Takamine F250SM - ARRIVED! Pics attached

TonyR

I've been contemplating getting an acoustic guitar for a little while and then yesterday Mrs R agreed she'd get me one for my "special" birthday this year (50 - gulp!) I've set a budget of around £800 - which she's happy with

Having a look around there's a heck of a lot of choice - it's a mine field out there!

I decided the "jumbo" body shape and looked at the Guild F150RCE, but went off it when I found it was made in China. Now you can call me a snob and tell me to stop being so stupid, but I think £800 is a lot of money to spend on a Chinese guitar. It's irrational I know because there is a lot of quality stuff made in China these days, but it just doesn't feel right...

Then I came across the Takamine F250SM for a decent price and although is a different beast to the Guild (no cutaway and no electrics) it looks like a lovely guitar for the money. I have a mate who's got a Japanese Takamine (not sure which model) and it's a lovely thing to play - a nice narrow neck, which is great - especially since I'm used to playing slim- necked electrics.

Does anybody have an opinion on said guitar? Or have any suggestions for others I could take a look at?

I did originally want an electro acoustic with a cutaway but having real thought about it I don't really need either as it will be a purely "at home" guitar.

Sassafras

I can't comment on that particular model but I bought a 12 string takamine a while ago and I'm very pleased I did.

It's very well made,plays beautifully and sounds amazing.

I've had quite a few 12 strings and this is undoubtedly my favourite.

TinLip

I've got a Takamine EG serise - kinda entry level but a whole lot of guitar for the price. I would peg them at delivering great value.

bluechargeboy

Well it's maple bodied so it will have a particular sound. Something like the Takamine P1JC (cedar/sapele) would be more my cup of tea but maybe not yours...

Japanese Takamine quality is excellent so no worries on that score.

TonyR

Thanks for the positive responses about the Takamine brand - that's reassuring to hear.

I doubt the particular guitar I've been looking at will be around for long - so I've told Mrs R to go ahead and get it ordered! :O

It's not my birthday until July, so it'll have to go away until then, but at least I'll have it to look forward to.

Hopefully she'll let me take a couple of snaps of it that I can post on here before it gets put away!

Tone71

Im with you on the China thing, sold my Guild for that reason, shallow I know!

proggy

My first acoustic was a Takamine cedar top dred and I've still got it, wouldn't part with it for the world.

TonyR

Mrs R managed to bag the Takamine F250SM ffrom Thomann and it looks like it was the last one too!

boogieman

Always well built things Takamine's, you wont be disappointed I reckon. I've had mine for years and the sound just gets better and better with age and playing in. Happy new Tak day.

TonyR

boogieman said:

Happy new Tak day.

Thanks @boogieman!

xmrchi

Takamine (the Japanese ones) are truly brilliant, I gigged one weekly for 10 years, im now a huge Guild fan, and totally agree about the made in China ones, IMHO they're not real guilds, but please don't forget 2nd hand you can get a USA guild for 800 and I feel they rival any other make for tone and playability, plus they have never had a bad period unlike the other 2 big brands.

svejk

There are a couple of gibsons just about at that price - j15 and j35, if you take advantage of the euro and buy from thomman. I *really* fancy the look of the j35...

TonyR

Well the Takamine F250SM arrived today - thanks Thomann

Mrs R allowed me a brief 10 minute go (and chance to get some pics) before she puts it away until my 50th in July.

First impressions are it's a lovely guitar with a beautiful tone and nice narrow neck, which will help after playing mostly electrics all my life.

Here are the photos I took:

bluechargeboy

Good man! Takamines are great, it should be a guitar for life.

Make sure you take more pics in July!

BilliBob

Wow beautiful.

Teetonetal

I am a huge Takamine fan. I have an old 261SAN - been with me since 1998 and it's been played and played. Your guitar looks stuning and I am sure will give massive amounts of enjoyment!

Have fun

Misty

Lovely looking guitar!

Sassafras

You're in for a treat if you've been playing mostly electrics.

Takamines are usually excellently made guitars in my experience.

xmrchi

Well done, beautiful guitars! The tone will get better with age,

Spikeedog

You're really gonna put in its case and just leave it there for 4 months!?

TheOtherDennis

Seriously?? Till July?? That is harsh!*
















*Bet you get it out and have a quick play when you know she's out and won't be back for a while.