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Location: 6 String Ranch | For the box fans out there, when in the mood for something a little different check out one of the EF75J model Taks. An OM model with vintage Brazilian back and sides, 1 3/4 neck of one piece, no add on heel and dove tail construction, not the normal 4 dowel method. The regular palenthetic pickup and an inline preamp set flat(no controls on the guitar) with an end pin jack. All wood binding and Gotoh Waverly style keys.
They only made about 80 of these. Brother Bob has them on fleabay.
It is a completely amazing guitar (like TOTALLY man, as they would say). I just played a second one that will live in North Carolina with Debanjo Rheinhardt and it matches the first.
(Tuppy, you need to look at one of these! Cliff can tell you how it sounds)
OK, now back to our regularly scheduled programming. |
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Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | Love the OM body size. Beautiful axe. Ahhh...but I just bought two O's. More for the rest of you. LOL!
I bet that thing records great, cwk2. |
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Location: SoCal | Here's an auction for a EF75S (the auction says it's an S, but at the end of the video they say it's a J -- Bill, is this the one you're talking about?) with a real interesting video on the auction site.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/TAKAMINE-EF75S-BRAZILIAN-ROSEWOOD-ACOUSTIC-ELEC... |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | That's the one. Tak uses the S in the model numbers to notate solid. example, the EF360 was a rosewood b&s ply spruce top. the EF360S had a solid top. We were working on a solid wood guitar when I left (which later became the Nashville series). We refered to it as the Ef 360SS and there was a 340 mahogony too. Obviously the SS notation didn't fly although some would see it as Super Sport.
ANYHOW, this EF75J has a J on the lable and it is all solid wood |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | So you are saying that the "J" and the "S" are actually the same? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Well one is and the other is sorta like that although they mean different things and in this case they stand for the same. But I don't really know because I didn't watch that video clip, I just played the guitar instead. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well, based on Bill's comments I picked up one of these bad boys. Comments to follow after the weekend! |
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Location: NJ | I'm jealous, Stephen.
These ARE very nice boxes!!
QUITE comfortable, and great playability.
Not overtly "loud", but it's got a great, sweet tone to it.
I didn't hear it plugged in, but the acoustic sound is REAL nice! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Cliff, you know if you make it out to the Rockies, you are always welcome. Have a few (too many) drinks and sit and play.
Be great to put you in the studio and turn you loose (and I could mess up any recordings with my harmonies!) |
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Location: big island | lookin' forward to the report on this guitar stephen... |
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Location: NJ | Actually, Stephen;
Jeanette and I are planning a trip out to Boulder to visit her family in the not-too-distant future . . .
I'll letcha' know.
Cngrts! on the guitar. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Awesome...make sure to let me know. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Well, it's Monday. Probably didn't get delivered because of Presidents day, right?
Now the next one to check out is the EF340S BG. I'm between that and the 75 and the 2080D. Seem to be the only three I play these days. |
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Location: SoCal | Didn't your wife say to keep the 2080D and dump everything else? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Nope....showed up and it looks and plays incredible!!!! Plus a really cool case.
Haven't gotten to spend a lot of time with it yet but I am VERY IMPRESSED! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Yes, Loraine did say that. The 2080D is an absolute stonking guitar, but it can't do ALL things, the Taks can do some of those other things.
Glad you like the EF75J and it wasn't me getting wound up over imaginary things, again. |
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Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | That 2080D is one strange looking axe....in a good way. If you get abducted by aliens, we'll know why: Take us to your 2080D! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Still waiting for my twin 6/12 2080D.
Should be a good compliment to the stable. |
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Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | Originally posted by stephent28:
Still waiting for my twin 6/12 2080D.
Should be a good compliment to the stable. You fortunate dog, you! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Thanks Goob
I had to sell off a few favorites to afford the "new" favorites! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | stephent28, how about a report on this guitar. Have you gotten some play time? Interested in how you find the volumne and what's the bottom end like? How would you rate as strummer/rythm guitar?
Dave |
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Location: Waynesville NC | Mine is #21 and I love it. It sounds bigger than a regular OM. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Debanjo, how would rate it against say a D-28. I've never played a smaller bodied guitar, so I'm curious if it would have trouble being heard alongside a dreadnaught. From what I have seen, this sure looks like it would be really sweet!
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, this guitar is amazing.
1st of all (for the price) you get an all Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides. If it says Martin, you just spent a minimum 10 grand! This one can be had for 1/4 of that amount.
Now I have only had it and played it for maybe 5-6 hours so it hasn't had a chance to open up but already it is in my top 5....maybe top 3.
It has a beautiful full even tone across the spectrum and is moderately loud. Not as loud as an Adamas or D-28 but certainly louder than you would expect from an OM sized guitar.
Of course, if you strum it hard it gets pretty damn loud yet when you fingerpick it, it has a certain delicacy that is soothing to hear...and through all of this it maintains an even tone with all the strings...none louder or softer...just very even and smooth.
This guitar would be worth it at easily twice the price and it is also incredibly beautiful. It has one of the best looking fingerboard bindings I have ever seen on an acoustic. The wood top had a terrific grain pattern and the bling is subtle yet eye-catching.
Comes with a very cool tannish looking molded case.
When I took it out and my wife saw it, the first words out of her mouth were:
a) how much
b) how much
c) how much
d) Oh my god....you're NOT gonna sell that one!
Correct answer is "D" (which shocked the hell out of me!)
Overall impressions with the limited time I have played it...THIS IS A WINNER! and with less than 100 being made (mine is #74) I would put this right up there with the #47 RI (and for far less)as a must have.
Whether you are strumming cowboy chords, playing rhythm, ripping leads, or finger picking this guitar is hard to fault. It does it all good. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | OH yeah.....that quick review was just in acoustic mode.
It also sounds great when you plug it in. Has the end pin jack w/o any controls....just pure heaven! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Stephent28, I was afraid you'd come up with kind of review. After Bill's comments and Moodys' link, I've been doing some serious thinkin' on this one. Why the hell does there have to be sooo many great guitars out there? :)
Have always thought my one high end guitar would eventually be a D-28 or D-35. Now I'm not too sure. And given the limited numbers, time is of the essence here. Brazillion Rosewood! Sure wish I could play one. The thought of buying such a guitar without playing and hearing and feeling the soul of the instrument, really has me spooked.
I've now read 4 glowing reports, but how can one be assured of getting the same performance? What are the chances that the whole run will attain that level? Sure great you got a good one.
I've watched the video on Moodys' link about a dozen times and everything about the guitar is incredible, even the sound out of my crappy speakers.
Can't thank you enough for the review...I think!
Well, back to head scratching and drooling! :)
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Even tho some on this board will disagree with me, there are dealers that will give you a free 48-72 hours to try it out and make sure you like it.
You might pay a little more, but Brother Bobby offers a FULL 90 DAYS to try out any guitar they sell. If you don't like it, send it back.
Can't beat that deal to decide if you got a good one or not. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Dave, For what it's worth, they are probably all pretty close. Mine is #71 and it has maybe 1% more bass fullness than Steve Sutton's(Debanjo) but they are reallllll close. There were around 80 of these made. Most Dealers will give a trial period, not sure how that would work with the customs and all but still worth a shot. There are others besides Bro Bob. Check Ebay, I thought I saw a second guy there.
Anyway, good luck with your decision.
Just to add to your confusion I also just got one of the Tak EF340S BG, the solid mahogony/spruce bluegrass model, same electronics as the 75. It has a bit more fullness that you'd expect from a Dread but the 75 has more cut. While I like the boom of the dread, the 75 is more fun to play, and since it is a bit smaller, it's more comfortable. |
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Location: NJ | WOW!!! The famous Steve Sutton from the "History of the Ovation Guitar" Book??
. . . I'm impressed!!! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | These "special" guitars always seem to have a bit more "consistency" that the regular runs.
Maybe they are made by the same small group of individuals????? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Yes Cliff,
The one and only Steve Sutton (aka Debanjo Rheinhardt) |
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Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Stephan,
You have the 2080D 12 string now?! If so, what's it like? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | :( Any day now :)
Can't wait! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by cwk2:
Dave, For what it's worth, they are probably all pretty close. Mine is #71 and it has maybe 1% more bass fullness than Steve Sutton's(Debanjo) but they are reallllll close. There were around 80 of these made. Most Dealers will give a trial period, not sure how that would work with the customs and all but still worth a shot. There are others besides Bro Bob. Check Ebay, I thought I saw a second guy there.
Anyway, good luck with your decision.
Just to add to your confusion I also just got one of the Tak EF340S BG, the solid mahogony/spruce bluegrass model, same electronics as the 75. It has a bit more fullness that you'd expect from a Dread but the 75 has more cut. While I like the boom of the dread, the 75 is more fun to play, and since it is a bit smaller, it's more comfortable. cwk2, thank you for your thoughts; the struggle continues. I made a phone call today and will see what comes of it Monday.
Having just received my CB back from the factory I really shouldn't be looking for another guitar. The CB, however, has a few issues and I'm working at figuring them out, which I'm sure is doable.
It's been many years since the CB began to need help and I quit playing it. Since its return in early December, it is the only guitar I've been playing, and I really like the sound/tone, especially the strong bass response. In fact I'm so pleased with it, that I was entertaining the thought that it could easily be the only guitar I need.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to play several Martins and I heard that sound that a wood box gives and liked it. I wouldn't say it's a better sound, just different. Although I do have a spruce top/mahogony guitar, it is in bad need of repair. I will NOT do to it what I did for the CB.
So here I am, again, thinking this Tak could be the last guitar I would ever need to buy. :) (Who am I kidding:)) It is certainly nice enough!
My biggest hurdle is buying without hearing. I have played many new Martins in guitar shops that I wouldn't give a plug nickle for...the flagship D-28s! There have only been two that I would have bought, if I'd had the funds at the time. I guess it's the inconsistency of performance that occurs in the mix of craftsmanship/material from a so called "highend maker", that has me spooked. :eek:
You guys sure plead a good case, though. (I gotta quit coming here. :) )
Guess I'll see what Monday brings and how the finance officer takes the news. ;)
My head hurts...time to go play a tune or two.
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, just to reinterate (for what it's worth).....Brother Bobby offers a 90 day trial period. I don't see how you could go wrong with this scenario.
I got mine from Sigler Music and I do not believe they offer a trial period. Just a defective exchange policy. I did enjoy dealing with them. They went to ship out my guitar and did a final inspection (wish all dealers did this!) and discovered a small scratch on the back. They contacted Takamine (who had another one that had just been built) and had it dropped shipped directly to my door. Since I have #74 that also means there are not a lot of them left at the manufacturing plant.
Good luck! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Dave, I can relate to living in the hinterlands as far as trying out guitars. I think the first Adamas I ever saw up close, much less played, was at Tuppy's house, back when he had the much more respectable name of StandingOvation.
I bought 5 of my current Os from this board and each has been exactly as represented and I have been elated with each one. I think that the only one of which I ever had the opportunity to play that specific model was the Ute, but that was Dave's and I played so many of his guitars my head was swimming when I left.
If I have a point, it's that the advice you get from this board is generally as accurate as you will get. If a guitar gets glowing reviews on this board, I doubt you will be disappointed in it. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Thanks guys. You are all making this decision both harder and easier at the same time. If you know what I mean. :)
Stephent28, I understand the 90 day trial and that is an extremely good return policy, but living north of the border, with duty issues and shipping and such, it becomes very involved and exspensive to return. Shipping and duties really hurt when I sent my Custom Balladeer back to the Mothership. BTW, can you tell me if the saddle is set up with shims like on an O. And where is the plant that builds these? US?
Mark,yeah, talk about relating! :) The thing about what you're saying, is you are discussing a particular guitar with someone who has first hand and most likely extensive knowledge of that instrument. I believe, from what I have read in posts from members here, that you will get an open and honest report on whatever guitar you may purchase here. And the chances are good that it will exceed what you may expect. What I've read here is what has me fired up about this model, but, they are reports about guitars that have been played and assessed. I guess it's buying a guitar that has not been played and proven, if that makes any sense at all.
I put in a call,this morning, to the nearest Tak dealer to see what kind of a price and availability they can provide. And once I get this all figured out, I still need to get it passed SWMBO. :)
I'm depressed and excited at the same time. :) We'll see. Thanks again.
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | My work here is done :D |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Not so fast, Amigo. Can you tell me anything about the bracing used. Scalloped? You also remarked about the cool case. How would you rate it against the O cases?
Also, the nut is stated at 1 7/8. How much different is the feel to a standard O neck? I know that's subjective, but I'm not sure how else to put it.
And one more. In the Sigler Ebay add, the pictures show the bridge with inlays, but the videos show a plain bridge. What did you end up with?
If you have any experiance with Martins, how would you rate the build quality of the two?
