Hi, I absolutely love the sustain on the Takamine guitars. Absolutely beautiful, I am leaning on Takamine.

@gair1944

Ай бұрын

Thanks for stopping by. Takamine make some great guitars no doubt! You won't be dissappointed getting a model at this level.

Really good video I just bought a 2006 Takamine EAN10C love it! thats the earlier model of the Tak you're playing.

@gair1944

11 ай бұрын

Superb, pro caliber instruments for sure!

I really enjoyed this video! The way you play is inspiring. The way you gave us different mics, preamps , was awesome! This is my favorite comparison video, the best I’ve ever seen,and I’ve watched a lot of videos. Thank you so much

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for listening and for the kind words.

I'm always going back and forth between my Martins and Taks. I just love the build quality of the Taks, they feel good. I have a P4DC. Don't like the narrow necks, so I'm ordering a P7NC with the wider neck...with the DX preamp with all those crazy EQ options. Maybe add a magnetic pickup in the 2nd pickup option. There's so many options with Taks you just keep playing with 'em. However, I still gig with my Martin OMC's. I now own 3 of them. Love the "Aura" system. Haven't found anything better yet. Keep on keeping on. Love your channel and playing. Soothes the soul :)

@gair1944

3 ай бұрын

I also did not get along with the narrow nut width on the Tak. Great idea to order a wide neck P7NC. Those are supposed to be great. Here is A Cosmic coincidence; I found a used Martin OM-28 cutaway with the Aura enhance pickup and ordered It a couple days ago. Can’t wait to check it out.

@SouthernFryd

3 ай бұрын

@@gair1944 lol. Yeah, that's basically my gigging guitar. I have 3 OMC Martins, all with Auras. I have 2 with the cutout Aura pre-amp built into the guitar, like the Taks have...and one is an Aura with the soundhole controls. That's the newest one and I think the one you are getting. I don't think they cut holes in Martins Anymore. I like the Old fashioned ones where I could dial in up to 7 different sounds/mic placements and the big preamp on the side. The newest one has the enhance pickup, but it just has one sound (not 7) tailored to your guitar. But it sounds great. I just like to have options :) Let me know how you like the Aura. Honestly, after years of messing with plugged in sounds with all types of guitars (I have all the different piezos/magnetics/etc..) The Aura still comes out on top. I think you're gonna love the Aura. I like the Aura sound so much, I've been thinking about getting the Aura Preamp, that has several sounds you can dial in as well...and running my Taks through it. lol. Just to confuse the situation, I have an "Emerald" Carbon fiber guitar with "Graph Ghost Tech" piezos and a Krivo Humbucker pickup, being made right now. They say 2 more weeks until its finished and they mail it to me From Ireland. I Have a McPherson carbon fiber, just never liked the plugged in sound. So, this is gonna be unique. Ever looked at Emerald guitars? If not, you have to check them out. Crazy. The search for the perfect plugged in sound is elusive...and damned expensive :)

@gair1944

3 ай бұрын

@@SouthernFryd Thanks for the info. You are correct, the OM-28C Custom has the Aura VT Enhance with sound hole controls. The thing I dislike is the short battery life and little to no warning when it's ready to die. If I like the guitar I might swap in a Baggs Anthem which is my favorite. I have Anthems in a few other guitars. HDC-28, DC-18E, Gibson Songwriter EC Ebony Custom Shop. Funny you should ask about Emerald. I own an X20 and X30. Email me at gairman1@gmail.com

They both sound great. I have the P7NC. The wider neck makes it easier to play chords up the neck. My daily play guitar is my Taylor 714CC

I think they both sounded excellent in their own way. Some things I really loved on the Martin and some of the solo work I actually preferred the Tak. I have a Tak with the 18 volt preamp. It is an awesome preamp with tons of headroom and expression. Depending on the music you play in a live setting that may come out better than the Baggs system. Just stating this as an option for others as I realize you sent the Tak back. I think the Martin is probably easier to play.

Wonderful Guitar Playing. I like the sound of the Takamine P3DC Acoustic Guitar!

@gair1944

10 ай бұрын

Thank you. The Takamine is an absolutely excellent guitar. You can't find many guitars this good at that price point.

Great sounds Tak has more high end than Martin but I think the Martin tone is more pleasant. Love you playing very tasteful.

