Takamine TC135SC Classical 24-Fret Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

I'm a longtime steel string fingerstyle player, but really enjoy playing "Crossover" guitars. Seeking out this guitar, I desired an improved acoustic and plugged-in tone compared with other Crossovers I've owned. I wanted something that performed better in every area to my Yamaha APX5NA which I enjoy. I've also owned a Taylor GC4CEN and Cordoba 12fret Fusion SP/RW. I still own the Cordoba and the already mentioned Yamaha. The TC135SC has a more contemporary sound, steel string like, rather than traditional "Classical". For me, that means I can play more steel string suited songs on nylon. This is the tone I missed with my Cordoba which sounds very much like a traditional Classical guitar. My Yamaha, and the newer models I've played, sound good plugged in, but are not as good acoustic. The Takamine has a pleasant acoustic voice, albeit the projection is subdued compared to true Classical guitars. The tonal spectrum is very balanced. The voicing and set up allows playing open chords up the neck; yielding acceptable balance in timbre between open and fretted notes. The playability is very good on mine. The neck profile and string height create exceptional playability. Frets on the guitar were very well dressed/finished. The 6th string measures 3/32" or 2.4mm at the 12th fret and has some room to lower the height if desired. Plugged in- the Cooltube preamp offers a lot of adjustability to dial in a variety sounds. Setting the Cooltube dial at 12-3 o'clock position offers a warmth to the tone that balances the sound of the pickup. This guitar offers flexibility to use nylon string guitar on a wider array of genres. My hands are starting to experience some minor arthritis. So, this guitar also offers a easier guitar to enjoy with a roomy wide, slightly fast neck, and light fretting effort. IMHO, it is one of the better guitars in it's pricepoint. You'd possibly have to step up to a smaller or boutique brand/builder to find a better instrument.

I have owned this guitar for about one month. I bought this guitar to use for playing Rodrigo y Gabriela tunes. I returned the first one I received due to some buzzing. I had a Guitar Center repair technician look at it with me and he agreed there was a problem. Since it was brand new, we just returned it. The second one seems perfect. I can't compare this against similar guitars (e.g. Yamaha R & G guitars, Taylor hybrid, Cordoba hybrid). It's very hard to compare the higher end guitars of this type, since you basically have to order them (not stocked). I am basically comparing to other guitars I own or have played over the years. This guitar is lovely and I like the feel in my hands. I mostly play it standing wearing a strap. The neck is somewhere between a true classical and a standard acoustic or electric. Access to the upper register is comparable to on my electrics, and those upper frets feel great. It may have some intonation problems (not sure how serious). The instrument produces what I think is a classic spruce sound: focused, punchy, and capable of great dynamic variation. It's a very nice contrast to my standard classical, which as a cedar top that's super resonant, almost uncontrollably. I have used the electronics, but my only amp at this time is a not great for the acoustic sound. It seems to have a great variety of sounds due to the controls and the little tube preamp. The first time I loaded in batteries, I found it tricky, mainly because the directional guide markings are very tiny and faint. The instruction manual has photos, but they are ambiguous. I have mostly played this unplugged, and I'm very happy with the sounds. I'm just practicing along or playing along with a recording or one partner (on another nylon string guitar). As mentioned above, it has great dynamic range. I have also played some standard classical on it, and I like how it works, though the neck may feel too narrow and thick for dedicated classical players.

I bught this uitar about a year ago. it goes with me everywhere and is my prized possesion. The 24 frets are awesome, and its the only 24 fret nylon acoustic that I'm aware of. The tone sounds amazing and the built in tuner is pretty much the best thing ever. The gold colored tuning pegs give it a regal touch and it hardly ever goes out of tune. The neck is slimmer than most classicals and it feels more comfortable to play than most acoustics and does't have that bulky acoustic feel but still brings out huge tone. I love it

I bought this Tak about 2 yrs ago. The tonal quality is great. It sounds AWESOME plugged in. The narrower neck makes for an easy transition back & forth to my steel stringer.