Takamine GN93CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar User Reviews

Got this guitar on Friday packed well and arrived great. From the minute I opened this guitar it was stunning. The woodwork alone is amazing. Something you don't even get on guitars twice the price. I had been shopping for a new acoustic/electric and went and tried out several. I even tried a couple in the 1800 dollar range that did not sound this good. Has a great depth of sound and its clear not a muddy sound. Just plain amazing and I highly recommend this guitar.

Musical Background:

YEARS

Musical Style:

ROCK, COUNTRY

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Submitted June 6, 2018 by Paul L in ENGLEWOOD, CO

"A Very Nice Guitar For It's Price In All Respects"

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Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

First of all I'll admit to being a long time Taylor player and have owned three. I recently sold my 214ce-dlx to my son-in-law and needed to replace it with another layered or laminate body A/E while I await Taylor's conversion of all of their new models to "V" bracing. I chose the GN93CE based on it's value and the reputation of Takamine as a builder of high quality acoustics and I'm not at all disappointed.

Sound

Tonally it's not a Taylor but it is damn close. It's well balanced tonally, crisp and clean, but lacks just a bit of the Taylor "sparkle". Not a bad thing for those who don't appreciate that about Taylors. The electronics are based on the TK-40D preamp and are quite good for a guitar in this price range. In fact I would call it's amplified sound one of it's strong points. One improvement I intend to make is replacing it's coated EXP strings with the Nickel/Bronze set I prefer. That should "wake it up" a bit more. Personally I feel mfgs should ditch these coated strings altogether.

Features

The TK-40D preamp has some very nice features not always found on A/E guitars in this price range like a 3 band EQ w/bypass, a mid contour, and an onboard notch filter to control feedback. The onboard tuner is also helpful although possibly not quite as accurate as a pedal tuner or hand held mini-tuner. Still, it's convenient and easy to read.

Ease of Use

Amplified, which is how I intend to use it, it sounds quite good and the output from the pickup and preamp were stronger than I expected. The onboard EQ is effective but I also use a 7 band graphic EQ on my board and a TC BodyRez. Acoustic amplification has always been a Takamine strength. Playability is also quite good although I have a feeling I may want to lower the bridge saddle a bit to get it's action where I like. For many it would be perfect but I prefer lower action because I play with a lighter touch. Access to the truss rod is also quite easy even fully strung and the proper size hex wrench is provided.

Quality

The fit and finish are flawless and the combination rosewood/maple back is both unique and attractive as is the maple body and neck trim. The tuners are adequate and the nut is well cut. Intonation is spot on to the 12th fret and the guitar also hold it's tuning well when capo'd. Altogether it has the type of high quality I would expect from a Takamine product.

Value

Having considered this model along with others of a similar price including the 100 Series and GS Mini Taylors I found at this price point I preferred the Takamine. I have a number of friends and fellow players who have played Takamine models for 20 years or more and love them. In it's price range I'd give it 5 stars.

Manufacturer Support

I have not dealt with Takamine directly.

The Wow Factor

The unique combination of rosewood and maple in the body and the maple trim make it a very attractive guitar. That coupled with a full featured quality preamp make it a very nice guitar for performing.

Musical Background:

Experienced Guitarist, Bassist, Vocalist and semi-pro performing musician.

Musical Style:

Classic Rock, Country Rock, Blue, R&B, Southern Soul and some solo acoustic genre thrown into the mix.

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Submitted July 6, 2022 by Darrell Jeffery in Maben, MS

"Great Guitar"

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I bought this guitar in 2021. This was the best investment I have ever made in a Guitar. It out sounds my PRS by a long way. I'm not going to knock my PRS too bad, it does have a fair sound. But just don't sound out like the Takamine does. This is my 2nd Takamine I've owned. The 1st one I bought in 2008 and it plays out very well. I bought the newer model because of the sound and the way the bridge is layer out. The two peace setting and angle made for perfect tunning. This made a world of difference and set it a world apart from most Guitars out there. I Play Pro. Country & Folk Music with 64 years experience in the field of music. No one can go wrong buying this Guitar. ( I Highly Recommend to anyone looking for a great stage Guiter ) and of course at home picking.

Musical Background:

64 years Pro.

Musical Style:

Country , Folk , Bluegrass

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Submitted January 25, 2018 by James Lashbrooks in French Lick, IN

"Takamine GN93CE"

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Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

Wow! I've been playing since I was 12 years old (I'm 66 now!) and I've owned a few guitars, a D-28 Martin, a Hummingbird, a Les Paul, and many others. But, I have to say this Takamine has turned into my "Go Tp' instrument. The tone, the feel, the playability of this guitar have made it my favorite. Easy on the ears and the fingers. I play a lot of older rock, folk (from the 60's), country and gospel. This guitar fits them all without breaking the bank! Thank you Takamine and zZounds for outstanding service!

Musical Background:

Have been playing for about 54 years. Have played for money.. Mostly play at home or jam with friends at a local club.

Musical Style:

Older rock, folk, country, classical, blues, gospel. Just happen to like music, whatever it is!

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Submitted April 7, 2024 by Ken S in Crescent City, CA

"7 Year Review... Actually 6.5 Years"

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After Playing this guitar for almost 7 years I can honestly say its been a joy to own. The sound is full, clear, and harmonic. While not the easiest guitar to play, with a small amount of time invested it can be mastered giving in return the articulate tone you never thought you could receive from an instrument in this price point. It is well constructed, quit beautiful, and I have had no issues with the build quality to date. Plugged in it sounds just as good and properly adjusted it is "Quack" free with none of the common electrical problems commonly found in electric acoustic guitars. I am just as comfortable playing this guitar on stage as I am in my living room. I Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a guitar in this price point.

Musical Background:

Guitarist 50 Yrs.

Musical Style:

Blues, folk Country

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Submitted January 21, 2021 by pikemaster R in St. Helen, MI

"great guitar"

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the best for the price

Sound

puts the Taylor to shame on sound and is a great value ,nothing compares

Ease of Use

This guitar almost plays itself

Value

Nothing on the market for the price

The Wow Factor

Great looking WOW !

Musical Background:

46 yrs. playing

Musical Style:

Blues,country,older 70's rock gosple

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Submitted June 6, 2024 by S Rice in St.Helen, MI

"Best buy"

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Can't find anything in this price range with the sound and quality

Sound

As good as any guitar I've played, including Gibson, Fenders etc.

Ease of Use

Sound is awesome

Value

More value than most

The Wow Factor

Looks and sounds are fantastic

Musical Background:

50 yrs. Playing

Musical Style:

Blues,gospel, classic rock

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Submitted January 27, 2022 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Look no further"

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Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

Going on 2 years of playing this great guitar and can't hardly put it down. Been playing for 47years and own several high end guitars, but none plays any better than this Takamine. If you can find any guitar at this price that even comes close, you better buy it.

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