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | You know, I have never been one to take the time to worry about bracings, nut widths, neck shapes, etc. I just play it and decide if it feels good, sounds good, looks good, and talks to me. If I get 3 outta 4, then it is usually a winner. The Tak is a 4 outta 4.
To me it has a thick rounded C neck but since I know virtually nothing about those things, CWK2 or someone will correct me and say it is a "v" or a soft "c" or whatever. DOn't know, don't care. It meets all my requirements.
I seen some shabby Martins and I have seen some shabby Taks, Taylors, Ovations...you name it.
This being a limited run of 80 or so with very rare and aged Brazilian Rosewood, I would imagine that Tak has their best craftsmen on it. These are not run of the mill guitars and I am sure they have been crafted to reflect that. Mine seems perfect in just about every way I could think to check it out.
Not sure if the photos used by Sigler & Brother Bobby were protos or production but mine is a plain bridge and my pickguard has the Takamine written on it (maybe that is plastic that comes off, haven't tried to remove it).
Mine looks pretty much identical to the one in the video with the exception that my maple binding on the neck in heavily figured like the body binding. The video seems to have figuring on the body binding but the neck binding looks plain. The binding is absolutely beautiful to look at....stunning!
The case is a contoured case shaped to the body of the guitar with a raised top (like for an archtop) and is a tannish figured nagahyde (I'm guessing). Three latches with a combination lock. Inside is a plush interior.
The case is much nicer looking than the "O's" but probably not as durable.
I can understand the caution but I just find it impossible to believe you would not be blown away and overjoyed by this guitar.
Oh yeah....with another 5-6 hours on it, I believe it already sounds better than when I first played it. I can only imagine the sound in 6 months, 6 years, etc!
This one will NOT be going anywhere. Like #47 is it an absolute keeper! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, I hope that helped. There is really nothing more I can say about it. I will try to take some pics in the next day or two and post them in my gallery and on this thread for you.....but I wouldn't wait. I guess this guitar has been in production now for almost 2 years and the end of the run is eminent.
Grab one before it is too late. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | The Tak sticker is a peel-off and it looks better without it. I think mine and DeBanjo's have inlayed bridges. I'd say it has a C shape neck. I didn't realize that it was 1 7/8 but that wouldn't suprise me since I really like the feel of it. |
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Location: big island | stephen, you've got a p.m. response from me :) |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Good to know the Tak sticker peels off. I could live with it but prefer not to :cool: |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Lanaki, I am terrible with checking the PM's.
Thanks for alerting me. |
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Location: big island | paging stephen - paging stephen...you have another pm. (you just keep having too many brilliant flashes. ;) ) |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Actually mine doesn't have bridge inlays either. Maybe it was only the first few. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by stephent28:
My work here is done And my bank account hates you .... ;)
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by Tupperware:
Originally posted by stephent28:
My work here is done And my bank account hates you .... ;)
Dave
but your ears and fingers will love me! :cool:
feel free to blame Bill....He started the damn thread and sucked me in! :rolleyes: |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by stephent28:
Originally posted by Tupperware:
Originally posted by stephent28:
My work here is done And my bank account hates you .... ;)
Dave
but your ears and fingers will love me! :cool:
feel free to blame Bill....He started the damn thread and sucked me in! :rolleyes:
Stephen, I really appreciate the time you have put into this for me. Your input, along with that from the rest who have posted here, has been a great help. It's truely guys like you all that make this such a great board!
I have, (I think), located this guitar, locally, at a price I think is ball park fair. Well, it's not local yet, but, I'm going to see if they can get it moved, so I can try it out. I just hope I don't have to let the Custom Balladeer go, to get this done.
I believe the apprehension I was feeling, is gone. :eek: Thanks, I think. :D
Bill, just ignore them. You done good here! I, for one, appreciate what you have uncovered here. ;) This sure has "Sleeper Guitar" written all over it. Or is it just me?
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Sleeper guitar....I like that!
And by the time this is all over, there will be 5-6 of the 80 or so owned by the OFC...kinda like the #47! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Another question...from the ebay link and looking at the pic of Bill with his in another thread, is the top finished with an ageing toner? And are there strap buttons installed? Or, did you add them, Bill? Oh, never mind, looked at the video again and you can just see them.
Well, I've managed to get one of these brought to the closest Tak dealer to me, to try out. Could be a couple weeks before it's there, but I can wait. :)
How are pics coming, Stephen? Looking forward to them. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | no toner, it comes with a neck button. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by colt357:
How are pics coming, Stephen? Looking forward to them. Considering we are getting pounded with more snow and no sunshine, it will be a bit. I guess I could take them in the famous "baseball" room but I have gotten so much grief in the past, I thought I would try and go a'natural :cool: |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Originally posted by stephent28:
...I thought I would try and go a'natural :cool: [/QB] Uh oh...puh-leeze check for reflections before posting, k, Stephen? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by cwk2:
no toner, it comes with a neck button. Thanks, Bill. Must just be the way the lighting is that seems to darken the top. I'm cool with no toner.
Stephen, will look forward to the pics when you get them done.
Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I got mine today and will post some photos tomorrow (forecast is 71 and sunny). Serial #72. The guitar is everything Bill and Stephen said it was. Very nicely made, high quality all around. Really a bargin at what they are selling for (and I paid a few hundred more than Stephen did). Definately worth every penny. Sound is very pleasing, quite warm and woody just the way I like it. The setup is perfect and overall I'm very pleased. The neck is a beefy C shape. Not what I'm used to, but easy to adapt to. The guitar plays wonderfully. Have not plugged in, but I'm sure that's really nice as well. Acoustically it rings like a bell, even with the EXPs (which I never care for). Stephen commented that it was not overly loud. I find it just as load as the OM or Norman Blake. No match for a dread or a textured Adamas, but it's a different animal.
Only criticism (just personal preference) I don't like the neck finish, dull satin. Sorry, but the rest of the guitar is so beautiful gloss that the neck just looks outta place. But that's just me. TKL case is pretty chinzy, just tan colored contact paper on wood, no edge sealing on the bottom side, but it'll do the job.
Anyone looking to step up from Ovation to a premium guitar that's going to be highly collectable (I think only 80 are made) I would seriously recommend this one. If it said Taylor or Martin on it it would cost a grand more. The Brazilian rosewood thing isn't all that important to me vs. east indian r/w, but if brazillian is what want you won't find it in a guitar for twice the price.
Thanks Bill and Stephen for a great recommendation. I'm really happy with this.
Dave
PS Stephen, I have to return the recommendation. Go buy a U681-12. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Well, there are 4 in the OFC family now. Dave, take some 0000 steel wool and smooth out the neck and then rub it out with a cloth, I use these hand towels they give you at golf courses. You can use some of the polishing compounds and it will shine up about 50%. The back of the neck didn't bother me, the Face was gloss and that's the important part. On a gloss neck I'll take the same steel wool to it and not buff it out so it goes down that 50% in gloss. I find they aren't as sticky that way. After you play it a month most of the shine comes back anyway.
Mine came in a great TKL case but I notice that Steve's came in a lesser calibre case. I guess that depends what they have at the moment. I'd guess they get the cases over here but don't know that for sure. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Bill, a question for you. Do you know why they are blowing these guitars out the door like this? Not trying to look a gift horse in the mouth, :) , just curious.
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, I don't think they are blowing them out. They have been in production for almost 2 years and are nearing the end of the run.
I think it is just because Bill brought it up and a few of us jumped on the bandwagon that makes it appear that they "are blowing them out". If not for Bill, it would have continued under the radar.
I glad he mentioned it while there was still time for a few of us to grab these beauties. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Yeah, I thought the exterior of the case was kinda cool in color but a bit chinzy in the caliber of case...but like Tuppy says, it does the job. If I was gonna drag it around and gig with it a lot, I would definately spend the money and get a more durable case, but for hanging around my house and the studio it is more than adequate. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I wouldn't say they are "blowing them out" by any means. Some dealers will sell at a razor thin margin just to keep the business from going to someone else. Anyway, my guitar is #72 and the date on the Kaman QC stamp is 2/6/07. So it's pretty near the end of the run. I very highly recommend this guitar, but if you are seriously interested I would advise not to wait too long. Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I am under the impression that they all have been made, the run completed in 06. That might not be right. If they are getting blown out it is by the dealers, I doubt the company is doing it. The only two I've ever seen for sale were the two in Ebay which was Brother Bob. I heard about it from talking with a guy I used to work with way back when.
I just got back from another trip to Carolina and had the chance to compare Debanjo's, #21, to my old Collings OM3. The Collings is Indian rosewood and a great guitar. The Tak ate it for lunch and spit out the bones. We're talking a car and bicycle here, that much difference. I was suprised again at that. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Here's some pics of #72.
I agree with Bill. These are VERY NICE. I can't think of anything in the 2500. range that sounds as nice. Bro Robert says he sold 7 of them.
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Very nice. Will that be making an appearance at the Open House, Mr Dave? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | The reason I asked the question on the price point is, the dealer who is bringing one of these in for me to try, quoted me a list price of $4600 CDN and a sale price of $2995. That, along with the Ebay pricing, had me wondering. Just seemed that maybe they are cleaning house to make room for the next guitars coming in.
Bill, I liked the report on #21. Nice! Not that the Collings got devoured (sorry to hear that), but, that the Tak was that good.
Dave, those are great pics! Thanks for posting. You could try to keep all that greenery out of view though. :) We're still snowed under.
Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by colt357:
You could try to keep all that greenery out of view though. The second picture on the far left you can see some frost damage. Man that day really sucked. I had an 8:10 tee time and had to wait until past 9 to go off.
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I can say that the Brazilian Collings stand up better, I've got a Braz OM-42 and it is close. They are different in that the Collings in brighter, and as the stove-knitters might say, a more transpearant sound, whereas the Tak has more fullness and punch.
I wonder what their next special is going to be? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | What the heck are "stove-knitters"? never heard the term.
And, Dave, try as I might, I can not drum up any sympathy for you at all! :)
Dave |
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Location: big island | stephen/dave,
is that the takamine ef75s that is featured in the "third hand capo" ebay demo on the capos thread? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Looks very similar. Can't tell for sure.
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I'm gonna say no.
It has a lot of the same bling and basic look but when I went to full screen, the bridge looked like a straight 6 versus the 4/2. Also the inays looked bigger.
I would not bet money either way based on the quality of the video. |
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Location: big island | one of the reasons i asked was because i thought i was seeing a 4/2 bridge. just checked again on youtube. the video is grainy but it does not look like a 4/2 bridge as i had thought. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I agree, it does look like a 4/2. But I don't know much about the Tak line. Maybe they use 4/2 on many models. The body size looks about right. But inlays look bigger than mine.
Listen to us - monkeys debating the merits of banana's.
Dave |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | I think they do use the 4/2 on a number of models, Dave. The EAN10C that I just sold had the 4/2. And I've played a number of their line that sound great - I'm a big fan. I can only imagine what that beauty sounds like. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | they use 4/2 a lot.
Stove-knitter: A cranky old self-appointed expert who sits by the stove and tends to everybody else's knitting. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Bill, you could have just come out and said "WITKO". Why candy coat it ???
Dave
PS - check you mail in the AM for a chord sheet and a rough recording |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I think I have done it again! :cool: :D :rolleyes: |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Somebody has got to stop StephenT from spreading the Word. Every time this guy sends me a PM, I take a hit in the wallet.
According to those supposedly in the know, there are only nine of these beauties left at the factory, no, make that eight. |
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Location: NJ | It's all Bill's fault . . aGAIN!! . . . |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Cliff, I like your line of thinkin much better than the others! :cool: |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Well, there you go again blaming, Bill. All he did was shine the light. It's not his fault there's a bunch of old moths here.
Hey, that didn't come out quite right; but you get the idea! :)
And, Stephen, you did lead the charge! No need to duck & dive! :) |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Yes, but aren't ya'll happier? This makes 5 in the OFC now?
