Introduction and Overview of Takamine Ef381SC
On the Zack Track, we never look back; just rock ‘n’ roll with every review we unpack!
Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar with the Takamine EF381SC 12-string dreadnought! Handcrafted in their pro series facility with over five decades of expertise, this guitar is all about precision quality and versatility.
Featuring a solid spruce top, the EF381SC can effortlessly play sweet mellow passages or power chords with equal ability. The maple back and sides beautifully reflect the tone generated by the soundboard, while the gloss black finish adds a touch of stage presence. And let’s not forget about the ultra strong dovetail joint that joins the mahogany neck to the body, ensuring stability and durability.
But that’s not all! The EF381SC comes equipped with Takamine’s CT4B II preamp system paired with the unique Palathetic™ under-saddle pickup. This combination delivers unparalleled amplified response, making it perfect for any gig. Plus, the highly acclaimed CT4B II preamp system features a three-band EQ, volume control, and built-in tuner for total control over your sound.
Now, let’s dive into the specifications of this beast:
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back: Laminated Maple
- Sides: Laminated Maple
- Neck: Mahogany
- Finger Board: Rosewood
- Nut Width: 47.5mm
- Electronics: CT4B II
- Finish: Gloss Black
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
The classic dreadnought body shape, known for its strong low end and ample volume, makes the EF381SC the ultimate choice for any guitarist seeking power and projection.
In comparison to other models by Takamine, the EF381SC stands out with its exceptional 12-string capabilities and top-notch electronics. This guitar is not for the faint of heart; it’s designed for advanced players who crave that extra depth and character in their sound. While it may have a higher price tag, the EF381SC is worth every penny for the quality craftsmanship and tonal versatility it offers. Whether you’re playing in clubs or at home, this guitar is ready to rock your world.
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the EF381SC in the following sections of this review!
Design And Build Quality
Now, let’s dive into the guts of this beast! Talk about the guitar’s design, body style, and the solid craftsmanship that went into it. What materials are we dealing with? What’s the finish like? And, of course, any cool design features that make it stand out – like a guitar with an attitude! Strum with fun; Zack’s review has begun!
Design
The Takamine EF381SC 12-string dreadnought showcases a classic design that exudes elegance and power. Its dreadnought body shape, the most popular body shape in the past half-century, delivers a strong low end with plenty of volume. This makes it perfect for players who crave a rich and full-bodied sound. With its gloss black finish, this guitar demands attention on any stage. The sleek design and bold appearance of the EF381SC truly make it stand out among other guitars.
Build Quality
When it comes to build quality, the Takamine EF381SC doesn’t disappoint. Handcrafted in the pro series facility with over five decades of expertise, this guitar is a testament to the precision and attention to detail that Takamine is known for. The solid spruce top provides a strong and resonant soundboard, while the laminated maple back and sides enhance the tone and projection of the guitar. The mahogany neck is joined to the body using a traditional dovetail joint, ensuring stability and durability.
The use of high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship makes the EF381SC a reliable and long-lasting instrument. Takamine’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the guitar’s build, from the choice of woods to the flawless finish. This guitar is built to withstand the demands of live performances and hours of playing, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.
Playability
Strumming the EF381SC is an absolute joy. The 12-string configuration opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities, adding depth and richness to your playing. The wider nut width of 47.5mm allows for comfortable finger placement, even with the additional strings. Whether you’re strumming chords or playing intricate melodies, the EF381SC offers a smooth and responsive playing experience.
The rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable surface for your fingers, allowing for easy navigation across the frets. The action of the strings is well-balanced, making it effortless to play both complex chords and single-note runs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the EF381SC’s playability will inspire you to explore new musical territories.
