Introduction and Overview of Takamine GD51CE-NAT
On the Zack Track, we never look back; just rock ‘n’ roll with every review we unpack! So let’s kick things off by introducing this bad boy – the Takamine GD51CE-NAT! Built to bring your music center stage, this guitar is a masterpiece created by Takamine, a leading manufacturer in the industry.
The GD51CE-NAT is perfect for both beginners and advanced players who are ready to take their music to the next level. With its deluxe appointments, solid-top construction, and great performance features, this guitar is sure to impress. Whether you’re playing at home or in a club, the GD51CE-NAT is designed to deliver a big, bold sound that will captivate any audience.
Compared to other models by Takamine, the GD51CE-NAT stands out with its solid spruce top, black walnut back and sides, and slim mahogany neck. These features contribute to the guitar’s excellent playability and feel. The onboard Takamine TP-4TD preamp system, complete with a built-in tuner and three-band EQ, ensures rock-solid amplified performance and versatility.
But of course, every guitar has its strengths and weaknesses. One potential downside of the GD51CE-NAT is its price, as it falls into the higher range. However, considering its high-quality construction and exceptional sound, the investment is worth it for serious musicians. Additionally, the dreadnought body shape of this guitar is perfect for those seeking a strong low end with plenty of volume.
In the following sections of this review, we’ll dive deeper into the features and performance of the Takamine GD51CE-NAT. Stay tuned to discover more about this amazing guitar!
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!
The Takamine GD51CE-NAT boasts an impressive design and build quality that is sure to catch the eye of any guitarist. Its dreadnought body shape, which is the most popular body shape of the past half-century, delivers a strong low end with plenty of volume. This makes it perfect for those seeking a bold and powerful sound.
The top of the GD51CE-NAT is made of solid spruce, a tonewood known for its vibrant and versatile sound. This choice of wood contributes to the guitar’s excellent projection and its ability to handle both strumming and fingerpicking styles with ease. The black walnut back and sides not only enhance the guitar’s aesthetic appeal but also add warmth and depth to its tone.
Moving on to the neck, the GD51CE-NAT features a slim mahogany neck that feels comfortable in the hands and allows for effortless playability. The fingerboard is made of laurel and is bound, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design. The 12”-radius fingerboard radius provides a smooth playing surface, allowing for easy string bending and fast fretting.
In terms of aesthetics, the GD51CE-NAT does not disappoint. It is finished in a beautiful gloss finish, which not only enhances the guitar’s visual appeal but also protects the wood and improves its resonance. The abalone rosette and mother-of-pearl dot inlays add a touch of luxury to the guitar, while the black walnut headcap adds a unique and distinctive element.
Overall, the design and build quality of the Takamine GD51CE-NAT are top-notch. From the choice of tonewoods to the attention to detail in the design elements, this guitar showcases Takamine’s commitment to crafting instruments of exceptional quality.
Playability
The playability of a guitar is key to a musician’s overall experience, and the GD51CE-NAT does not disappoint in this regard. Its well-crafted construction and thoughtful design elements contribute to its excellent playability.
The slim mahogany neck of the GD51CE-NAT is comfortable to play, allowing for easy navigation of the fretboard. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, you’ll appreciate the smooth feel of the neck as you move your fingers across the frets.
The 12”-radius bound laurel fingerboard further enhances the playability of this guitar. The radius provides a slight curvature to the fingerboard, which allows for low action and facilitates smooth string bending and chord transitions. This feature is particularly beneficial for players who enjoy fast and intricate playing styles.
The synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle also contribute to the playability of the GD51CE-NAT. The nut ensures proper string spacing, which allows for accurate fretting and minimizes buzzing. The split bridge saddle enhances intonation, ensuring that your notes ring true and in tune across the entire fretboard.
Overall, the GD51CE-NAT offers excellent playability that will satisfy both beginners and advanced players. Its comfortable neck, well-designed fingerboard, and precise nut and saddle contribute to a smooth and effortless playing experience.
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Impressive design and aesthetics
- Excellent playability
- Strong low end with plenty of volume
Cons:
- Higher price range
Guitars with the same curves
| Features | TAKAMINE GD51CE-NAT | TAKAMINE GD11MCENS | TAKAMINE GD93CE-NAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Review Link | TAKAMINE GD51CE-NAT | TAKAMINE GD11MCENS | TAKAMINE GD93CE-NAT |
| Est. Guitar Price ($) | 500 | 400 | 600 |
| Body Style | Dreadnought | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Top | Solid Spruce | NaN | Solid Spruce |
| Back | Black Walnut | and Sides | 3-Piece Back Black Walnut/Maple |
| Sides | Black Walnut | NaN | 3-Piece Back Black Walnut/Maple |
| Neck | Mahogany | NaN | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Laurel | NaN | Laurel |
| Electronics | TP-4TD | NaN | Takamine TK-40D Preamp with Built-In Tuner |
| Suitable For | Intermediate | Beginners | Intermediate |
| Price Range | Mid | Low | Mid |
Sound Quality
Rock on, man! Let’s talk sound. How’s this baby sing? The Takamine GD51CE-NAT delivers a tonal range that will blow you away. The combination of the solid spruce top and black walnut back and sides produces a big, bold sound that is both rich and resonant. Whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking delicate melodies, this guitar can handle it all.