Next up the EF340S BG. That's what I've been playing when not the 75. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | 5 out of 80 in the OFC is pretty amazing. The more I play it the more I like it. Really sounds nice. I can't think of anything in the same price range that'll touch it. Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | If Colt357 jumps in, that will be 6, which I agree is amazing....but then again, it is still in the Kaman family of fine guitars :rolleyes:
With the sound and the bling factor, I am kinda surprised that Tony and Noah haven't jumped on board!....and Fugot and Jeff and....... |
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Location: big island | speaking of noah, i haven't heard from him since the flood*
*we had some flooding here in the past three days |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | This will be the first all wood A/E I've owned in 25 years (the last was a Yami 12), and the first all wood six string acoustic since I ran over the last one with a dirt bike in the desert in the mid-1970's. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I was a complete roundback bigot for 25 years. I wouldn't even play a wooden guitar in the store. Basically wooden guitars are a pain in the butt. Require environmental care, don't stay in tune so well, can vary in sound and setup quality significantly, ... But I got tired of two things 1) hearing how nice some of my friends wooden guitars sounded and 2) constantly having to defend my decision to play ovations. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT - I am still an Ovation Snob (I improved from Bigot status to Snob status), and will defend Ovation at every turn in the road. But .... I took the plunge a few years ago. My first impression with a wooden guitar - man that sure feels funny to hold. But it sure as hell sounds nice. And you know what? The nicer it sounded, all of a sudden it didn't feel so funny to hold any more. Having a mix of Ovation AND wooden guitars is the best of both worlds. Dave |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I agree, Tupp, excluding electric solids and archtops. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by Lanaki:
speaking of noah, i haven't heard from him since the flood*
*we had some flooding here in the past three days Look for a boat. A BIG boat! :) |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Stephen, I think ballroom pics are in order of your Tak! Please. :)
Still waiting word from the music store on the Tak they're bringing in for me. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, I've been spending most of my time re-assembling my studio with the new gear. I promise to try and take some pics this weekend. It is supposed to be mid 60's and sunny...WoooHoooo! |
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Location: Upper Left USA | "It is supposed to be mid 60's and sunny..."
The studio or the weather? ;) |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by MWoody:
"It is supposed to be mid 60's and sunny..."
The studio or the weather? ;) If it's both, we'll need to see pics of the studio as well! :) |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by stephent28:
Dave, I've been spending most of my time re-assembling my studio with the new gear. I promise to try and take some pics this weekend. It is supposed to be mid 60's and sunny...WoooHoooo! Hey, Stephen, don't sweat it. I'm just looking for pacification 'til I can do the assault on the music store when the Tak shows up! :)
When Tupp was reveiwing his Tak, he spoke of it ringing like a bell.(or something to that effect) Does yours exhibit this too. There are a couple of Jim Croce songs where the guitar has a bell like ring to it that I've always liked. Tupp's post reminded me of that. If I'm not mistaken, Jim used the Martin (a D-21 I think)that his friend owned, on those songs. Anyway, I've always loved the sound of that guitar.
Dave |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Get the Have You Seen Jim Croce Live dvd and you can see whether he played his Martin or his Ovation on most of his songs. He switches back and forth, but some of the songs are just played in the background so you can't tell which he's playing. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Mark, I have that dvd, but haven't watched it in a while. Will have to get it out again. That is definately a must have for the "Croce" fan. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I've got 5 of his songs down pretty well and a 6th I can fake my way through. I'm working on another. Good thing he can't come out with new stuff, I guess. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | If I recall correctly in a GP article/interview way back, it was mentioned that the studio recordings were done using an older Martin dread and that on stage he used a combination of Martin and Ovation. I think the Midnight Special appearence was all Ovation and that's where he got most of the Ovation popularity started, plus the inside of the album cover with the roundback sitting on the windowsill. Dave |
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Location: UK - Canterbury Kent | Can anyone say what an EF75S is. It is on the UK Tak site, but no EF75F.
Is the EF75F that special, or is it similar to my D28 ? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | It's on the website:
http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=1909&sid=67 |
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by stephent28:
....re-assembling my studio with the new gear. .....It is supposed to be mid 60's Chianti bottles and candles, or Hefneresque chrome and glass? |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I opted in on this model because I just happened to have a neat lighted Takamine sign that didn't go with anything else in the studio. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I opted in on this model because I just happened to have a neat lighted Takamine sign that didn't go with anything else in the studio. That's got to be the best/worst excuse for aquiring a guitar I've heard yet! ( :) )
But, the timings good! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | It's kind of like having to get shoes to match the dress. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I think I bought a guitar once because I had an extra stand. Dave |
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Location: big island | better than buying one cuz you had an extra set of strings... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I think ef75j and ef75s are the same guitar. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Originally posted by colt357:
Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I opted in on this model because I just happened to have a neat lighted Takamine sign that didn't go with anything else in the studio. That's got to be the best/worst excuse for aquiring a guitar I've heard yet! |
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| The only wooden guitars which arouse the wood around here are classical and flamenco. Since I slapped my mitts around the ute I've never even thought of a wooden steel string acoustic. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Well, that does happen. You'll get over that in time and the GAS will come back. Enjoy the Ute in the meantime. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
Originally posted by colt357:
Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I opted in on this model because I just happened to have a neat lighted Takamine sign that didn't go with anything else in the studio. That's got to be the best/worst excuse for aquiring a guitar I've heard yet! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Stephen T will do that sort of stuff. Watch out for him. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | :D |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Colt/Prof......either of you guys score yet? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | #82! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by colt357:
#82! Come on....don't keep us in suspense!
Initial thoughts, then you can come back with the detailed analysis! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I can't believe these people who would rather play their guitars when they get them instead of talk about them on this board. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I know Mark.....irritates me too! |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Mine should be arriving any day now. Colt, you were on the fence and wanted to try it out first. Did you take the plunge? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Sorry for the suspense; not intentional, I assure you. And not meant to irritate.
Initial thoughts are all I've got. Have not had more than a moment here and there to check out #82 since it followed me home.
1)Awesome looks!!!The Brazilian Rosewood on #82 is very dark. You have to hold it to the light just right to see the grain. Would have liked a little more light grain. Was surprised to see the headstock overlay is B/R...thought it would be ebony. The maple around the body is well figured,light and dark, but that around the neck, while still well figured, is lighter. The Abalone purfling is simply spectacular. I thought my CB was nicely done with Abalone (and it is), but nothing like this EF75J!
2)Sound/tone...AWESOME!!!!Rings like a bell on the high side :) and rumbles like a train on the low end :) !!!We plugged it in at the music store (I don't have an accoustic amp) ...HOLY SMOKES!!!WOW!!!...I could keep on going but you get the idea. You would think this guitar had been played for 20 years; like Stephen had said, I can't wait to hear what the years do to it.
3)Playability...very comfortable, I'm very pleased. My fingers are rather short and fat, and I was concerned about the wider neck, but I like it.
4) And now I guess it's my turn to say, "Bill it's all your fault!" And, "I would like the opportunity to some day thank you in person. But this will have to suffice for now. And,no, you weren't getting all wound up over imaginary things again!" :) But, I'm going to quit reading your posts; they are way too expensive! :)
PBB, I guess you get the idea that I fell off the fence! :) Any sign of yours?
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | OK, we're up to 6 and I think real soon it will be 7 with #61 finding a home as well.
So we have
#21 Debanjo
#61 tba
#71 cwk2
#72 Witco
#82 Dave Old Hips Parker Colt45
#?? ProBB
#?? Steve |
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Location: big island | congrats, dave! waiting for the pics now... |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Thanks, Lanaki. Me too...Stephen???? :)
Hope to get some soon and will post them.
I think you would love this guitar for your slack key?
Dave |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Forgot to mention...the case with mine is a black hardshell. Fit could be better, but, it'll work.
And, the frets seem to be about half the size of those on the CB. Very comfortable. |
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Location: big island | dave,
i have no doubt that guitar would do slack key very well. but the 1537 does it so well, i ain't gonna look further. not this month anyway... |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | That 1537 of yours sounds awesome! You certainly do not have a need to look further. How's the next youtube vid coming? |
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Location: big island | i was waiting for my voice to heal. bronchitis and too many dairy products! (i'm an ice cream junkie)
got a gig tomorrow night so i'll see how it does...
thank you! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Well go easy. Not something you want to push too hard. Hope the gig goes well! :) |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I must say, the EF75 keeps climbing it's way up my list of favorite guitars. Plays like a dream and the body size just feels so perfect. And like I said the sound is everything you could ask for. Seriously, if you are at all sitting on the fence about investing in a premium guitar you really need to consider the EF75. Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Rare-Takamine-EF75S-BRAZILIAN-ROSEWOOD-A-E-... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, since it is part of the Kaman family and we seem to have a bunch of them and growing, how about adding it to the serial number registration page? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Bill, You must have missed my initial post when I mentioned I had #74!
So current tally is..............
#21 Debanjo
#61 tba
#71 cwk2
#72 Witco
#74 Stephent28
#82 Dave Old Hips Parker Colt45
#?? ProBB |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Where's Fugot, Noah, Tony and JeffW?
This should definitely be on their short list to grab!
MIKE!!!!! When you gonna call me???? |
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Location: Colorado | Stephent28 - should I lessen my bank balance and join the club? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I wouldn't think twice about it. It is an incredible bargain for a terrific sounding guitar. Can't go wrong acoustic or plugged in.
Check the prior auctions to get a feel for the going price and then jump in. ProfBB and I went through Sigler and some others through BrotherBobby.
It has moved into my top 3. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by stephent28:
how about adding it to the serial number registration page? Sure. How 'bout Toca bongos as well? USA Gretsch drums are pretty cool as well. No. Gotta draw the line somewhere. By the way, Toca bongos (the higher end stuff) really ARE great.
Dave |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Hi Elgin! If you join this motley crew, we could hold our own Takamine jam here in Denver. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I have been playing the dread EF340S BG, the bluegrass mahogony dread and it's great, a little different sound than the 75. I keep coming back to the 75 for what Dave just said, it's comfortable. The dread seems to stretch my right shoulder after playing it a while, and while I like the boom, the 75 always seems a bit more balanced in tone. Tak really hit a hole in one on this guitar. I'll be using it the next couple of weeks at the Mermaid gig. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well gee Dave.....I was just thinkin....you know....kinda keep it in the Kaman family....Toca bongos...do they have serials....I already have a damn uke because of you....hmmmmmm....bongos look nice.......can we register them on the ofc page....
besides....we got more known ef75J's than academy's :rolleyes: |
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Location: Yucaipa, California | I'll be using it the next couple of weeks at the Mermaid gig.
...uh, you have a gig as a Mermaid? |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I just noticed that one of the settings on my new Zoom A2.1u modeler is an Adamas tone replicator. This begs an interesting observation . . . I have a great Adamas II that I love, but here I am ready to play a Tak 75J through a modeler to see how close I can make it sound like the Ad-II. What would be the point? Maybe I'll try the National Reso-Phonic effect instead. I don't have one of those. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I just noticed that one of the settings on my new Zoom A2.1u modeler is an Adamas tone replicator. This begs an interesting observation . . . I have a great Adamas II that I love, but here I am ready to play a Tak 75J through a modeler to see how close I can make it sound like the Ad-II. What would be the point? Maybe I'll try the National Reso-Phonic effect instead. I don't have one of those. PBB, any sign of yours?
As for modeling, you are not going to want or need to model the Tak after anything. It will not surprise me to see systems that have a model for the Tak EF75J...I believe it is that good.
Guys, have any of you tried different strings yet? If so, what did you try and what do think?
Just noticed a sticker on the case. It reads: Takimine, GC1530, NEX case. The top is arched and has TAKIMINE embossed into it above the top of the neck.
Dave |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Colt, I have some old National guitar ads, but no sign. Just checked UPS tracking . . . delivery is expected Friday, March 16. The warehouse is located in Ontario, California. I know the city well, or did at one time, as I was stationed there for six years while serving in the National Guard. The vineyards have been replaced with industrial strips. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | That's where the warehouse is these days. It used to be in beautiful downtown Compton. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by stephent28:
Well gee Dave.....I was just thinkin........we got more known ef75J's than academy's :rolleyes: Sorry Stephen, registration pages are limited to guitars with plastic backs.
Now, that's not to say there isn't a www.takaminegallery.com or www.myfavoritemartins.com in the works ... ;)
Dave |
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Location: Colorado | Perfessor - I'll bring my numbered bongos too...But I'll be darned if I'll let a camera in the place again after those photos....thank God my students haven't seen them....or the finacial court system |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by elginacres:
Stephent28 - should I lessen my bank balance and join the club? Well??????? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | This guitar just makes me smile!
I smile when I look at it; it is one of, if not the most, elegant looking guitars I have ever seen. Not gaudy, not over the top, just balanced elegance.
I smile when I play it; once again, just true balanced tone. The sound is sooo smooooth! I've never played a nicer sounding guitar, period. To my ear this puts out pure cream.
I smile when I think of the concerns I had over the width at the nut and whether the volumne would be a large compromize to a dread due to the OM body size. All unfounded. I said before it was comfortable to play, and I think few would disagree after spending some time on it. The volumne, altho less than my CB, is more than offset by the truely balanced full sound. Like others have said, this guitar puts out a sound out of porportion to its' size.
And I smile when I think back to when I felt a Takamine could not compete with my desire to buy a Martin. This guitar just kicked Martin of that high pedestal I had it on. No, I'm not running down Martin guitars. I still feel they are very good instruments, but this Takamine is as good as any Martin made, in my book.
