Takamine Vs Yamaha acousitc guitars

[scottmandue]

Ok, last guitar question for a while... I promise!

I'm in the market for a good, used low to middle priced acoustic guitar.

I have always liked Takamine and Yamaha.

Both made in Japan, both make high, medium, beginner guitars.

Searching the guitar forms mostly they say "both make good guitars, flip a coin."

Only difference I can find is Yamaha is ply and Takamine is solid wood.

Common belief is solid has better sound but ply is stronger and more durable.

Any preference among you all?

[Nostril Cheese]

Get a Taylor or Washburn.

[scottmandue]

Love Taylor but out of my price range [+/- $250 used]

Never liked Washburn, played a few in the store but they do nothing for me.

[craigster59]

I have a Takamine Mew Yorker (parlor) I'd let go for a decent price. Nice couch guitar with a great tone. Most lower end Taks and Yammies will be laminate.
Takamine G Series G406S New Yorker Acoustic Guitar, Natural:Amazon:Musical Instruments

[targa911S]

Go play them both I had a couple Tak acoustic basses. They would never hold a set up. Finally gave up and bought a Michael Kelly.

[Dooodahman]

This is a great sounding and looking beginner's guitar: Yamaha F335 Acoustic Guitar | Musician's Friend

The version in natural looks like it costs twice as much, at least. Very playable action, too.

[targa911S]

The old Kay standup bass were plywwod.....Price one of those one time. And they are LOUD. Nothing wrong with play. Be very sure of the country of Mfg. The Japanese make a fine guitar, indonesia and China not so much unless it's high end.

[LWJ]

Take a friend who plays. Go to the pawnshop part of town. Buy something for $100. I heard a saying once about guitars, the Blues, and pawnshops. I can't remember it exactly but something about a guitar can't play the blues until it has done time in pawn.

Have fun. Decent guitars can be had cheap. I have a bunch.
Larry

[snbush67]

If you can find a takamine lawsuit guitar go for it. They copied Martin and even scripted takamine on the head in Martin script.

Nothing better than aged spruce over rosewood.

[VaSteve]

I have a couple Yamaha's that are 20 and 30 years old. I dig them. I have always liked the Takamines....they look great, but I have never been able to get my hands on one for any significant time.

[on2wheels52]

Originally Posted by LWJ

I heard a saying once about guitars, the Blues, and pawnshops.....

Jim

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by snbush67

If you can find a takamine lawsuit guitar go for it. They copied Martin and even scripted takamine on the head in Martin script.

Nothing better than aged spruce over rosewood.

Oddly, this is what I have... I was thinking of selling it and getting something else (a twelve string)... now I'm thinking of just taking it in for a setup and go with it.

[Steve Carlton]

I've got a Takamine 12-string that I bought new around 1977. Played it a little for a few years, then left it in the case since then. I remember the guitar store telling me it was the same guitar the Eagles would take on tour.

Is there much value to it? Should I have it checked out by a reputable shop? Can anyone recommend a good shop in the bay area?

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Is there much value to it? Should I have it checked out by a reputable shop? Can anyone recommend a good shop in the bay area?

These guys are really good. They're in Palo Alto... Gryphon Stringed Instruments - Fine guitars, acoustic and electric as well as other stringed instruments

Scott, don't know if an old blues box interests you, but I've dealt with this guy and he's very good. VintageParlorGuitars.Com | Chester, Vermont

[Por_sha911]

I have had my Washburn Prairie Song 12 string since 1982 and love it. Had the action lowered but it doesn't buzz even after all these years.
Washburn (like many other brands) makes low and high end guitars. Look up the Timber Ridge and Prairie Songs: Solid spruce top, Brazillian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard with maple triangular inlays. Mother of Pearl inlay.