The GD51CE-NAT has plenty of volume, making it perfect for playing in larger venues or jamming with a band. Its dreadnought body shape enhances the low end, giving it a deep and powerful sound that can fill any room. This guitar truly has the ability to blow the roof off a place!
Versatility is another strong suit of the GD51CE-NAT. It can handle different styles of music with ease, from rock to blues to folk. The solid spruce top provides a balanced tone with good projection, while the black walnut back and sides add warmth and depth. This combination allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, giving you the flexibility to explore various genres.
While the GD51CE-NAT shines in most areas, it’s worth noting that it may have some tonal quirks and limitations. Due to its dreadnought body shape and emphasis on the low end, it may not be the best choice for players looking for a bright and jangly sound. However, if you’re after a guitar with a full-bodied and robust tone, the GD51CE-NAT will not disappoint.
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Pros:
- Big, bold sound
- Excellent tonal range
- Plenty of volume
- Versatile for different musical styles
Features
It’s all about the bells and whistles now. The Takamine GD51CE-NAT comes with a range of features that will impress any guitarist. With its solid spruce top and black walnut back and sides, this guitar delivers a big, bold sound that will blow you away. The slim mahogany neck and bound laurel fingerboard provide great feel and playability, making it a joy to play.
But that’s not all, the GD51CE-NAT also features Takamine’s TP-4TD preamp system. This onboard electronics system gives you a built-in tuner with three-band EQ and gain controls, allowing for rock-solid amplified performance and versatility. Whether you’re playing in a small venue or on a big stage, this guitar has got you covered.
In addition to its top-notch sound and electronics, the GD51CE-NAT also boasts some stylish details. It comes with a synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle, adding to its overall tone and sustain. The black walnut headcap, abalone rosette, and mother-of-pearl dot inlays add a touch of elegance and sophistication to this already stunning guitar. And let’s not forget the gold die-cast tuners that not only look great but also ensure precise tuning.
With its outstanding features and attention to detail, the Takamine GD51CE-NAT is a guitar that will make any guitarist proud. From its solid spruce top to its onboard preamp system, this guitar has everything you need to take your music center stage. So what are you waiting for? Grab your pick and start strumming on the GD51CE-NAT.
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Value for Money
Is the Takamine GD51CE-NAT worth the hard-earned cash? Let’s break it down and find out. Priced at [insert price], this guitar falls into the mid-range category, offering a great balance between quality and affordability.
Compared to other guitars in its league, the GD51CE-NAT holds its own. Its solid spruce top and black walnut back and sides provide a rich and resonant tone that can rival guitars at a much higher price point. The onboard TP-4TD preamp system with built-in tuner and three-band EQ adds versatility and convenience, making it suitable for various playing environments.
When it comes to craftsmanship and attention to detail, the GD51CE-NAT doesn’t disappoint. The synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle enhance the overall tone and sustain, while the black walnut headcap, abalone rosette, and mother-of-pearl dot inlays add a touch of elegance. The gold die-cast tuners not only look great but also ensure accurate and stable tuning.
While the GD51CE-NAT has many positives, it’s important to note that it may not be for everyone. Some guitarists might prefer a different tonal character or a different body shape. Additionally, if you’re on a strict budget, there are more affordable options available.
However, considering the overall quality and features of the GD51CE-NAT, it offers excellent value for the money. It delivers a big, bold sound, provides comfortable playability, and includes advanced electronics for amplified performance. With Zack’s Rock Stock, you’re always on the top block!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile and well-crafted guitar that won’t break the bank, the Takamine GD51CE-NAT is definitely worth considering. Its impressive features, solid construction, and attention to detail make it a great value for any guitarist. So go ahead, invest in the GD51CE-NAT and let your musical journey soar.
Models with Similar Prices
| Features | TAKAMINE GD51CE-NAT | TAKAMINE GD51CE-BSB | TAKAMINE GF30CE-BSB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Review Link | TAKAMINE GD51CE-NAT | TAKAMINE GD51CE-BSB | TAKAMINE GF30CE-BSB |
| Est. Guitar Price ($) | 500 | 500 | 600 |
| Body Style | Dreadnought | nex | FXC Body |
| Top | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce |
| Back | Black Walnut | Black Walnut | