CE is also available in a natural finish.) would require more equalization. I like that this
which I actually preferred to the unamplified STREET PRICE: $649 guitar includes a limited lifetime warranty.
acoustic tone. With a bit of equalization, this
STREET PRICE: $679
guitar would cut through in a mix.
STREET PRICE: $499
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December 2019
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