Really enjoyed the comparison and you have great style in your playing. I follow along on the AGF, as well. I prefer this Martin to this Takamine. The Martin spruce top has a clarity that the Takamine would have trouble matching. It would be interesting to hear a comparison between two models with more similar wood combinations, or at least two spruce tops. I'm strongly considering a Takamine P5DC because I am usually a rosewood guy, and the price (especially used) is incredible. Thanks for posting this, and for the excellent demo.

@gair1944

10 ай бұрын

Hi Michael, thanks for the kind words and grear insight. I don't think Takamine makes a spruce top dread with Sapelle or Mahogany back and sides. IF they did that would be the closest 'direct' comparison. The P5DC looks great if you prefer Rosewood. I am a mahogany guy myself. I will add that I was not very impressed with the CTP-4B electronics. It sounded. I would have to opt for one of their other preamps. The Cooltube is supposed to be great but they make the guitars over 5 lbs as they have 4 AA batteries. I am also told the batteries drain rather quickly. I get a few months or more from a single 9V in the Baggs Anthem. Just food for thought.

@user-yc6uf9nt1u

10 ай бұрын

@@gair1944 Gary, the P4DC has two flavors, one backed with Sapele, the other with Ovangkol. The backs are solid, the sides are not. Thanks for the info on the preamp. Each version seems to have a slightly different preamp. I played an EF360SC-TT through a Katana set on Acoustic, with very little fiddling of the EQ, and I was very happy with sound. Then again, I'm not that picky, being able to get good sound out of any of my varied guitars with all different pickups. The P5 I am looking at happens to have the additional sound hole pickup in it, wired to the preamp. Hoping that adds another layer of beauty. As far as batteries, I've read that! I will remove the batteries between gigs and stock up at Costco. I'm buying because I think the sound will be great and I love the neck profile more than on almost anything else I've played, though a Gibson Songwriter almost stole my heart - at more than double the price. Thanks again!!

Ahhhh...Man!!...I dunno...to my ears when you plugged in the Takamine to play along with the looper I instantly noticed a clarity in the first notes and it seemed to cut through with such a presence that I didn't hear (or feel) with the Martin. I know the Martin is way more expensive (and prettier) but man...that Takamine moved me!

Like singers, a nice voice is a nice voice. I also love my D18 retro and Takemine Cedar tops. I personally love the warmth of cedar and Koa. Your Martin sounds great!

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and very well said!

very good test, thanks

@gair1944

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

As Jack said, I think they both sounded great. At the very end, I really like how they were complimenting one another. Baggs makes some excellent pickups/preamps but need a Di box because there is no way they have the adjustability of the CT4BII. The end result is, if you love the voice of the D18 , spruce over mahogany, the cedar over sapele isnt going to do it. The cedar will be warmer and in a few cases give you a more balanced tonal quality when going at individual notes.

@gair1944

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve had cedar over mahogany before (Taylor 514ce) so I know it can be great. I didn’t find the EQ all that versatile or helpful on the CT-4BII preamp. The onboard tuner and volume control that is helpful but the overall flat eq isn’t that great and the eq is simply used to tame the nasty frequencies. It doesn’t really let me shape the tone the way I wanted. The anathema for me has been plug and play. Just set the volume and adjust the blend between the trumic and the under saddle Element. Sounds very Natural.

two very beautiful and very different sounding guitars. i guess i just like the fat, fundamental low ends and richer Volume of the Martin better. The Takamine sound a bit sharp and too light in comparisson for me. But as you said i can see it shine especially in picking the higher notes. It is a very interessting guitar, the Takamine, and affordable too. The Martin sadly is out of my pricerange.Very nice and usefull vid. thank you

@gair1944

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and insight. Excellent points.

Thanks

As others have said they both sound great. I have a tak ean15c with ct4b preamp, cedar over rosewood. Possibly my best sounding both plugged and acoustically. I recently acquired a tak pn7c with the cool tube 2 preamp. I think I prefer the ct4b over the cool tube but it my just be I like the sound of the dread over the nex body style. I may switch out the preamp (I nice feature of the Japanese takamines)

@mikegrimes2100

2 жыл бұрын

As an addendum, I have 2 Rainsong guitars both with the baggs element system. I think the takamine palethetic pickup edges them out. Although kinda hard to tell because graphite is so different than wood. I have pretty much retired the Rainsong for gigging just because I like the sound of the Taks better and like the neck shape and more comfortable body style of the Nex.