And I smile at the fact that I would not have one of these beautiful guitars if I did not spend time here at the OFC. Bill, Stephen, Dave, thank you for putting in the time to get the word out and make a believer out of a sceptic. You all read my concerns and if not for your insistence in all that this guitar is, I probably would not have pursued this to the end. Of course 2 minutes with it at the music store proved every point you made.
For any of you sitting on the fence like I was, I seriously urge you to make the jump. Time is running out fast. You will not regret it.
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Nicely said. Thank You.
And best of all, it's all true. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Well I'll try to post some pics. Don't hold your breath, not sure if I can remeber how to do this.
Dave |
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Location: SoCal | That is beautiful. Maybe I should cancel my order for an OFC guitar and get one of these..... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Moody, the OFC guitar will no doubt be an incredible instrument but for 1/2 the price this guitar is an absolute dream.
This one is very close IMHO to the #47 reissue when it comes to overall rating (sound, playability, speaks to me, etc). |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Thanks, Moody. My cheep Kodak digital really is not doing the guitar any justice. The Brazilain Rosewood is so dark and the finish so shiny it is hard to capture. Here are a couple more pics.
Dave |
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Location: big island | dave, you're killin' me...
there's a conspiracy goin' on around here. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | At equal price point I would waffle on the Tak vs. 47RI. Such great guitars it's really hard to compare and claim one is champion over the other. However, the fact that one costs almost DOUBLE really makes to stand up and take notice.
Ranking guitars is meaningless, but we all do it at least in our heads. The Tak is not my flat out ultimate, favorite or best guitar of my collection. But it's surpassed ONLY by a few other wooden guitars which cost considerably more. If I was challenged to own only ONE guitar max price $2500. than the Tak would be a hands down winner.
Dave |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Bill said it all when he stated that Takamine "hit a hole in one" with this guitar.
And I still think this is s "Sleeper Guitar". Soon they will all be gone (100 or less to be made) and when it's all over and done, guys are going to be cryin' "How come I never heard about these?"
We're lucky Bill put this out for us in time!Don't get Rip Van Winkled! :)
And Stephen your ballroom pics can't be any worse than mine, can they?....??? :)
Dave |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by Lanaki:
dave, you're killin' me...
there's a conspiracy goin' on around here. Laniki, you asked for pics. Don't shoot the messenger!
I've been searching close to 40 years for "The One"; I found it here in Spades!
And what makes this so great, is that I now have an extremely beautiful heirloom quality guitar to pass down to my son, when I'm gone. I hope to make him wait for many, many years to claim it! :)
Go play your 1537, and you'll feel better.
Dave |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | No. 67 arrived today in its custom tan case direct from the factory! It now rests in its special place in the humidified studio. I plan to run it through its courses over the weekend, including playing it head-to-head against the 1581 Ad-II and 1651 Legend Ltd.
Personally, I don’t mind the case. While the covering seems a bit faux, on the whole it appears every bit the equal in quality to the cases used by Gibson for their custom shop guitars. The close fit to the guitar is perfect, and the dark brown fur contrasting against the tan exterior resembles the same contrast between the guitar’s spruce top and Brazilian Rosewood sides and back. Every manufacturer should make handles as comfortable as this one. Not everybody will go for the exterior color of the case, but the quality of the case certainly seems befitting for the quality of the guitar. I have a slight preference for Fender’s vintage reissue tweed cases, but have never really paid any attention to other colors (Fender’s and Gibson’s brown cases in particular). Nonetheless, this tan could grow on me.
The fit and finish of the guitar is outstanding, and the attention to detail in the abalone inlays is extraordinary. For instance, there is even a small round inlay on the head of the string end pins. If you appreciate the quality of a Lexus (I do), then you will appreciate the quality of this guitar. The Japanese can be perfectionists when it comes to quality control, and this guitar demonstrates this in spades.
Contrary to the darker finish of the Brazilian Rosewood on Colt’s No. 82, the finish on this one is a little lighter. I would call it medium dark. The grain comes through very well as the picture below demonstrates. As to the spruce top, yes, it is warm and beautiful and highly regarded for its resonance, but unless it has those special bear claw imperfections, nothing about the appearance of spruce stirs my soul. It is plain to my taste. On the other hand, acoustic guitars are supposed to have natural colored spruce tops, aren’t they? Most do. The binding is also exquisite.
 
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Location: south east Michigan | Wow...
That's one beautiful piece of work.
There is a lot to admire here but I gotta say the binding work is really outstanding. |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by colt357:
Originally posted by Lanaki:
dave, you're killin' me...
there's a conspiracy goin' on around here. Lanaki
Go play your 1537, and you'll feel better.
Dave |
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Location: big island | hey dave, can you take some pics outdoors with the sun shining on the backside like pbb did?
where's the snow, prof?
brother bobby still has one of these on his ebay auction page. interesting that the page shows 10 offers but when i click to see the status of the offers, it says no offers have been made. (edit: i see that ebay has changed the way offers are shown. apparently you can only see the status of offers you have made and no one else's. ebay must have made that change back when they stopped showing bidder usernames on open auctions over $200.00)
i see where tuppy's offer of $2500 was accepted on the guitar he got. if i had it, i'd get it! that guitar looks understatedly elegant and sweet. wish i could get my hands on her. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | My #71 is pretty dark too. That grain is really nice! Another thing I like is the way the back stripe has that wave going through it and the oval dots are cool.
I talked to Debanjo today and his comment is that his, #21, is the most addicting guitar he's ever played. He's been gigging with in around Asheville and running it through an old Shobud volume pedal. He said he can't see himself ever playing a smaller neck again.
I can't wait for #61 to arrive. It's supposed to have lighter wood. Most of them were pretty dark. |
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Location: big island | bill,
does debanjo live in asheville? if so, do you know where he gigs? perhaps i can catch one of his gigs when i am there in june.
(edit: i see that he lives in waynesville. i am very familiar with the area.)
generally speaking, the darker the brazilian is the older it is. have to leave room for the sapwood vs. heartwood caveat though. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The updated list of ownership by the OFC . . .
#21 Debanjo
#61 tba
#67 ProfessorBB
#71 cwk2
#72 Witco
#74 StephenT
#82 Colt45 |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | PBB, that is gorgeous. Looking forward to your assessment after you do the A/B/C.
Had visions this morning of you sitting out on the porch looking left/right, up and down the street, for the brown truck. :)
Guess I'm gonna hafta change my user name to Colt45. :)
Anybody else thinking of taking the plunge for one of the few that are left?
Dave |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by Lanaki:
Originally posted by colt357:
Originally posted by Lanaki:
dave, you're killin' me...
there's a conspiracy goin' on around here. Lanaki
Go play your 1537, and you'll feel better.
Dave |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by colt357:
PBB, that is gorgeous. Looking forward to your assessment after you do the A/B/C. And I like the Tak sign.
Had visions this morning of you sitting out on the porch looking left/right, up and down the street, for the brown truck. :)
Guess I'm gonna hafta change my user name to Colt45. :)
Anybody else thinking of taking the plunge for one of the few that are left?
Dave Ooops. Hit quote instead of edit. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | You can tell by the grouping that we are all jumping on this wagon at the tail end of the trip! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Decided I'll keep my user name, so will amend the previous list to reflect that.
#21 Debanjo
#61 TBA
#67 ProfessorBB
#71 cwk2
#72 Witco
#74 StephenT
#82 colt357
Play time!
Dave |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Just watched the Sigler video in their Ebay add again. The guitar they demo in that video is #61! Now I'm real curious who is getting it.
I'm also curious if any of you guys got some kind of book with yours. Literature of some kind. I did not. And, what is the bridge material? Is it rosewood?
Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I got a booklet, warranty card, polishing cloth, bumper stickler, kaman qc hangtag, case combo instructions, da hang tag, sn hangtag and a printed receipt.
I'll say this for Bro Robert, I hate it that he's trying to drive the smaller customer focused dealers out of business. BUT, I've purchased 3 guitars from him (FD14, OM42, EF75) and all have be A+ transactions.
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I was supposed to have received #61 but when they were inspecting it prior to shipment, they discovered a scratch down the back....so they sent it back to the factory and had #74 drop shipped directly to my door. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I received the same case stuff as Tupp. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | That explains why 61 was headed back to the warehouse. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | O.k., spent some time with the new Tak this weekend. First, I put new batteries and strings on the other models for the comparo just to keep things even. Included besides the Tak were the 1581 Ad-II, 1651 Legend Ltd, Book Elite, and the EA-68 Viper. I then played each for about an hour with and without various effects on the Zoom, and I even made some loops with one guitar and dubbed some melody and lead lines with another. Here’s my personal take . . .
COMFORT: The first thing that struck me about the Tak was the comfort. It is nice and light, and the smaller OM size just feels really good to hold. It fits my body size and type (5'9", 180 lbs, relatively athletic for an old guy). I thought the neck felt short, but measurements revealed that it is a pinch longer than almost everything else in my studio. I also felt like the wider neck (1-7/8") kept me from inadvertently fuzzing out an adjacent open string on some chords, thereby resulting in very clean chord structure. I have stayed away from wider necks all my life because of my small hands, but this guitar now makes me think that this may be baggage from my learning days as a pre-teen. I wouldn’t say it is more comfortable than a Strat or the EA Viper, but it is more comfortable than a deep bowl.
TONE: The tone is light and crisp. Some folks might refer to this as a “woody” tone, but I haven’t played enough all wood guitars to know. It does not boom like the deep bowls. Plugged in, it compares very well with the Legend Ltd and the Book Elite, although a bit lighter. The 1581 Ad-II sounds like a cannon next to the Tak. The Ad-II sounds like a cannon next to anything. The 1581 also has a crisp bell-like tone as well, but it is lower down. Think of a bell choir with the Tak a few notes higher in the range. The resonance and sustain are excellent. On the downside, the Tak seems more susceptible to feedback. After playing the others, I would have to adjust the volume with the Tak to prevent feedback. This is a well-known advantage of Ovation. It isn't terrible, just something you have to plan and make adjustment for, particularly if you are gigging with multiple guitars.
APPEARANCE: The Tak is simply breathtaking. It is every bit as beautiful as the Book Elite from the front. The spruce top is more blonde than golden, but the Brazilian Rosewood back and sides are incomparable. The neck is darker on mine than others appearing in this posting, and the finish is more of a semi-gloss than the satin sheen seen on some O’s. The tuners look very fancy and allow very minute adjustments, noticeably more so than on the others.
OVERALL: I will gig with this guitar. I have an art gallery show next month where I am playing three hours of background solo instrumental stuff and will very likely use this guitar with the Zoom, loop machine, and the Trace. Although I prefer a cut-out in order to noodle around above the 12th fret, it can be done a little on the Tak, but nothing higher than E. I may use the Tak on occasion in the Praise band (along with the Ad-II), but it won’t take over as my primary guitar. That remains the role of the EA Viper which continues to be my guitar of choice these days because it simply can do everything. The Tak and Ad-II both have better acoustic tone, but the EA Viper is very acceptable. For lead lines, however, I much prefer the Viper, plus it is the most comfortable of the bunch to hold and play, particularly in the E to G range (and above) in the upper frets.
VERDICT: The Tak is a sensational guitar and I am glad I jumped on this when I could. I would not sell it back to the factory for what I paid. Thanks to cwk2 for bringing it to our attention, and to StephenT for validating the news with his review. It isn’t a do-all guitar and won‘t take the place of others, but it will get played, and will be the only all-wood flat box acoustic guitar in my collection. It may be too early to accurately rank it, but if I had to, I would put it No. 5 behind the EA Viper, Ad-II, USA Strat with SRV pups, and the ES-335 CRS TD. Obviously, the Strat and ES-335 are for entirely different purposes, and this ranking may be subject to change when the OFC guitar arrives, but the Tak is most definitely on the A team. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Professor, nice review. Nice to hear it's found a place in your line-up. I'll bet as time goes on you'll find yourself useing it more and more.
I really like the 1 7/8" neck for the same reason you quoted. Playing some chords on a std neck would present some buzz if not executed just right. This neck is more forgiving.
I'm really enjoying mine. Looking forward to trying some different strings to see what else it might have to offer. Any one know what gauge these are? They seem pretty light.
Even entertaining thoughts of maybe looking in to an accoustic amp. :)
Dave |
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Location: SoCal | Good review, Prof. One of the things I really like about this board as opposed to others, is that while we all love Ovations, there's a real appreciation for other makes of guitars. Ice cream........ |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | I would love to hear (and spend some time with) this guitar. It really sounds like the pics I've seen - very, VERY nice. As usual, I'm jealous. |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | I hope someone is bringing one of these to the tour. |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
Good review, Prof. One of the things I really like about this board as opposed to others, is that while we all love Ovations, there's a real appreciation for other makes of guitars. Ice cream........ Paul, I was just thinking that same thing today as I spent some time over at the Acoustic Guitar forum. I cannot tell you how many threads I read bellowing the Taylors and Martins. Hey - they're great guitars! But they're not the ONLY guitars! For Christ's sake - in addition to those two, there are O's and A's and Tak's and Guilds and Yairi's and...ok, you all know the routine by now...geez!... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Wease,
Grab Jeff and Cliff and come one down. I think I have a couple extra guitars we can all play.
