Jason from Chicago Burbs, Illinois, USA
Subject:
Takamine EF341SC - Best in it's price range
Quality:
Absolutely. I think this will last for years to come. I know the likes of Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and various country stars use this particular model. Obviously it's dependable to them.
Sound:
The unplugged tone out of the box is bright but also full due to the dreadnaught body size. The solid top will eventually sound better in time though as it ages and is played frequently. The plugged in tone on this guitar (and any of the higher quality Takamines above the G-series) cannot be beat. The CT4B Preamp provides a natural sound through the PA or acoustic amp.
Reliability:
I've only had this for a couple weeks, but I did own an earlier model (with the same preamp, etc), back in 2004-2005. It stood up to about 50 gigs in a band setting with absolutely no issues.
Overall:
I've owned many guitars over the years and keep coming back to this particular model. For the price you won't get anything like it in the same range. You're looking to pay double for a Martin, Gibson, or Taylor with the same features (trust me, I've owned all these brands and paid 2-3 times the price of the EF341SC but have eventually sold them off).
Playability and Feel:
The neck is medium, not real thick like a Martin V Neck but not pencil thin either. I find the playability to be similar to en electric almost, it's that easy to play.
Tone:
Bright and snappy given the cedar top and maple back and sides. You can tewak the EQ to your taste though when plugged in which is nice.
Finish:
The black finish is beautiful. Obviously it'll need more maintenance to keep it looking nice and shiny, but it's well worth it.
Action:
Perfect - about as low as you can get without any buzzing. Just above 4/64" on the 12th fret bass side, 3/64" on the treble. You'll never get that low on a Gibson or Martin acoustic without buzzing and/or losing tone.
Do you own this product?:
Yes
Date submitted:
07/19/2011
Rev. Jim Berlin (Senior Pastor) from Richland Center, Wisconsin
Subject:
Bought 3 Taks from AMS since July!!
Quality:
Excellent quality by today's standards. A real value. If you can't afford this model, I strongly recommend the Takamine EF340SCGN. Several hundreds cheaper and a fine instrument as well!
Sound:
I have 2 EF341's & although there are slight diffrences between them, I could take either one to a church service or Praise Team event and they would sound great!! The Maple sound is bright & yet very full & resonant.
Reliability:
Their reliability & performance is unquestioned by pros and players everywhere.
Overall:
Although I would love to buy American made products, the Takamine line of pro series guitars ahs no equal for the price! Sound, fit action are all superb!!
Playability and Feel:
Great weight, slim but substabtial neck, super action, great electronics and amplified sound as well. Extremely versitle controls and easy to reach.
Tone:
Full, but also bright. great for lead and chord work. Pickup was amazing for stage or recording use. I do both and have used it in both arenas.
Action:
If Takamine has one flaw, its the way they are set up at the factory. The good news is that simple saddle shaving is all that is typically needed to have them playing perfectly. Within 20 minutes, I had mine with inbelievable action. A minor inconvenience if you know wj=hat you're doing. If not, take it to a repair man and have him set it up for you: its worth the effort and funds!
Do you own this product?:
Absolutely!! I have two EF341's and an EF340SCGN as well
Date submitted:
12/07/2010
Fauche from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Subject:
Clearly Content Canadian
Quality:
Made in Japan. Excellent quality and craftsmanship...for both the guitar and the electronics.
Overall:
Best guitar I've ever owned...by far. I couldn't find a local store that had one in stock so I took my search to the web. I found American Musical Supply and they had 5 in stock. I called to make an order (LOVE the 24/7 phone service), purchased the EF341SC and had it sent (next day shipping) to my brother-in-law's place in New Hampshire, cause I was going there for the weekend. I saved the taxes that I would have paid in Quebec (about $180 CDN) and had no trouble crossing the border after my 54-hour stay in the U.S. (my wife and two kids were in the car, upping our allowable purchase amount to $1600). Of course I had to pay a little extra because the American dollar is slightly better than the Canadian one at this point but the difference Excellent service and my dream guitar is now mine. It's a week later now and I just called AMS and found out that I qualify for the "4th of July Sale" they just advertised. I just saved another 15%! I could not be happier with the whole experience.
Playability and Feel:
Easy on the fingers from the first second...and gets easier every day.
Action:
Amazingly playable. I thought I'd have to get it adjusted but don't have to...it's perfect.
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Do you own this product?:
Yes, I own the guitar.
Date submitted:
July 1st, 2010
chuckie from Washington State
Quality:
Looks like it is made very well
Sound:
The tone is a litttle bright but even (unplugged)
Overall:
I recieved this guitar in 3 days. Way to go AMS. They are my new on line site. Guitar looks perfect
Playability and Feel:
Nice neck, pleasure to hold and play except for the higher action which I will fix.
Tone:
Brightish but not too much
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Do you own this product?:
yes