Gary Roberts: I loved both your guitars, can't say why you comparred them, There are Martin and Takamine fans. Personally I have a hard time playing Martins as well as Takamine, Some Martin Necks can be thin. Takamine can be narroow, both cramp my left hand. Sound, however comes to this = When I need a guitar on the spur of the moment Martins can be hard to get Immediatly. Takamine are much easier to get your hands on and can be pleasing to my ears, like the one you showcased a P3DC, cool tube. If I had to choose by specifications I'd want to try the P3DC, from top down an Asymetrical neck, Cedar top, Solid back with laminated sides (I don't like that feature but will be the future), plus Cool tube and it's not a bank breaker. Martin Is close to me, I mean by location. So when I get the urge to visit them it's not far. And I like visiting them, plus it's nice to go there and play their selections. Martin allows us to play a small selection of guitars they leave out to play, while you're touring their plant. As for the Anthem Pickup I use it, and have one sitting in case I need to use it for emergencies. Too help with any question about Anthem or Cool Tube Pick-ups remember Cool Tube comes with Takamine Guitars. Where as Anthem can be installed on any guitar with some exceptions. One more thing no one ever talks about, Martins are light which is why I enjoy playing them. You should make a weight comparrison episode. I loved your video, and appreciated the time you took making it. P.S. I Subscribed, Clicked the Bell and chose "All" to get more of your KZread chanel.

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for listening, commenting and subscribing. Good point about guitar weight. I typically find mahogany guitars are always lighter than rosewood guitars. With Takamine's however, the cool tube preamp that has the actual tube uses AA batteries and is a lot heavier. So those Takamines are usually well over 5 lbs. the P3DC Felt similar to my D-18 which is around 4.5lbs

Thanks for the video, I thought Takamine sound was better.

Takamine P3DC has more spread middle range, while the D18 has more natural reverb, due to its wood combination and construction. That reverb can be problematic when amplified, and not easy to 'cut out'. if you want a bit more tone shaping, get CoolTube 3 for Takamine; it's well worth it. in 10 seconds, you can pull out CT4B and put CoolTube3 in, which gives you more options.

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

Cool! I like your thinking. Alone the d-18 is more impressive. Never really Tested the Tak onstage since I do solo shows and prefer the sweetness Of my D-18’snd also the 1 3/4 nut width

@zvonimirtosic6171

2 жыл бұрын

​@@gair1944 Try CoolTube3 for your Takamine. Just pull out CT4B and put CoolTube3 in, in the same hole, to get infinitely more tone shaping options. With CoolTube3, even a parlour sized Takamine can sound like dreadnought made from rosewood.

yes agreed. The Tak is excellent but you get what you pay for...you may have to pony up to the more expensive Taks to come close to the amazing Martins you own!! No comparison! If you didnt own the Martins you may end up keeping this Tak..its always a comparison unfortunately.. great video!

I think they both sound great. If it comes down to the price and you don't wanna spend that much money on a acoustic you should get the tak. I had a takamine ean10c which was the guitar in the 90s everyone played on that thing for example a lot of these where used on mtv unplugged. great guitar for this. Now I own a D18 reimaged 2018. love the pure acoustic sound of it. this for my is a keeper. maybe one day I will install a LR Bachs anthem. Do you sold your D18?

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

I still have my D18 Cutaway and D18 Standard. I sent back the Takamine. I could not make peace with the CT-4BII preamp. Not a fan of that particular preamp.

I really enjoyed your playing. like in my earlier comment seriously put that CTP-3 and Triax in the takamine, it will make the whole difference. I have not heard anything that sounds better plugged in. I have used it on several different takamine models. I was endorsed by Taylor and loved their unplugged sound but the guitars are too fragile for the working musician that plays in the harsh temps and dont sound nearly as good as the Taks with that combination above. I never have liked martins or gibsons they sound too muddy to me in the mids. But everyone likes different stuff although Ive had a ton of musicians compliment my guitar sound with the Tak hardware running through a Bose L1M2 pa. good luck in your search, the hard part is done, your playing is incredible 🙂

@gair1944

9 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Billy. I couldn’t make peace with the narrow nut width on the Tak. Wish they had this cutaway model with 1 3/4” nut width.

