New to Forum- awaiting EAN16C

Beachbum · Not So Newbie Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

Just bought a EAN16C on Ebay- anybody out there have one of these, or something similar? Would really appreciate any opinions.

Have owned two Taks before this- a 12 string (don't remember model number- G series I think) which I should have never gotten rid of, and a EN-10C that I sold on ebay, and got damaged in shipment by UPS.

Anyhow, just wanted to drop in and say hello.

Beachbum

guitarstrummer · Tadpole Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 18 Location: Colorado

Since no one's replied to your post yet, I'll take a shot at it. I have an AN16. It's not the exact same model as yours, but probably similar. I've owned it for about four years and love it. I own nine guitars and other than my Gibson SJ200, I like it the best. It sounds great and looks great too.

Beachbum · Not So Newbie Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

Thanks guitarstrummer. Didn't realize this board was so inactive when I posted. I'm used to the Martin & Taylor forums which are very active.

My guitar should arrive this week, and I'm very anxious to see how it compares with other guitars in this price range.

Thanks again for your post.

guitarstrummer · Tadpole Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 18 Location: Colorado

Yes, things are pretty inactive. Since replying the last time, I have purchased a Martin HD28 and I have also received my Takamine EAN40C12 that I had been waiting for. Therefore, my AN16 is now third in line (after my Gibson SJ200 and HD28), but it is still a very nice guitar. Hope you like yours.

Mike

Kazman · Tadpole Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 21

Beachbum,

Glad I came across you post...I have owned a EAN16C (technically a TAN16C, because it came with the new CoolTube preamp) for over a year now. I absolutely love it. It has a beautiful Sitka Spruce top and gorgeous Rosewood (solid back) body. IMO, the sound does rival that of some more expensive "all acoustics" I've played. I don't feel I'm missing anything by not spending 5K on a guitar. I really like the preamp, also. You can dial in a great plugged in sound.

Inactivity...the reason I hardly ever visit this forum. Yes, it's true.

However, I do find that the people that do post here are friendly and knowledgable. Unfortunately, on the "popular" sites there tends to be a lot of misinformation or hardline opinions. I find them to be more useless than useful, IMO.

And, never mind the utter bashings that our poor Takamines get on some of the boards. It's as if you don't own a "real" guitar if the headstock doesn't say "Collings", "Martin","Taylor","Santa Cruz", etc.

Anyway, I digress. I hope you will be very happy with your EAN16C. I have gotten a couple of opinions from playing professionals that are familiar with Taks and was told that the Supernatural series was every bit as nice sounding as the higher end Nashvilles; maybe just not quite as ornate.

Please do let us all know how you like your guitar once you get it.

Beachbum · Not So Newbie Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

I just got my guitar today from LNF Wholesale Musical Instruments (whom I highly recomend BTW) and I am very happy with it. Tone wise, it has a very balanced sound, which surprised me a little bit. I expected a little more bottom because of the rosewood, but I am not dissappointed.

But the best feature of this guitar is it's playablity. It really plays like butter- better than my Martin or my Taylor. I also like to electronics and the onboard tuner very much.

Thanks for the your welcome to the forum- I hope to weigh in again from time to time.

If you want to check out LNF Wholesale:
http://stores.ebay.com/LNF-Wholesale-Musical-Instruments

MegGG · Newbie Alert Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

Hi, Beachbum. I almost bought one of the EAN series. They do sound pretty darn good for the money, and yes, they do sound pretty balanced. The playability is what I really enjoy the most about the better Taks. You're right, they play like butter. I have a Taylor and a Tacoma, and that playability is why a Takamine will be the next in the stable - when I can make up my mind which one to get Rolling Eyes

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rastapicker · Newbie Alert Joined: 06 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

I have the TAN16C.....it is a very playable guitar with a great preamp.....I would compare it favorably with any Taylor/Martin but the Taks are about 20% less expensive for similar quality.
The only thing that may be a bit weak woiuld be the bass which lack the "Martin punch"
It really stays in tune well and looks great.....I think these guitars are the Rodney Dangerfield of their breed and "don't get no respect!"

Kazman · Tadpole Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 21

Rasta's summary is pretty right on the mark. I've never sat side-by-side with a Martin and compared the bass "punch", but I imagine there may be a slight sacrifice because on the palathetic pickup that goes through the bridge. They also need to secure this with little "bolts" that have little covers over them. Who knows, that may have a slight effect on depth of tone. I'm not sure.

One thing I did was switch up to "Bluegrass" gauge strings in which your three lowest strings (E,A,D) are heavier gauge. I noticed quite an improvement in the bottom end, so maybe that's why I am not noticing a lack of punch. For some reason Takamine send these out with lights, but I prefer a beffier gauge / sound. The Spruce top can handle the additional tension, but you may need a slight truss-rod tweak.

By the way, I wouldn't use this gauge on a cedar top!!

keyshore · Newbie Alert Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

Kazman,
I agree with you totally, I have seen the kind of takamine bashing that's going on. But the long and short of it all is that Takamines are a great value in all respects, the Japanese versions have great workmanship and are a killer value for money.
I have been lucky to pick up a brand new EF400SC 12 string from Music123 South bend MI, it seems someone in their warehouse opened the original factory pack by mistake. This guitar was posted on their website as closeout deal in 'open box new' category. i got it for $975, it's solid spurce top and solid rosewood back with great electronics. No Martin or taylor can match this value for money deal. i am sure they are great guitars but the price too is also high.
Now I am just waiting for some kind soul to carry it for me from the US to India.
BTW I am also thinking of buying the TNV360S too.
Cheers,
keyshore