(I mention the others only so that there is a buffer between me and all of you sick puppies!) |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by Weaser P:
Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
Good review, Prof. One of the things I really like about this board as opposed to others, is that while we all love Ovations, there's a real appreciation for other makes of guitars. Ice cream........ Paul, I was just thinking that same thing today as I spent some time over at the Acoustic Guitar forum. I cannot tell you how many threads I read bellowing the Taylors and Martins. Hey - they're great guitars! But they're not the ONLY guitars! For Christ's sake - in addition to those two, there are O's and A's and Tak's and Guilds and Yairi's and...ok, you all know the routine by now...geez!...
This board is truely blessed! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Need some thoughts from the experts. I'm thinking of trying some medium strings on this guitar. I see on the Takamine site they ship with light strings.
Am I going to have trouble with the nut being built for light strings? Wiil the string grooves be too narrow? And if I decide to go back to lights, will the string grooves now be too wide after using mediums?
Good grief this board has me paranoid! I use to just string with whatever gauge I wanted, without any thought to these things.
And, will mediums be alright on this guitar? The pics of bridges being torn off, in other threads, has me spooked too.
Good grief!!!
Have we picked up anymore guys getting in on these?
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I put mediums on mine and it worked just fine but it played harder. A little bit more sound. I tend to want to play the smaller bodies more like an electric and put a lot of feel into the fingering. That's hard with mediums so I switched back to lites. I have been using mediums on the EF340S BG and they work fine. I also got recently a Merrill C-28(braz/adri)dread and it is absolutly killer. See the Witco marriage thread. I use mediums on that too and no problem. The approach to these guitars is more strumming and single line stuff whereas the OM gets more bends. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | cwk2, thanks for the your thoughts on the strings. I suspect I will end up staying with lights also, but, out of curiosity I just want to hear what it sounds like with mediums. As far as needing more sound, I don't believe it's necessary. This little guitar really projects a FULL, clean sound, accoustically! Your initial assessment was bang on.
I may at some time "want" another guitar but I will certainly never "need" another guitar! This one for me, has it all!
Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Bill, does the 75 still have mediums on it? Didn't feel like it but what the heck do I know ...
FYI, I played this guitar at an open mic sort of thing last wednesday. Felt completely at home of course. Sumpthin' bout a wide neck on an OM sized body just "works". The guitar sounded really good to me, and according to a few others through the house PA also sounded really nice. Nobody mentioned my singing ...
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Dave, those were lights. I changed them just before you came here. I really don't like the mediums on this guitar but love them on the blewgrass340. Go figger. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | OK, 61 arrived. It's as good as 71, back and sides not so dark. Good to have a spare one of these hanging around. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I used mine for the first time in practice last evening, and will use it again this Sunday. This is because one of the numbers has a lot of strumming. The other band members commented on the wonderful acoustic tone. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by cwk2:
OK, 61 arrived. It's as good as 71, back and sides not so dark. Good to have a spare one of these hanging around. Was curious when it would resurface. Nice to hear it has found its' way home.
Was into the big city today to see our daughter so was able to pick up a set of EJ16 and a set of EJ17. I think I will try the mediums on the CB and stay with the lights on the EF75J for now.
May do an open mic/jam tomorrow and am yet to decide which of these 2 to take. Want to hear them both through a system. Will probably decide as I go out the door if I go. :) If I don't care for the mediums on the CB that will most likely be the kicker.
Haven't done a jam session in over 10 years...maybe it's time again.
Dave |
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Location: Tampa, FL | Well, I decided to try to get one of these after spending my morning reading through the posts about this guitar.
I spoke with Brother Bobby, but no luck. He might be getting one in a few weeks.
I left a message with Sigler and I'm supposed to hear back from Randy.
I'll keep you posted.
If you know of one, reach me at just_strummin @ yahoo . com
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Biting my lip ...
Trying hard not to spill the beans ...
I hate this ...
Dave |
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Location: closely held secret | Please don't explode all over the board, Dave. No one wants to have to clean up the mess.
Just say it. |
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Location: Up North | Isn't Al a Takamine dealer? |
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Location: big island | i just saw al listed as a takamine dealer on dave's EF75 pages last night. so, i guess he is. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | All I know is that I "heard" the factory had a very few of these left and a certain eclectic dealer of high end and vintage guitars had secured them ... |
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Location: SoCal | I'd be real tempted to get one, but with the order in for the OFC guitar, I'm not going to be able to spend any money on other guitars for quite a while... |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by Tupperware:
All I know is that I "heard" the factory had a very few of these left and a certain eclectic dealer of high end and vintage guitars had secured them ... "eclectic" and "vintage" being the operative hints. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Dropcloth spread around computor in anticipation of spewing beans!
And the vortex continues to spin! |
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Location: Orange County, California | How many does "He" have? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Lanaki:
i just saw Al listed as a takamine dealer on dave's EF75 pages last night. so, i guess he is. Did I put that on my site ???
Well, spank me with a twinkie! Actually, I believe the link says "Lost Art Vintage - Takamine EF75 Dealer"
You'd have to contact him about the whole product line, but I do suspect that there is something special special going on wrt these last few EF75's.
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | If Al grabbed the last of the E75J available, he made one hell of a shrewd move.
Nice going Al! |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Yeah, sometimes Al comes off as a cross between "The Born Loser" and "Fred Sanford". But under that hat are some serious wheels cranking away. Not sure even he knows what the outcome will always be, but it sorta works. And we all get to benefit from it!
Btw, Tak has a pretty cool myspace:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&fr... |
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Location: Tampa, FL | I just spoke with Al after we exchanged a few emails. He's a very cool guy who didn't promise anything which is what I like to get from a dealer. Some dealers make commitments without having anything and then you're left high and dry. Al was right up front with me.
Thanks for all the PM's everyone sent me. I know I don't get to this board as often as other people, but I really appreciate the help you gave me.
I hope I get to play one of these! I've been looking for an OM for such a long, long, long time.
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well, for me the Tak continues to shine brightly!
Here, in no particular order, are the top 5 playing/sounding/talking to me 6-string guitars in my collection.
Adamas #47 RI
Ovation FD14
Tak EF75J
Martin Norman Blake Signature
Taylor Doyle Dykes Signature
In the 12 strings
Baxendale Custom 12 fret slothead cutaway
Adamas 1688 Big Blue
I truly think I could (and might) sell all the other acoustic guitars I currently own (excluding the baritones) and still be an incredibly happy camper.
Everyone of these just makes me smile and want to sit and play all day. |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Very interesting that the Fud ranks #2, T. While I'm torn where to turn my attention after the 1537, I really enjoyed playing JW's FD14 at last year's Tour (I just sold a cedar topped Tak and hated to move that one) as well as his Ute (though that may be displaced by JW's Custom Ute - damn him anyway!). And I'm really looking forward to the Ute12 and the OFC and the...sigh...it'll never end... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Wease....reread my post.
I said "in no particular order".
Those are just IMHO the top 5 in my stable. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | If you hated to sell the cedar top Tak, then you gotta get the EJ75. Best Tak I have EVER played and so worth the money it is ridiculous.
Can you feel the enthusiasm of all of us who own one!!! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Sweet Cedar Top |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Jeff, that sounds good even through the crappy computer speakers.
Was that you playing? |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Very nice, Jeff. I don't recognize it though...is that original?
Stephen, I certainly can and have no doubt that it's a wonderful guitar (especially for the price tag) but I'm settling for living vicariously right now. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | That's me playing 'Live from Hell', an autobiographical instrumental, shortly after I sold my soul to play that well. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | So RJ....I mean JW....is that one on the soon to be released cd you have been working on? |
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Location: Tampa, FL | Received message from Al. He definitely got the last of the inventory (confirmed by another dealer). By the sounds of it, Takamine may not have any more remaining Brazilian left that is large enough to make any more of the OM size guitars.
Based on the feedback from the other members I'm getting one. It's beyond my budget, but I hope it will turn out to be the guitar I keep. I've spent too much damn time packing boxes to find it.
Too bad I can't get the seller of a 2003 Collectors to sell me his guitar for a reasonable price. Heck, I paid only $625 for mine and now he's selling it for more! I really miss that and a Martin jumbo I sold to a UMGF member a couple years back. Either would satisfy my needs.
But, this sounds like a very special guitar indeed. Thanks again for all your help. I'll keep all of you posted.
BTW, some people asked me privately what other guitars I've owned. That list is longer than I care to admit to. I've had well over 50 guitars pass through my hands buying, selling, and trading in the past three years.
I think any manufacturer has some good models and you get lucky sometimes even with the not so good lines. However, the only guitars I keep at the top of my list are a late 60's Hummingbird, the 03 Collectors, a 90's Martin JC-16, and the only one I've kept through all of them, my Santa Cruz D'03. Other manufactures produce some amazing pieces, particularly some of the boutique builders that receive little recognition, but they're typically out of my budget and I only brought them in to re-sell them...oh, and to get a chance to play them of course. ;)
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: big island | mark,
foyle is looking for an OFC member in the chicago area. something about an adamas millennium he is interested in. perhaps you will touch base with him if he doesn't get hold of you first? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Good call Mark.
I think you will be happy with your decision to grab one of the last EF75s. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | ding ding ding ding ...
And I do believe that Al has obtained these with the proper deluxe TKL case and not that cheap crap that Brother Bobblehead tries to pull over on you.
Congratulations Mark.
Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | ding ding ding ding ...
And I do believe that Al has obtained these with the proper deluxe TKL case and not that cheap crap that Brother Bobblehead tries to pull over on you.
Congratulations Mark.
Dave |
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Location: ranson,wva | you can say that again tupp.....jason |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | What's the deal on these TKL cases? What makes them so special? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by colt357:
What's the deal on these TKL cases? What makes them so special? And edit: Congrats Mark. The Tak is "special". |
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Location: Tampa, FL | Tupp, yes, Al is including the Deluxe case because Takamine sold these last few as kits with the Deluxe case. Granted, they're more with the Deluxe case, but I'm very happy.
Lanaki, I'd be happy to take a look at a guitar for Foyle. Just pass him my contact information, or please forward it to me and I'll take it from there.
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tuppy, is the proper delux case the "tan" case like we received, a different one like Colt357 got, or an entirely different case from the prior two? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | No the Tan one is the cheap substitute that Sogler and Brother Bobblehead throw in the deal. That's how they could afford to sell the 75's so cheap. I "think" that's the case that comes with the celebrity (ooops), I mean G Series guitars. I think Prof got an "intermediate" case, nicer than mine, but not the one that's supposed to come with the pro line series (now only sold as a kit). I saw Bill's case up close and personal, and HE (go figger), got the Real McCoy. De-Fuckin-Luxe TKL case. Same case Martin uses on their good stuff. I know I sound like a whining anal case homo, but it just pisses me off that Bro. Bobblehead screwed me. I wanted the guitar so badly that I never even thought to ask about the case.
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well, the good thing about the tan case is that you immediately know which guitar is in it :D
Since I don't really plan to travel with it, I guess it isn't a big deal but the better case would have been nice. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | You know Dave, my guitar was drop shipped directly from Tak in CA and it came with the tan case. I wonder if the TKL wasn't an upgrade option??? |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I'm sure the tan case I received directly from the factory is the same one received by Tupp and Stephen. One thing is for sure . . . I'm already banging it up through use, and I have no qualms that it is doing its job. I wouldn't mind seeing a pic of the upgraded case. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I'm sure the tan cases come straight from Tak, that's not an issue. The issue is that it makes it very deceptive trying to compare what one dealer gives you for your money vs. another. Of course I haven't played a gig in about a quarter century so I don't know what the hell the case even matters to me. Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, it matters when we take them to the OFC gatherings and they got to ride on the plane!
Tony has ranted (justifiably) about BroBobby and his cases for a long time now. Sounds like another convert to the cause.
You know, I never really put much thought into the case issue before but maybe it is time to start including that in the overall equation. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Dave, in the pics I sent you you can see the case I got, somewhat. Is it the same as the one cwk2 got? Or is mine another in the mix? |
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Location: big island | the tak i am getting from sigler is still in its unopened box fresh from the factory. they were unable to tell me what serial number i got without pulling out their invoices, which i told them not to worry about. i suppose the case inside that box is the tan one. i'll probably buy another case, just "in case", if i find this one inadequate. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Ah, I was confused. It was you, not Prof who got the better case. There's really nothing wrong with any of them, I just like ot bitch a little. Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Lanaki, are you saying your tak has arrived on the island (but unopened) or is it waiting for you at Siglers? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | By the way, did you guys know that the Tak fretboard radius is not constant. It varies from 10 inch to 14 inch over the length of the board. Is this common? First I've ever heard of such a thing, but then again I never thought to ask. When a company (like ovation) says their boards are 10 inch radius, do they mean a constant 10 inches over the whole length?