@BillyBlaze7

9 ай бұрын

@@gair1944 Check out one of their Nashville models they have a wider nut width. I play an old TNV340 Nashville series, although you cant get those anymore they still have alternatives with the wider nut that come with the CTP-3 already installed. I had a P5JC that had a more narrow nut and know exactly what you mean, going back n forth between the two took a bit of doing, not something you want to do at a gig for sure lol But if you play the same guitar for a while you get used to it. I have some vids of playing both those guitars live on my channel if you wanna hear them

@SouthernFryd

3 ай бұрын

@@gair1944 I have several Martins and Taks. I love 'em both, but the Tak's narrow width always has me going back to the Martin. So...I ordered a 7 series Tak with the wider neck. Specifically, the P7NC model. Like the option of adding a 2nd pickup to it so gonna try a magnetic pickup. Also got the Tak DX preamp with all those eq adjustments. Life is good :) Enjoy your channel a lot.

The most useful guitar comparison I have seen on YT. You convey the complexity between reproducing the acoustic sound and the sound from the pickup. Two fantastic guitars, each with super good sound. Martin a bit on the dark and muddy side, in my opinion, and Takemine more light and transparent, which I think is an advantage of live performance, where the pupil sits far from the guitar / amplifier. High frequencies tend to drown while bass sounds penetrate at a distance. That's why I'm totally into Takemine's sound and intonation. Their unique pickup system provides the best amplified sound I have heard on a guitar, disregarding microphone recordings that will always reproduce best. Takemine's split bridge adds optimal intonation. Great Japanese craftsmanship, in my opinion.

Gary…they both sound great. I had a Tak with the same pickup and it was on the bright side, but still a very pleasant sound. The D18 amplified sounds like the D18 louder. Just a perfect sound IMO. It will come down to feel for you and which you prefer. The narrow nut on the Tak will take some getting used to.

@gair1944

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jack. I'm gonna send it back. I am absolutely clear I play 1 3/4" nut width more cleanly (and even then, I still hit some clams!) In the Room and at the gig, the Martin D-18/Baggs is superior as expected. It also is a $3000 guitar and a $300 pickup system with a mic and UST. The math adds up. Glad I tried the Tak. It is a superb instrument. Great fit and finish however not right tool for me.

@jackbandel

3 жыл бұрын

@@gair1944 If you have time, give yourself some time to adjust to the narrower nut. Unless that’s not the only factor.

I've had both Takamine's and a Martin D18. They both sound good but different in there own ways. I prefer the sound of the Takamine i'm drawn to their sound. I feel like the mids sound better on Takamine's. In comparison a D18 sound a little scooped to me. More boomy bass and treble but scooped mids.

Takamine p3 sonho de consumo pra mim .🤩

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

Gracias.

@Paulo_Brasil23

2 жыл бұрын

Gary, sorry for the question, how much is a ps3 costing in the US?

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

@@Paulo_Brasil23 $1499USD

@Paulo_Brasil23

2 жыл бұрын

I'm going to buy a used one haha

I love Takamine, as well, I have two I really like, an H8SS, and a C132S. The H8 is wonderful Spruce top classical with all solid woods including an ebony fret board. The C132 is a solid cedar top classical, excellent lightweight travel guitar, but I think in the above comparisons, what I’m hearing acoustically is that Martin is superior compared to the PD3 Takamine. Someone should check the series 7 models, as they might beat Martin. What I love about my H8 is it’s ease of playing, it’s really great, but my Alhambra Madagascar Pro does sound better but was $1000 more. Trust me, the H8 dollar for dollar is better, but if I were a professional classical guitarist, I’d probably stick with Spanish makers.

@gair1944

Жыл бұрын

Great info! Thanks for sharing. It’s line to check out a Takamine 7 series sometime. I also felt the Martin was the better guitar here. But it was also $1000 more

What pick up is better?

@gair1944

6 ай бұрын

For me, the Baggs Anthem kills the CTP-4B. Not even close

drop the CTP-3 in there and a Takamine Triax 2 and you will have the best sounding plugged in tone you can get at any price

Tak all the way. Unbeatable legendary chime.

I think a lot of differences your hearing is from the different woods.

@gair1944

Жыл бұрын

There are several differences and they all contribute. But the Cedar top versus Spruce top is big. The bracing is different and the PU's are very different too. A lot to disect and hard to attribute to just one factor. But to your point, the wood difference may be one of the larger differences. Point well taken.

@rblaclewell

Жыл бұрын

When you say scoop the mids that’s means take them below flat?

The Martin sounds like it should, beautiful. The Takamine is ok but not nearly as sweet.

@gair1944

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I returned the Takamine.

Cant beat the Takamine's electronics unless you go custom with L.R Baggs (but thats cheating using an actual microphone.) lol

Preferisco tak