800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
When you call, mention priority code QT1-07VN
close [x]
  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 8AM - 10PM (EST)
  • Sat 9AM - 6PM (EST)
  • Sun 1PM - 7PM (EST)

Rating And Reviews: Takamine EC132C Classical

Solid Spruce top, Rosewood back and sides. CT4B preamp

User Ratings
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
What do you think? Rate and Review This Product
| | |

""If you are looking for inspiration, looking to do something different, this is the guitar to take you there"" submitted February 22, 2010

By a customer from hotmail.com
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: active musician
Music Style: jazz, contemporary worship
Back to Product Information
SPOTLIGHT REVIEW
Sound: When I bought this guitar , 11 years ago I played it next to other guitars that were more exspensive, the tone in this one, was the selling point,the rosewood, is the sweetest sound, I play with a jazz style, also alot of fingerstyle,the action is excellent, I have used it in recording, with excellent results, I have used it for solo work, small auditoriums, and large ones, the sound, the electronics, all is superb, my only recommendation is to use good strings, such as DAddario, EXP. I play this through a Polytone amp, you do not need any effects, it is as pure as can be, all other guitars get traded every few years, except this one. Feature: No accessories, the electronics give you plenty of choices, included is a built-in tuner, which you need with a classical, changes in air temp, causes the strings to go sharp, if it is hot, or flat if it is cold. Buying the dAddario exp, strings greatly improves the retuning, they are nylon strings. The cedar top, and rosewood sides are what give this guitar the excellent tonal qualities,the tone I do not believe can be beat. If I had an accident with it, I would buy another one. Ease of Use: I have never had trouble with achieving the sound I was looking for, the guitar is very playable, it is a classical, so it has a wider neck, but I go from a arched top to this all of the time. The manual is clear, it is basically about the electronics, which are great, I get about 4-6 hours out of the batteries. Quality: Yes, the guitar is made well, the finish is perfect, no blemishes, the product is reliable, I can always depend on it, and since I found better strings, it stays in tune better, not as sensitive to cold/hot air, I also have done outdoor sets with it, I have traveled with it, it comes with a hard shell case, but I do not use it, because of weight, I use a Gator polyfoam gigbag, it is easier, since I always have at least 2 guitars, etc. I did add another strap button on it, I do not have any complaints, I think it will last forever. The first 2 years after purchasing it, I had to have frequent neck adjustments, then once it set, it has only been reset once since then. Value: Absolutely, I think it is worth more, when I compare it to other guitars I have bought for the same price. Manufacturer Support: I have not needed to contact the company about anything, the only thing was I just stated, I needed a few neck adjustments the first 2 years and only one since. I have not done any upgrades except adding a strap button. The Wow Factor: For me , it is the sound, sound, and it has a beautiful cutaway, great finish, again, it is the sweet, sweet sound! Overall: As stated if it was lost, or something I would buy it again, The thing I like the least is probably the tuners, I do not know if you can do better using nylon strings, but again I found the DAdarrio exp a huge improvement. Yes, the product has created great growth in my playing, in taking me to levels I never thought I would reach! My fave thing about it again is the sound, sound, sound!
10 of 10 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"The best I've heard to date." submitted May 25, 2004

By a customer from nycap.rr.com
Overall
Sound
The Wow Factor
Music Style: everything from folk to hip hop.
Back to Product Information
Sound: I play this in a local music store, and was really excited by what I heard. I compared the sound to a beautiful piano. I played more expensive guitars while I was there... Nothing matched the sound of this guitar. Feature: I was suprised to discover the on-board tuner. Really nice extra. Although I would have still gotten it without this feature. Quality: After I bought the guitar, I began looking for reviews on specifications and the like. The internet discribed the top, simply as 'spruce'. So I thought maybe it wasn't a solid top. It wasn't until I read this review, many months latter, that I find it is a solid top. I always wanted a solid top. Manufacturer Support: NA The Wow Factor: high romance Overall: I would be foolish to ever part with the instrument.
16 of 16 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"A great guitar at a great price" submitted March 23, 2012

By Ramon Roman in Thorndale, PA
Overall
Sound
Features
Ease of Use
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: I've been playing guitar since I was 11yrs old. I direct and play in a choir and a conjunto
Music Style: Classical, Latin, Latin jazz and Gospel
Back to Product Information
Overall: My Classical guitar maestro and I went out to find a really good guitar for me. I had an aging Yamaha classical guitar which as opposed to conventional wisdom, its sound didn't improve with age but got more and more flat. After visiting many places, we found the Takamine EC132SC and it was love at first sight because the finish, the grain of the wood I mean everything looked beautiful and professionally built. The icing of the cake was its sound. I played some romantic classical pieces and its mellow, subtle tonal palette came out beautifully and with projection. Played some Flamenco and it delivered the "rasgueados" equally well. So this guitar can be as sweet as a little girl and bold and powerful like a raging bull which surprised me because of its cutaway body style. The action was a bit high for my taste and I didn't like the fact that it came with plastic nut and saddle. So I made myself a new nut and saddle out of bone and setup the action the way I like it. Oh wow!, the sound improved so much that it required just a little tweaking of its CT-4B preamp. Overall this is a great guitar that is worth its price. I use it everyday and don't regret buying it.
Did you find this review helpful?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Classical/Fingerpicker/Owner of 2" submitted November 2, 2005