Dave |
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Location: big island | it's still at sigler's awaiting my payment. initially they said i could do a layaway. when i attempted to put a down payment on it i was then told their new software is not set up for layaways and i could just pay in full when i have it. they put my name on the box and stored it with the manager's promise that it is mine. it will be a month or so before i can put all the funds together. |
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Location: PDX | Originally posted by Tupperware:
By the way, did you guys know that the Tak fretboard radius is not constant. It varies from 10 inch to 14 inch over the length of the board. Is this common? First I've ever heard of such a thing, but then again I never thought to ask. When a company (like ovation) says their boards are 10 inch radius, do they mean a constant 10 inches over the whole length?
Dave Most guitars have a single radius throughout the neck (barring imperfections) because they are easier to build. Ones that have a varying radius are referred to as having a compound radius. Your 10 to 14 has a 10 inch radius at the nut, flatting out as it approaches the body to 14 inches.
_____
gh1 |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Just for the record, I'm reasonably sure they all came from the factory in boxes, no cases. Why send a TKL all the way to Japan just to have it sent back? |
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Location: Tampa, FL | Well, I'm going to have to pull out of the deal for the 3rd and only remaining EF75S.
Originally I was planning on getting it for the price that Sigler's sold them for, but it's not within my budget because they are now sold as a kit for $700 more.
The $700 is a real killer. In fact, it's a 35% increase. I've read the posts about the crappy cases that were shipped with the guitars for $2300, but I'd gladly take one of these guitars for that price given the price increase with the "nicer" deluxe case. Its a case that will just sit in the corner anyway.
I know my misfortune will make someone else on the OFC happy. Not that they want me to have these financial issues, but because of them they are going to get the last one. I'm completely bummed but I'm sure there is a reason. Unfortunately, God's will never comes with instructions.
Parents getting older and unable to support themselves financially is never an easy part of life.
Thanks to everyone who almost made this happen for me. Maybe someday one of these will surface on the used market for the price I could afford. Please keep me in mind should anyone on the forum decide that they don't want their's any more.
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by Lanaki:
it's still at sigler's awaiting my payment. initially they said i could do a layaway. when i attempted to put a down payment on it i was then told their new software is not set up for layaways and i could just pay in full when i have it. they put my name on the box and stored it with the manager's promise that it is mine. it will be a month or so before i can put all the funds together. I wonder if you will be able to find something to keep your mind off of the Tak 'til then? :)
I just looked up "Lucky Dog" on Wikipedia and I swear they had your picture right there! |
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Location: Tampa, FL | Well, things seems to work out for a reason. I was able to purchase one of these after all.
Thanks to Randy "Lanaki" who helped make it happen. E pili mau nâ pômaika`i me `oe.
I'll keep everyone posted when it arrives.
Thanks again to the forum members who keep me enlightened.
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Mark, nice it has worked out for you. Will expect a review when you get it.
That Lanaki guy is full of surprises! :) |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by aceboympk:
E pili mau nâ pômaika`i me `oe.
Mark "May you always have good fortune" too Mark! |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | This question is for those who have bought one of these EF75's or any other Brazilian Rosewood guitar for that matter. This guitar is made with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides which Takamine states they have held for 15 years. That statement was made in '05, so it would make this rosewood pre - CITES.
Did anyone receive any kind of paperwork stating the guitar is made with pre-CITES rosewood?
It is my understanding that you can not cross international borders without proper documentation for this instrument.
Any thoughts on this? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I've got three guitars with Braz. rosewood and no documetnation with any of them. I would not worry about it. If you were ever questioned, just say Hey- it's a 2005 guitar made with East Indian rosewood. Ya think the border guard is gonna know the difference or strum it say "nope, sounds like brazilian to me."
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I wouldn't worry about an existing instrument. All that cites stuff is more aimed at raw wood supplies. Like Dave says, tell them it's indian. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | I was reading this, which was why I was asking.
CITES info re: NAMM
On another note: how about some of you guys sending Dave some pics of your EF75s for the site he put together. I would really like to see what yours looks like. I think he has done a fine job getting all that info together. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Okay, Is Koa gonna be next? That is on my list, Just cuz it's Purdy! Like one of These! |
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Location: Tampa, FL | I should be getting mine delivered tomorrow. I'll let everyone know when it arrives and my thoughts. I'll also gladly post pics.
It has been an interesting journey to find a Collectors only to learn about a Tak on the OFC.
This experience has shown me the open nature of people on the OFC compared to some other forums. Visiting guitar forums is like visiting friends houses. Sometimes you want to go hang with one friend and then somedays you want to go hang with other friends. Thanks for making me always feel welcome here.
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | That is one of the special things about this place. |
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Location: Tampa, FL | Well, I'm VERY impressed with this guitar. The tonewoods used are SUPERB! I've not seen Sitka grain this tight in a VERY long time. The Brazilian is STRAIGHT, STRAIGHT, STRAIGHT and not some crotch wood. Kudos to Takamine for waiting so long to put this guitar together!
The neck is very comfortable for my hand. I didn't measure the nut width, but it didn't look like it was much larger than 1-3/4".
The case is a nice brown TKL case. I don't know if it is a deluxe case, but it is good enough.
I haven't plugged this into my Genz-Benz Shenendoah 100 yet to test the pup. I speculate that it is going to sound as good as the guitar unplugged.
Absolutely 100% happy. I might adjust the action to lower it a TAD, but a set up is to be expected with a new guitar. I'll let it settle in of course and play it for about another 40 hours to get it ready.
I can only imagine how good this guitar will sound in 20 years. An absolute keeper.
Thanks again to everyone and especially Randy Lanaki for his help and Randy from the music shop for getting the guitar to me so quickly and without issue.
I'll post some pics once I have a few minutes.
Oh, I almost forgot, #62.
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: big island | right on, mark!
i'm delighted you were able to make this one yours!
play for peace. enjoy it for me.
congratulations. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Mark, I must say I'm not surprised by your initial reaction. This is a remarkable instrument, all around.
I look forward to the pics. Enjoy!
Dave |
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Location: In the Closet | there's some talk that the next one is the EF417. It doesn't float my boat but some might like it. The blewgrasskitrs 340 and 360 are the ones to get. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by GuitarHomo:
The blewgrasskitrs 340 and 360 are the ones to get. What impresses you ? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Probably what's under the "blewgrasskirts"?
You really gotta watch these guitar types..... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Bill, you're jumping to conclusions just based on peoples screen names ...
Btw, read my profile on the Tak forum. I listed my hobby as "Tupperware Collector". That ain't a lie.
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Yesh, I know, I've seen pictures of your tupperware.
Nice too.
I really liked the green ones.
This guitarhomo is probably alot like the standingman. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Let's not give guitarhomo that much credit.
The Standingman was not only a legend but an institution. |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by stephent28:
The Standingman was not only a legend but an institution. The legend says he escaped from an institution. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Christians have faith that jesus christ will return and walk his earth again. OFC members should have the same faith in Standingovation. He died (exited this bord) for our sins and sits at the right hand of god (Al) so that we may continue to enjoy this world (club). In troubled times as theses, as we sit before our keyboards we need only look for guidence in the simple words "What Would Standingovation Do"?
Dave |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | :confused: "What Would Standingovation Do"? :confused:
Y'all gonna be making bumper-stickers with that?
Key chains, pick pouches, and baseball caps available on request? |
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Location: SoCal | W.W.S.D.?
Oh man, with that as our mantra, obviously the world is coming to an end....... |
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Location: big island | anybody heard from jeff w lately? |
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Location: big island | anybody heard from jeff w lately? |
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Location: big island | weird stuff going on on this thread. i have posted twice after moody's post above. when i see this thread listed on the general forum page, my name is there as being the last post a couple hours ago, but neither one of those posts shows up here. :confused:
my post read: has anybody heard from jeff w lately? |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Lanaki, you are not alone. I have tried numerous times also and when the thread opens, your post is not there. Same as this time. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | well does this one appear? |
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Location: closely held secret | Yeah, Bill. The latest posts started showing up after I pulled it directly from the address. Strange. |
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Location: SoCal | I'm seeing every post you guys are talking about. Posts don't always appear right after you post them. Damned if I know why... |
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Location: Tampa, FL | I think posts don't post because posts that haven't posted will be posting after the poster has an opportunity to post them...post haste. :D :rolleyes: |
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Location: big island | sheesh! don't go postal on us there, mark! :D |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I think the suits at kayman corporate have instructed the board admins to delete any posts that do not speak glowingly about ovation products. Just my little conspiracy theory.
Dave |
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Location: big island | well...to bring closure to one of the understory lines here on this thread, i am proud, yet humbled to announce that i am the owner of takamine EF-75 #62. aceboympk (mark) has had to sell it in order to help his mom and my mom is helping to buy it for me. what a story. crazy thing is, my mom and stepdad live only 45 minutes from mark. they will be meeting tomorrow to make the exchange of green and guitar.
this announcement may be premature only cuz tomorrow ain't here yet, however, i felt it safe enough to even send dave an email asking to include me and #62 on his takamine gallery site. i just got word from mark that he never registered the guitar so that is in my favor also.
"if you love something, let it go. if it returns, it was always yours..." |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Randy - congrats AGAIN! Will this one be making an appearance at the gathering? |
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Location: big island | thanks, mike!
i won't see or play the guitar until two days after the gathering. we are driving to illinois to spend a few days at my mom's. she wanted me to have a guitar to play up there, hear my wife sing and watch her hula. so though i will not be leaving home with a guitar, i will be returning with one. now i gotta figure if i should ship it home or let it fly with us? |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | You've got some good parents there to go with your good wife. Let it fly with you.
As Brad alluded to earlier in the thread - I will going home with one more guitar than I arrive with - also a Tak. I'm a sucker for planets and stars! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | You'll love it.
And now for something completely different, I got my EF360S BG today, the solid indian rosewood, sitka top, one piece neck, cool tube preamp guitar today. After tweeking the setup(raising the action from 2 1/2 and 2, to 3 and 2 1/2) and putting on Medium strings it passes muster. I only spent an hour or so with it this afternoon but I think it's going to be really OK. |
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Location: Simpsonville, SC | Randy, you really don't want to let it out of sight, do you? Are you going to trust anyone else to take care of it?
Tell you what, I will pick it up in Knoxville and personally deliver it to you on my next trip to the Big Island. Deal?! |
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Location: Tennessee | Bill, how does the 360 compare with the 340? Does the cool tube make a noticable difference over the line driver system? |
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Location: big island | aloha tim will get a chance to strum this one. i will have it in knoxville on the 16th. |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by CrimsonLake:
You've got some good parents there to go with your good wife. Let it fly with you. thank you, mike. i feel extra blessed today.
if i can take the guitar IN the plane with me, i would prefer to let it fly with me. if it has to go in the cargo hold, i would rather ship it. we have to change planes several times. |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Cool, I may have my #47RI with me for you to make sing Randy. Still trying to figure out how much space we'll have in the car. |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by BegginJM:
Tell you what, I will pick it up in Knoxville and personally deliver it to you on my next trip to the Big Island. Deal?! only if your next trip to the Big Island puts you there within ten minutes of my arrival back home on the 19th. :)
thanks for the consideration, jim. (even if it was full of ulterior motive) |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by Aloha_Tim:
Cool, I may have my #47RI with me... i am sure hoping so tim. i'll get to strum a UTE in asheville and potentially a 47 in knoxville. if there's not enough room in the car, just put your daughter on greyhound ;) ;) (i'm so ashamed...) |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Randy,
I'm looking at mailing mine to Moody and picking it up in LA. However, I think I'm going to suffer from space allocation from the wife buying everything that says Hawaii on it in the last two weeks...as if she couldn't have done it over the last 7 years :( |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Randy - there will be a #47 in Asheville. |
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Location: big island | oh goodie. nevermind tim. cancel your daughter's bus ticket. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | Originally posted by Aloha_Tim:
Randy,
I'm looking at mailing mine to Moody and picking it up in LA. However, I think I'm going to suffer from space allocation from the wife buying everything that says Hawaii on it in the last two weeks...as if she couldn't have done it over the last 7 years :( there was a red ultra guitar in a case in this space a few moments ago... :D
edit: oh...there it is in the sale forum. congratulations on it, Tim! |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Just trying to help Tim and his daughter... I know how much of a pain long bus trips are :rolleyes: |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Sorry, cross-posted :rolleyes:
You need to play more and post less. You've been here a year less than me and have 1700 more post already. Go chase the kids already :p |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Just trying to help Tim and his daughter... I know how much of a pain long bus trips are Well, since she's like 5'8" or so and she has to sit in the back seat of a VW station wagon, I think the bus would be less painful.
