Official Luthiers Forum!

Well, I'm back. After all of the discussion regarding decent classicals under $1000, I decided to go with a used Takamine EC132SC ($1250 new online). It's an acoustic electric classical guitar with a simple cutaway. Fit and finish are very nice, neck is very playable, action is so low it's scary, and the truss rod is a plus for different tension strings. The CBT4 pickup is regarded as one of the nicest for classicals, as it pulls out the warmth and amplifies that. Very true - surprisingly great tone amped, and good volume and tone naturally. The cedar top has aged to that beautiful dark honey graham gold, and the solid rosewood back has nice grain so it looks good too.

However, it's just not my favorite, can't live without it guitar. Call it buyers remorse, etc but I still want something a bit "harsher". It sounded different in the heat of the moment, and now I'm stuck with something I don't know if I want to keep. I'm thinking about trying hard tension strings to see if it can brighten the tone up, as mediums seem to maintain the mid/mellow classical tone.

Anyone out there in the Wyoming area want a nice Takamine pro series classical?? I'm still interested in Taylors, as they seem to have the harsher nylon tone, so would be willing to trade!!

Try the Aquila "Nylgut" strings. They add a really nice sparkle that you just don't get from regular nylon. Or try carbons, they make a difference, too.

_________________
Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

Good luck. I haven't heard a Taylor nylon yet that came close to a Tak for sound, unplugged. If it's plugged in, who cares?

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Waddy, can I take that to mean you've owned a Takamine?? I was afraid to try the high/hard tension strings, knowing they have more tension and would be more likely to rip the bridge off, or eventually cause top damage. Regulars were toward the high 60's (pounds) all together, mediums were in the 70's together, and the highs were in the 80's - I don't know what the top can hold being soft cedar instead of the spruce I'm familiar with. I can't find recommendations for string tensions, so just have kept the mediums on it.

The volume, especially if you pound on it is very impressive, but I'm desiring something slightly less mellow tonewise. I've looked at the Savarez strings, but with all the colored labels and choices, how do you know whats best?? I was thinking about trying Martins nylon strings because their steel strings are always brighter than others hoping to get that tone. I also prefer the ball end versions because it makes the bridge look "cleaner" and I can reduce the string slap and subsequent scratches that always happen with tie ends no matter how careful I am. Anyone hear the rumor that tie ends transfer sound better??

I agree that amped playing doesn't matter since it's all in the electronics. But I've only got the simple Ultrasound amp - and that just picks up and amplifies - there are no other options. Thats been good enough to play with family, friends and neighbors, and I can't upgrade... got yelled at for buying this guitar so I know a new amp is out of the question!!

Have a great weekend fellow pickers!!