Takamine’s CT4B II preamp system, paired with the unique Palathetic™ under-saddle pickup, takes the playability of this guitar to another level. The pickup accurately captures the natural acoustic sound of the EF381SC, while the preamp system allows for precise control over your amplified tone. The three-band EQ, volume control, and built-in tuner give you the flexibility to shape your sound to perfection, whether you’re playing live or recording in the studio.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Takamine EF381SC, combined with its exceptional playability, make it a top-notch instrument for any guitarist seeking power, versatility, and tonal depth in their sound.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality with high-quality materials
- Classic and elegant design with a bold finish
- Dreadnought body shape delivers a strong low end and ample volume
- 12-string configuration adds depth and richness to your playing
- Comfortable playability with a wider nut width and well-balanced action
- CT4B II preamp system and Palathetic™ pickup offer precise control over amplified tone
Cons:
- Higher price tag may be a barrier for some players
- 12-string configuration requires some adjustment for players accustomed to 6-string guitars
- May be too large for players who prefer smaller body sizes
Same Body Guitars you might want to have a look at:
| Features | TAKAMINE EF381SC | Takamine EF360S-TT |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar Review Link | TAKAMINE EF381SC | Takamine EF360S-TT |
| Est. Guitar Price ($) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Body Style | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Top | Solid Spruce | Solid Thermal Top |
| Back | Laminated Maple | Solid Indian Rosewood |
| Sides | Laminated Maple | Solid Indian Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Ebony |
| Electronics | CT4B II | TLD-2 |
| Suitable For | Pro | Pro |
| Price Range | Premium | Premium |
Sound Quality
Rock on, man! Let’s talk sound. How’s this baby sing? Describe the tonal range, volume – can it blow the roof off a place? Is it versatile enough to handle different styles? And if it’s got any tonal quirks or limitations, let’s spill the beans.
Zack’s Sound Bound: Where the best guitar sounds are found!
The Takamine EF381SC 12-string dreadnought delivers an outstanding sound quality that will leave you awestruck. Its solid spruce top, paired with the laminated maple back and sides, produces a wide tonal range that is both warm and articulate. This combination allows the guitar to handle a variety of playing styles with ease.
The EF381SC excels in volume, making it a powerful instrument that can easily fill a room with its rich and resonant sound. Whether you’re strumming forcefully or playing delicate fingerstyle passages, this guitar can handle it all. It has the ability to blow the roof off a place with its projection and impressive sonic presence.
When it comes to versatility, the EF381SC shines. Its 12-string configuration adds depth and richness to your playing, opening up a whole new world of tonal possibilities. From shimmering chords to intricate arpeggios, this guitar can handle it all. It is equally suited for genres like folk, rock, country, or blues, making it a versatile tool for any guitarist.
While the EF381SC is a stellar guitar overall, it does have a few tonal quirks to consider. Due to the 12-string configuration, it may require some adjustment for players accustomed to 6-string guitars. The doubling of strings can create a fuller sound, but it may also introduce some additional tension to the instrument. However, once you get the hang of it, the EF381SC’s unique tonal characteristics become an asset rather than a limitation.
In summary, the sound quality of the Takamine EF381SC is nothing short of exceptional. Its wide tonal range, impressive volume, and versatility make it a dream instrument for any guitarist. Whether you’re performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar will exceed your expectations and deliver a memorable sound that will captivate both you and your audience.
Rock on, man! Zack’s Sound Bound: Where the best guitar sounds are found!
Axes with a similar price tag
| Features | TAKAMINE EF381SC | Takamine EF360S | Takamine TC135SC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Review Link | TAKAMINE EF381SC | Takamine EF360S | Takamine TC135SC |
| Est. Guitar Price ($) | 1500 | 1400 | 1600 |
| Body Style | Dreadnought | Dreadnought | NEX Cutaway |
| Top | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce |
| Back | Laminated Maple | Indian Rosewood | Solid Rosewood |
| Sides | Laminated Maple | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany | NaN | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Electronics | CT4B II | Palathetic Pickup | CoolTube |
| Suitable For | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| Price Range | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Features
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back: Laminated Maple
- Sides: Laminated Maple
- Neck: Mahogany
- Finger Board: Rosewood
- Nut Width: 47.5mm
- Electronics: CT4B II
- Finish: Gloss Black
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
It’s all about the bells and whistles now. The Takamine EF381SC 12-string dreadnought is equipped with features that will take your playing to the next level. The solid spruce top provides a rich and resonant tone, while the laminated maple back and sides offer a beautiful reflector for the soundboard. The mahogany neck is joined to the body with a strong dovetail joint, ensuring stability and excellent tone transfer.