And I wouldn't have to endure "..are we there yet, I gotta pee again, I'm hungry, DAD-turn down your music..." |
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Location: big island | it's cuz i work on the computer about 5 hours a day in between chasin' and feedin' kids. |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | work??? oh yea...uhha...(me in 4 years :) ) |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | You know how those old washer women are; always running off at the mouth, err...keyboard. :)
It's odd that this post has surfaced again. I was just going to post about how very impressed I am with this guitar. It just never ceases to amaze me every time I play it.
It gets a minimum of an hour a day of my hell time and it is opening up beautifully. There's been talk of the volume being somewhat less than a dread but I'm finding as time goes by it has gained steadily on my Custom Balladeer to the point where they are now very close, from behind anyways. I really need to get somebody else to play them both for me so I can get out in front to hear what is being projected.
What a joy to play, pretty much sums it up.
Randy you are in for the treat of your life, enjoy it! :)
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Bobbo, I haven't plugged it in yet and I left the 340 in Fla so it will be a while for the comparison. I would say that it probably comes down to the difference between mahogony and rosewood for the two. You played the 340 I think, the 360 has many of the same characteristics, the growl of the bass strings and good cut of the treble.
If you're thinking about a BG 340 or 360 I'd say get one with a cool tube. It adds a little weight but gives you control of volume and tone at the guitar and a tuner. (a small side note, if you travel with a cool tube, take out the battery pack in transit, the weight of it can crack the sides) The 75 doesn't have this but you get over that real quick since it's such a brilliant genius guitar. |
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas | Thought I'd jump in here to ask if anyone owns or has tried the Takamine TF250SMC12 model...
I'm in the market for a 12 string, I currently own a ENV340SC (I guess the model numbers changed since this one was made?), I really enjoy this guitar!
I went to a guitar workshop herer in Fort Worth a little while ago put on by Brad Davis (playing a Takamine, I believe his is a special edition, just has the "T" on the headstock) and sponsored by a local shop. I picked up a catalog and a "Guitar Models 2006" insert and the TGF250SMC12 just keeps calling my name. I like the flame maple back.
The local shop had some demo guitars at the workshop and the only 12-string they had to play was the "G" series.
I'm sold on the cool tube!
Of course I'm open to "O" suggestions (I'll start another topic of that discussion).
One BIG deciding factor is that I have a store credit card for the local shop :D and the owner can order any Tak model I want to get.....
Anybody want to post a link the the Takamine forum you guys are refering to...........
Thanks |
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August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Thanks, Bill. I liked that 340. I'm thinking I need a mahogany guitar. I was leaning towards the direct line driver system but sounds like cool tube is the way to go. Tuner? Who needs a tuner? :) Mauvais Beal? |
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Location: NJ | sssssshhhhhhhh
ef 417 |
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January 2005
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Holy crap Tak-man. In the blur of this past week I almost forgot this little gem. Oh my my, WHAT a great guitar.
I'm pretty tapped right now, but this one is high on the "to be obtained" list. Just a beautiful sounding, playing and looking instrument. It's damn near identical to one of my martins, but seriously I think it sounds way better for a lot less money.
Why couldn't I have been born rich instead of talented ???
Dave |
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Location: big island | koa |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | They say it's a mighty fine guitar.
Bobbo, Maybe there's a Tak dealer near you where you could check out the line driver vs the tubular coolness.
Wasn't that Martin you had in Fla mahogony?
The model Brad Davis was playing is one of the Blewgrass models, they all have the little T on the head. |
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Location: Tennessee | The M is indian rosewood. I'll see if McCabe's has any in stock ... I haven't had any luck finding these BGs in the hands of any dealers in NorCal. Of course, how can I pass up tubular coolness for a plain old line driver? Image is everything. hahaha. BTW, I like the stylized T and the shape of the headstocks on the BG models. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by alpep:
ef 417 Love the ebony fretboard on these and the size is just way cool. The Koa woodgrain on the back of mine is just gorgeous and a bear claw top is always nice. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Bobbo, they seem to be a little slow in coming to market. They were just introduced at this NAMM but they should be out there, certainly at the more active Tak dealers. I love the peghead shape, but then I would, I told Ichiro to make it thinner back in 98. They started doing that on the solid back and sides models I guess. I'm not sure about just the T but I'm warming up to it. Especially since I can't think of something that might be better (you know the rule, you can really bitch out loud if you can offer a better solution. If you can't, shut up)
I'm getting to liking the 360BG alot, I'm finally getting the action dialed in and replaced the white bridge dots with ebony. I'll leave it in the sunny window this summer to get a tan on the top, by fall it should be really happening! |
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Location: big island | my mom just sent me some pics of #62: 
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Looks like you have a lot to look forward to! |
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Location: big island | s'gonna be a great trip. the 2 OFC jams, gettin' to meet many of you, my daughter's graduation, visiting my mom and dad as they get to meet my wife and their new grandkids, dollywood, biltmore house, grand ol' opry, my wife and stepson seeing the mainland and then the EF75. yeah, s'gonna be a great trip! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | They do look real nice, don't they? |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by cwk2:
They do look real nice, don't they? even if you do say so yourself! thanks for the tip on it, bill. |
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Location: Simpsonville, SC | Very nice Randy!
I, however, would worry that Mom may want to keep it! :eek: |
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Location: big island | who can blame her? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | The wood used and the grain patterns on the more "special" Takamine's continue to awe me.
Here is the Koa back and bear claw top of my EF417S which is a "New Yorker" sized guitar (if memory serves me correct it is slightly larger than the '97 collectors parlor).
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Location: SoCal | Randy, you should stop off in CA on your way back.... |
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Location: big island | paul,
we had actually considered that option as we have friends that would like us to visit, however, they are up in stockton. we decided that with toting a couple toddlers, we should get back home ASAP.
stephen,
do you have any further reports on the 417? looks special! |
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Location: Keller, TX | Lanaki,
Your's has much lighter back and sides than mine does. Mine almost looks like black enamel unless you look at it really close with a bright light. |
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Location: big island | ttenn,
i think the wood appears lighter when a flash is used to take the pictures. have you photgraphed the back and sides of yours using a flash? |
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Location: Tampa, FL | tten,
I haven't seen how dark the Brazilian is on your Tak, but the Brazilian on this is VERY dark and VERY straight.
After owning Brazilian stumpwood, I was concerned when I ordered this guitar that it was going to be the same deal: Brazilian, but stumpwood.
Fortunately, the claims by Takamine that this series used old growth Brazilian is accurate. Chocolate brown with a hint of amber and straight, straight, straight.
Just as important, these guitars are crafted with the best attention to detail that I've seen on a guitar even 4 times the price.
Overall, I'm happy this Tak landed in the hands of the person meant to own it. It is the only way that I feel some solice.
Randy, maybe its true. Maybe I have to let something that I love go, and hope that it gets back to me. If not, it wasn't meant to be and He has something else in mind for me. Either way, I'll be happy. Romans 11:33.
I hope we can get together when you're at your parents. If not, then I need to make a trip to the big island with my family.
Regards,
Mark |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by Lanaki:
stephen,
do you have any further reports on the 417? looks special! .
Randy, the EF417S is special.....right up there with the EJ75 in craftsmanship, looks and an even tone across the strings.
Just a joy to play and has a really big full sound for a smaller sized guitar.
I was passing through Oklahoma on business and decided to pay a visit to the infamous Brother Bobby's (which is a impressive store....most Ovations I have seen in a single location).
I was playing the Martins, Taylors, Seagulls, Tacomas, O's, etc....and wondered over to the Tak display to see what the "little fella" hanging on the wall was all about. Instantly struck by it's beauty and tone, the salesguy told me it was currently listed on ebay but they were also accepting offers.
Well it retailed for about $2700 and they had a BIN of $1900 but since I was at the store I offered them $1500 and expected them to counter.
Instead, he came back a few minutes later with a big grin on his face and said we had at DEAL FOR $1500!!!!! :D
Brought it back on the plane but the next day when I got back on the net (to search for comments on the guitar to help validate my purchase) , I noticed it was still listed.... so I put in my offer and then called the guy up (so I could get feedback and also so they wouldn't resell it accidentally since it was the only one they had).
This is just a fun, porch playing, BBQ playing, picnic playing, beer drinkin guitar that sounds as good as it looks!
Hadn't really expected to buy another wood top after the HD28VS but I am really glad I took this one home. |
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Location: PDX | Thanks Al and Stephen for the information on the EF417S. I love this size guitar. I'll have to keep my eyes open for one locally.
_____
gh1 |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | The information I was able to gather is kinda conflicting. It appears to be a somewhat rare and limited run although the Tak website makes it seem like a regular production item.
I read where they were making less than 50 with about 20 staying in the states and on another site where they said it was limited to the batch of Koa on hand.
All the reviews have been EXTREMELY POSITIVE.
Regardless, terrific guitar for the money. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | A dealer told me the number was about 50.
I'm really anxious to be able to A/B this guitar with my Martin 000-Koa. The Martin is on paper identical in materials and construction with the one exeption, it's a 12 fret vs. the Tak being a 14. Would be an interesting comparison.
Dave |
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Location: PDX | Oh Great.
When i looked on the Tak Website i assumed it was regular production guitar. They did not mention anything about it being limited.
Oh well, so much for that. I guess it saves me trying to find parking downtown, at least that's a plus.
Sheesh.
_____
gh1 |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Mike Markure who is the Tak man at Ka man described the 417 to me as the greatest porch pickin guitar he's picked in a looooong time. Haven't seen one yet but will someday soon I hope. It is a limited run but I haven't heard the number but 50ish sounds about right. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Al has this guitar in stock. I played it at his place and it was VERY sweet. As I said the only thing holding me back is need to A/B it to the Martin (and a few financial considerations).
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I'm still on the hunymoon with the 360BG and just got back two of my maple Collings that spent the winter north. I full up with gitters for the moment. Give me another week or so. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Based on my limited experience with it, everyone should RUN TO AL and grab one of these while they are still available.
The guitar is worth FULL RETAIL so ANYTHING below that is a bargain. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | Takamine EF75J: without a doubt, the sweetest OM sized guitar i have ever had the pleasure to own or play. it opens up more beautifully with each day that it is played. its appointments are simply elegant and the takamine company's attention to detail on this guitar is refreshingly outstanding!
the brazilian rosewood used on the back and sides are a magnificent set. its sound is larger than its size. i cannot express in mere words my contentment with this guitar. just holding it makes me smile, however, i find myself grinning ear to ear while playing it. a dollar value cannot be placed on that!
a very hearty "mahalo" to all who have recommended this guitar and especially to aceboympk who was "instrumental" in helping this guitar reach its soul mate. |
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Location: boulder | well,
what can i add to this thread that han't been mentioned. both brazilian and koa models are sweet- I sold my martin 00028vs and bought the koa, damn I am a genius. I sold some old adamas and bought the ef75s, damn I am an idiot sometimes!!!!...No seriously-i am an idiot all the time-just this time I ended up with a sweet guitar. (as will the buyer, miss her already)
#62 for the ef75j and #52 for the koa417s.
both seem tight to my ears, as in they will sound better as they are played and 'broken' in. other then my martin ceo-5, these are the only all wood guitars I own. truthfully, I can't see needing any other guitars-these are really what everyone has said.
picking and grinning I am. peace mike |
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Location: boulder | hey Lanaki,
Do you really have ef75j #62? we might have a curious coincidence?? peace mike |
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Location: big island | no, i have #63, which i have notified tupperware of. aceboympk erroneously reported it as being #62 after he received it. so you've got the REAL #62? |
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Location: Keller, TX | Anybody know how to lower the action on the EF75? My EF75 is pretty hard to play due to the high action. I took the strings off and there were no spacers under the saddle like the O's.
Personally I haven't had such a great experience with the EF75 Ser#77. Yes, it is a beautiful guitar. However, mine must just need a good setup and some time to loosen up. I had to adjust the truss rod (had .02 relief, now at .012). I have light strings and get essentially no bass out of the guitar. I figure medium strings would help the sound, but would make the action worse. The action is 7/64 at the 12th fret with the light strings.
Any option other than sanding down the saddle? Seems like if I lower the saddle much, the break angle would be too narrow. I'll try to take some pictures. It has been raining elephants and rhinos the last few weeks. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | You sand the bottom of the saddle. Make sure it is flat or you won't get a good flush fit between botton of the saddle and the bridge. Dave |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by ttenn:
Personally I haven't had such a great experience with the EF75 Ser#77. Yes, it is a beautiful guitar. However Wooden guitars...