By a customer from yahoo.com
Overall
Sound
Features
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Musical Background: Serious Hobbyist
Music Style: classical, pop, folk, christmas, a few hymns
Back to Product Information
Sound: Outstanding claasical guitar sound. Outstanding on ballads and when you want your notes to touch the listener's heart. Feature: The built in tuner makes alternate tunings easy and fast. The cutout makes those high frets reachable. Quality: My home EC132SC is on a stand next to my baby grand piano. Not only does it play great, it looks great. Value: Be patient and shop around. I'm okay with paying a little more so's I can play it in the local stores versus an internet purchase. $750-1000 is a fair price. If money's tight, go internet from an established web-store. Manufacturer Support: Every local store was sold out (they were on sale for about $750 w/o case). Had to ship my second one in from out-of-state. No service needed, so no complaints. The Wow Factor: I said "I want it" twice. One for home, one for lunch-time practice in my office. Overall: This guitar has helped me go from beginner to advanced classical/fingerpicker in two years.
10 of 11 people (90.91%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Perfect guitar for jazz or classical music." submitted May 7, 2004

By a customer from hotmail.com
Overall
Sound
Features
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Music Style: Jazzy Pop Contemporary Christian
Back to Product Information
Sound: Clean and clear when played loud. Hushed when played softly. My preferred guitar for jazzy licks. Great sustain. Very good acoustic flavors, great plugged in with a little reverb! Feature: Beautiful workmanship. High quality rosewood back and sides are perfectly bookmatched. The C4TB Pre-amp with tuner is intuitively simple to use, and effective in shaping the sound just right. The marquettery soundhole design is nice, but I prefer abalone. Quality: This Takamine looks, feels, and sounds like a guitar that costs twice its price. No complaints. Value: Great value. I sold a more expensive guitar to get this one. I am very satisfied! Manufacturer Support: None needed.
7 of 8 people (87.5%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Best-in-class!" submitted June 30, 2004

Overall
Sound
Features
Quality
Value
Manufacturer Support
The Wow Factor
Back to Product Information
Sound: Great range from the lows to the highs Feature: Neat pre-amp, built-in tuner should be offered by every manufacturer. Quality: Perfect. Value: Worth every penny. Compares to $1000+ guitars I played. Manufacturer Support: None needed. Overall: See no reason to upgrade unless Takamine built a flashier anniversary model with the same spec's.
1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

BizRate Customer Certified (GOLD) Site
Questions? Our gear experts can help!
800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
When you call, mention priority code QT1-07VN. Llame Gratis en Español: 800-460-7976
Lunes-Viernes de 9AM a 5PM EST
Customize Search Results for Your Location
Shop with those who respect your privacy — we do. Copyright © 1996-2013, zZounds Music, LLC. Terms of use apply.
[x] close

ALL ACCESS PASS

5 reasons YOU should sign up for the zZounds newsletter

  • 1. Weekly deals
  • 2. News about zZounds giveaways
  • 3. Interviews with cutting edge artists and producers
  • 4. Limited-time payment plan offers
  • 5. Features on your favorite gear
To get your cool stuff, we'll need your address:
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
 
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
close [x]

1. We offer the most flexible payment plans in the biz

zZounds offers a number of different installment payment plans that make it affordable and convenient for you to get the gear you really want today, without racking up risky credit card debt.

Other stores offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check--and, if you qualify, leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the initial promotional period ends. zZounds payment plans are easy to get and simple to use; plus we'll never charge you interest!

zZounds payment plans details »

2. We guarantee the lowest price

If we don't already have the lowest price, just send us a link to any legitimate competitor's offer, and we'll beat their price as long as we're not losing money on the deal.

To submit a request for a lower price, click "Seen it for less?" on any product page. We answer most lowest price requests within two hours. For extra peace of mind, you also have 30 days after your purchase to find a lower price; if you do, we'll refund the difference.

zZounds.com price match details »

3. You'll get your gear fast

Because we have two well-situated warehouses--one on each coast--nearly three- quarters of the US population is located within our two-day shipping zones. Plus, we keep both warehouses well stocked with all the most popular products, so you'll usually get your gear fast without having to pay more for expedited shipping.

In fact, zZounds offers free two-day delivery on many of our best-selling products!

zZounds.com shipping details »

4. We make returns super easy

You have 30 days to try your gear at home, in your practice space or studio. If you're not absolutely in love with the sound you're getting, just let us know. We'll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund without the hassles or hidden charges you face with some of our competitors. If there's something wrong with the gear you bought from us, we'll email you an electronic return label so you can return it easily and free of charge.

zZounds.com return details »

5. Our customer service is consistently rated the best

zZounds customer service is consistently rated at or near the top on every major comparison shopping website--probably because we only hire experienced musicians with outstanding customer service skills to work in our call center, and they don't work on commission. To us, this is our most meaningful measure of success. zZounds has served over a million customers since 1996, and they're the only critics whose reviews really matter to us.

zZounds.com customer service »
close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]
on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
close [x]

A guarantee so solid, you never have to worry about price when shopping at zZounds

We'll beat any price
Simply click the Seen it for less? link next to the gear you want or call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
Got a coupon from another site?
Use it with us - we'll beat those prices, too!
Find a better price after buying from us?
No problem. We'll refund you the difference for 30 days, so you'll never regret buying from zZounds.

You'll still get the trustworthy service you've come to expect from zZounds, without paying more for your gear!