But it doesn’t stop there. This guitar also boasts Takamine’s CT4B II preamp system, which includes a three-band EQ, volume control, and a built-in tuner. This means you can easily shape your sound and stay in tune, whether you’re performing on stage or recording in the studio.
With its gloss black finish, this guitar looks sleek and stylish under the stage lights, making you the envy of every guitarist in the room. The dreadnought body shape delivers a strong low end and plenty of volume, making it perfect for strumming chords or playing powerful riffs.
From chords to boards, Zack’s reviews strike all the right chords! The Takamine EF381SC is packed with features that will enhance your playing experience and allow you to express yourself fully. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this guitar will inspire you to reach new heights and explore new musical possibilities.
Value for Money
Is this guitar worth the hard-earned cash? Let’s dive into the value for money aspect of the Takamine EF381SC. Priced at [insert price], this guitar falls into the mid to high range category. But does it justify its price tag?
When comparing the EF381SC to other guitars in its league, it becomes clear that this guitar offers exceptional value. Its solid spruce top and laminated maple back and sides provide a high-quality build and excellent tonal characteristics. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard ensure a comfortable playing experience, allowing for smooth chord transitions and effortless fretting.
One of the standout features of the EF381SC is its electronics. Equipped with the CT4B II preamp system, this guitar offers a range of control options that allow you to shape your sound to perfection. The three-band EQ and volume control provide flexibility in adjusting your tone, while the built-in tuner ensures accurate tuning at all times. Having these features at your fingertips adds significant value to the overall package.
Comparing the EF381SC to other guitars from the same manufacturer, it is important to note that Takamine is known for producing high-quality instruments. While there may be other models within Takamine’s lineup that offer similar features at a lower price point, the EF381SC stands out with its 12-string configuration and dreadnought body shape. These unique features contribute to a fuller and richer sound, making it a great choice for those seeking a distinctive tonal palette.
Of course, it is important to mention any potential downsides. Some may find the EF381SC to be on the pricier side, especially when compared to other 12-string guitars on the market. Additionally, the large dreadnought body shape may not be suitable for players who prefer a smaller and more compact instrument. However, if you are looking for a top-notch 12-string dreadnought guitar with exceptional craftsmanship and versatile electronics, the EF381SC certainly delivers.
In conclusion, the Takamine EF381SC offers excellent value for money. From its high-quality build materials to its versatile electronics, this guitar provides a premium playing experience for the price. While there may be other options available at a lower cost, the EF381SC’s 12-string configuration and unique tonal characteristics make it a standout choice. With Zack’s Rock Stock, you’re always on the top block!
Conclusion
Time to wrap it up with a power chord! After diving into the value for money aspect of the Takamine EF381SC, it’s clear that this guitar is worth every penny. From its solid build materials to its exceptional tonal characteristics, this guitar offers a premium playing experience that justifies its price tag.
The EF381SC’s 12-string configuration and dreadnought body shape contribute to a fuller and richer sound, making it a standout choice for those seeking a distinctive tonal palette. Its versatile electronics, including the CT4B II preamp system with a three-band EQ and built-in tuner, add significant value to the overall package.
While the EF381SC may be pricier compared to other 12-string guitars on the market, its craftsmanship and unique features make it well worth the investment. This guitar is perfect for musicians who prioritize versatility, quality, and a standout tonal experience.
So, if you’re ready to rock and roll with a 12-string dreadnought guitar that delivers exceptional craftsmanship and versatile electronics, the Takamine EF381SC is the axe for you. Riding the Zack Track, where guitars get the golden plaque!