Though many of you already know that I'm a Lowden whore... I must say, they are built to be played-out and very rarely suffer the common problems with other guitars |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The action on No. 67 is not low. In fact, it seems a bit higher than most of the O's and A's. Nonetheless, it is acceptable. With my increase in playing time over the past eight months, it seems that higher action just doesn't bother me like it once did. On the other hand, I have noticed one small downside to using this guitar while playing out. The front side of the lower forward bout (where the cutout isn't) ends up being smudged beyond reason. I clean it with Dunlop polish after every use, but I fear the finish may not last in this area. My hand is obviously rubbing against the lower bout. I do the same thing on the O's but it goes totally unnoticed on the bowl finish. This is the downside of a non-cutout guitar. Doesn't matter. I don't intend to stop using this guitar. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Just sand the bottom of the saddles, and keep them square like Tuppy said. Don't worry about the break angle, it's not an issue. |
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Location: big island | the action on my #63 is not low either. the saddles as made at the factory are a bit high for the action i would prefer, even though the intonation is almost spot on. (low E is slightly sharp at the 12th fret).
i can hear the "tight" sonic response loosening up, as it should, the more i play the guitar. i was VERY impressed with the EF75's sound when i sat in front while my good friend played it the other day. the low end projects much better than i imagined or could hear while i played it.
ttenn, hold your tak out in front of you and face the soundhole towards you while strumming the strings. you will hear that bass that you think is missing. granted, it is not quite the low end of my adamas 1581, but it is a perfect, warm and woody tone for an unbroken in OM. i remain "wow"'ed by this instrument. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Sure nice to read that you guys are enjoying this great guitar. Mine is played daily and just keeps improving as it opens up.
I have found if I A/B just the low E string on the Tak to the CB, the CB is lower. But when I play the guitars using all strings, the Tak seems to have the better bass response, as in more in balance with the other strings. Does that make sense? The Tak just has a sound and overall tone that seems totaly complete.
My one criticism would be the finish. It seems to be quite soft, marking fairly easy, on the back and sides. Have you guys experienced this or is this a quirk of my particular example. Will this finish harden overtime?
I have to echo Randy's comment that "I remain "wowed" by this instrument!" My desire to play it is making me a better player (not great but better:)) and that is definately a good thing. I need all the help I can get! :)
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | The finish I don't think is that soft, but it is that thin. Thin finish will give you a better sound so it's a trade off. I still love mine although I must admit I've been playing the 360 BlewGrass mostly lately. It also has the anno finish (as in anno-rex-ik).
Mike Markure is doing as great job working with the Takamines coming up wiht these gitters. Must be his excellent upbringing. |
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Location: big island | just replaced the strings with a set of elixir custom lights with the new "anti-rust" process. the guitar "woke up" dramatically. (speaking of strings, i replaced the elixirs on my adamas 1581 a couple days ago with a new set of dean markley alchemy golds. the old elixirs sound much more vibrant than the new markleys. that was my first and last purchase of the alchemys.)
do any other of you other EF75 owners notice small, light colored flecks/streaks in the brazilian rosewood on the back of your guitar? i have never seen this in brazilian before but i am thinking the set on my guitar was right next to the sapwood. not sure... |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Brazilian can have lots of funny things. I've got two guitars that have big green stripes that only show up in direct sunlight. I asked about it over on the acoustic tutt-butt site and was told it's worm smear which was a brilliant answer.
Anyhow, all these different anomilies are part of what makes Braz interesting. |
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Location: big island | i've seen green stripes in brazilian before in a few $30,000 traugott guitars. i rather like that natural effect. i had never seen the whitish flecks that i see in mine and was justawunderin' if anyone else had them too. |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | ....they're worm turds....... |
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Location: big island | that's just great...now it's brazilian worm turds...illegal immigrants come in all forms. |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by TRboy:
....they're worm turds....... I'd have to say that's crap!...there's no turds on this guitar. :)
Randy, I have noticed the same bit's of white on my guitar but only if it is in direct sunlight. I'm not really sure what the cause is but I'm definately not concerned about it. Hopefully one of the woodworkers here on the forum can shed some light on this.
Dave |
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Location: big island | here's a guy playing "guitar rag" on what appears to be an EF75:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZMNIVp8ikw |
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Location: big island | same guy, same guitar playing "freight train":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBFwaTMvVfI&NR=1
definitely an EF75 |
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Location: Omaha, NE | He obviously sucks...note the Taylor in the background. |
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Location: SoCal | Obviously French. Notice the thumbpick.... |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I think the white specs are nasal spray.
When he was working on the guitar he sneezed and there was a fine spray that went...... |
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Location: big island | and just what are you snortin', bill? :rolleyes: |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Only the finest of Brazilian fumes. Ever notice how these Brazilian boxes give off a really nice smell when you play them?
I don't notice it so much on the Tak, they all have that "Tak" smell, but try it with a new Collings. My Merrill is great for it. |
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Location: Midland, MI | Nice videos, good playing. Does one really need to do the thumbpick thing to pull off either of those songs? Just curious... |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Bill, that aroma is pretty cool. Quite intoxicating, I like it. It's such a nice change from the glue smell that the CB gives off since it came back from the mothership.
I don't recall experiancing that smell on any other Brazian I've played. Will that disappear over time?
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Yes, like all other good things, it fades with time, unfortunately.
It does smell good though. I also like the smell of a new maple guitar. My two Collings have that but it's a bit more subtle and fades faster.
I love playing the Merrill cause if you really get on it for about 10 minutes or so you can get a wiff from time to time. Nice to have the guitar comunicating with you as you play it. |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by cruster:
Nice videos, good playing. Does one really need to do the thumbpick thing to pull off either of those songs? Just curious... the thumbpick is not absolutely necessary but it sure helps to provide volume and the "beat" as the bass strings are plucked. without the pick, certain percussive qualities are decreased which are one of the highlights of this style of playing. |
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Location: Midland, MI | Thanks for the reply, lanaki. I've never played fingerstyle with a thumbpick. I have enough troubles with just my fingers; I'd think the thumbpick would throw me off. |
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Location: big island | cruster,
with "travis pickin'", the bass strings are usually dampened with the palm of the picking hand, so the pick gives volume to those strings.
here's elizabeth cotten. no thumbpick, for obvious reasons!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awK3p0S-tuQ |
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Location: Alberta, Canada | Randy, you could of showin' that link before I spent all that money on guitars! :) WOWZERS!!!
Check out the Freight Train vids, and see what was probably the original Karaoke.
Amazing what some people will figure out, out of necessity. Now that is "talent"!
Dave |
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Posts: 5575
Location: big island | interesting:
this article from harmony central reads that only 25 EF75J guitars will be made available in the united states.
http://namm.harmony-central.com/SNAMM05/Content/Takamine/PR/EF75J.h... |
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Posts: 5575
Location: big island | heads up:
this company in texas, which is no longer a takamine dealer, lists an EF75J, #2, as being available. their website was updated yesterday, july 18. i emailed them and also left a voice message on their phone as they are closed for the day. if anyone is interested and it is still available, #2 would be sweet! are you reading this, povation?
http://www.guitarrez.com/aginventory/takef75j.html
funny that they list this as "#2 of only 24 made". |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | They made about 80 of them and they are all done with that quite a while ago. That might have been the original number for the states but it ended up benig closer to 50 or 60. I think there's at least 8 on this board alone. |
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Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Mauvais wrote: Only the finest of Brazilian fumes. Ever notice how these Brazilian boxes give off a really nice smell when you play them?
I don't notice it so much on the Tak, they all have that "Tak" smell, but try it with a new Collings. My Merrill is great for it.
My 1969 D-28 sure did and my 1998 Taylor 615 CE does as well! I love the smell of Brazillian in the morning...(or any other time)
Blessings... |
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Posts: 5575
Location: big island | Originally posted by cwk2:
...I think there's at least 8 on this board alone. make that 11, mauvais. |
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Location: big island | i sniffed your taylor, mike. my EF75 smells almost as good. yours has more cubic inches of wood! |
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Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Yes, like all other good things, it fades with time, unfortunately.
My martin was still strong when I sold it three years ago and it was a 69; the Taylor has presentation Brazilian and it is still strong: of course I believe in CASES... :D
Blessings... |
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September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | I'm beginning to think my EF75J has ruined me. I have always desired a nice Martin, so while in Edmonton yesterday, I had to stop in to the big Martin shop there. I tried an HD-35, an EC small body, and a OOO, that the young fellow watching the acoustic room thought was the best in there.
To say I was underwelmed(sp) would be an understatement! This Tak just blew them away!
Bill, I must say thank you one more time for something that would never have crossed my radar without you nudging it into the spotlight!
Dave |
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Posts: 403
Location: Thailand | Dear Randy, Thank you so much. |
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Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Now, about that finders fee... ;) |
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Location: big island | #2 is available in austin, texas!!
unless povation called them since i got an email reply :D |
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Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Somebody should grab this !!!!
I've been talking to a dealer about a custom order (not a TAK or Ovamas) and at the end of the day I think about my EF75 and ask myself WHY ???
To this day, the EF75 is still the best bargin I ever got on a guitar. Sure I could have spent 4x as much and maybe gotten a different name on the headstock.
Dave |
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Posts: 5575
Location: big island | doesn't al at lost art vintage still have one or two of these available also? |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Maybe. best to call him....still only a few left out in the wilds and I can't believe any of the ones in current captivity will be allowed to escape.
Like Dave said, one of the best guitars for the money I have ever owned. |
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December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | I finally took photo's of #77.
Low Res photos in the gallery. Here is one example:
High Res photos here:
Tak EF75 #77 - full guitar
Tak EF75 #77 - body
Tak EF75 #77 - pickguard and binding
Tak EF75 #77 - back
Tak EF75 #77 - neck attachment
Tak EF75 #77 - back quarter |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | yup, ttenn. you are right! the back of your guitar is considerably darker than my #63.
nice pics! thanks for posting. i just rec'd a replacement digital camera that ups lost en route to the sony shop in laredo. now i can get some better pics of mine and post them.
(btw, does you user name have anything to do with the song, "t for texas, t for tennessee"?) |
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December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | Actually, all my Ex's live in Texas. Which is why I wanna move to Tennessee...
Tom Tennant -> t tenn
Just too easy. Haven't gotten around to creating a "formely know as..." title yet. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | Originally posted by ttenn:
...all my Ex's live in Texas. Which is why I wanna move to Tennessee... now that should be a song! ;) |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I've been from Tennessee to Tucumcari,.... |
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August 2007
Posts: 61
Location: Illinois, U.S.A. | I was just surfing around YouTube and ran into this clip , a fellow with an e-store demo-ing a new design of capo.
He seems to be playing an EF-75, though. Take a look and decide .... |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Yes, that very much looks like an EF75J. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I'd guess it was a 75.
Hard enough to play with out figuring all that extra stuff out. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | it is a 75. that guitarist is on several videos with his tak and also he responded to a question about the guitar in the comments below this capo video. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | sent my EF75 to my luthier to lower the action by sanding down the saddles. takamine is paying for the job under warranty because the intonation was off on the low E. there are no authorized tak luthiers on this island so kaman corp arranged the repair with my friend. no big job and i could have done it myself but did not want to void the warranty. anyway, what a difference! the EF75 now plays effortlessly and is in tune all the way down/up the neck. what a sweet woody sound! it is actually louder than before which surprised me.
i kinda suspected the guitar was developing the high humidity bulge below the bridge, but my luthier thought not. if you own one, does yours have an ever-so-slight elevation of the belly below the bridge? mine is almost undetectable visually, however, i can feel it as i run my fingers over that area. |
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Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | Aloha, Randy! Just checked #82 and it has a slight rise. I don't have my small mirror handy to check, but I suspect it is a result of the bracing at that point.
Glad to hear your intonation problem is rectified. I need to find a good luthier to adjust my action; it's a touch high and I don't have much faith in the guy at the store where I purchased mine.
You mentioned volumne; I have found that mine has increased in volumne as it has broken in. It is now, with light strings, louder than my 1112-4 with medium strings.
All around, an incredible instrument!
Dave |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | aloha dave,
i did not take a before photo, but here is an after one showing the new saddle height. dramatic break angle difference from the factory set-up.
EF75 saddle |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I had found that the intonation on my 340Blewgrass was off on the B&E strings. I made a new saddle with the touch point at the back rather than the front and it fixed the problem. The 75, (#71) I've had no problems with. It continues to amaze me how good this guitar is. |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Randy, no noticeable bulges on mine. Thanks to this board, I've been very sensitive to maintaining humidity in the bandroom at a consistent 45-50% level, with some summer days reaching a bit more. Consistent humidity makes a significant difference. |
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OT: Tak EF75J