Takamine EF341SC

Summer 2010 Guitarist 93
TAKAMINE EF440SCGN, ETN10-C, EF341SC & TF740FS
£762, £1,021, £1,021 & £1,679
ELECTRO-ACOUSTICS
Takamine’s stage-ready acoustics have been around for
more than 40 years. Here are four examples that will back
you up faithfully at any open mic night by Steve Harvey
Takamine EF440SCGN,
ETN10-C, EF341SC &
TF740FS
£762, £1,021, £1,021 & £1,679
The rivals
EF440SCGN
Tanglewood’s TW47B
(£629) is a punchy, all-
mahogany super folk model
fitted with the B-Band A3T
pickup system. If funds will
stretch a little further, the
Yamaha CPX900 (£802) is a
superb smaller-bodied electro
fitted with the three-way ART
pickup system.
A
s the acoustic world
goes, Takamine’s list of
endorsees and users is
one of the most impressive. It’s
only equalled or surpassed by
the big boys: Martin, Taylor and
Gibson. Be it in the hands of
Bruce Springsteen, Noel
Gallagher, Jon Bon Jovi, Glenn
Frey, Steve Harley or super-
picker Brad Davis, Takamine
guitars can be found at gigs
both major and minor all
around the world.
In recent months, Takamine
has launched new models as
well as upgraded and updated
established ones within its
extensive catalogue. We’ve
selected four electros that not
only span the range, but are also
proportionally representative
of Takamine as a brand.
The first three of our quartet
come supplied with a snug-
fitting, high-quality hard-shell
Takamine branded case. The
more expensive TF740FS
model comes with an upgraded,
luxury case, which includes a
shoulder strap and a larger
inner compartment that
provides a long sculpted cradle
for almost the entire length of
the neck. Generally speaking, it
bodes well when a guitar is
worthy of such protection, so
Takamine obviously feels the
FS model is a little bit special…
but more on that later.
EF440SCGN
First up is an all-new model,
launched at this year’s Winter
NAMM show. Slotting into the
Nouveau Series, the
EF440SCGN is an effort by
Takamine to offer consumers
a lower priced entry point into
the ‘Pro’ series. At first glance it
looks like an all-mahogany
model. While this is a correct
assumption for the two-piece
back and sides, it is in fact a
cedar top guitar, finished with
a vintage stain – and very eye-
catching it is too. The all-over
matt satin finish gives a natural,
earthy look that augments the
simple, minimal appointments.
The body shape is Takamine’s
own NEX design, which aims
to bridge the gap between the
power and clout of jumbos and
the responsive, delicate nature
of smaller-bodied instruments.
Though measuring nearly
400mm (15.5-inches) across the
lower bout, the angle and
positioning of the waist ensure
that the EF440SCGN remains
a comfortable and non-bulky
guitar to play. The unbound,
two-piece mahogany neck is a
slim ‘C’ profile and, when
combined with the satin finish,
makes this a slick, smooth
playing experience.
Build quality and
presentation are commendable.
Joints are tight with no
evidence of retro-filling and the
guitar’s innards are as clean as
the proverbial whistle. Though
somewhat understated in terms
of embellishments, the
EF440SCGN is still a stylish
guitar with contemporary lines
set to appeal to the modern
acoustic player.
Onboard electrics come in the
form of the now-familiar CT-4B
preamp with three-band EQ,
volume and chromatic tuner.
The control panel is simplicity
itself with four sliders and a
tuner-on button, which doubles
up as a mute when engaged. In
what is a clever touch, the
CT-4B is capable of being
calibrated to frequencies other
than the standard A440.
Looks like mahogany from afar? The top here is in fact solid cedar
GIT332.rev_takamine 93 7/15/10 3:44:13 PM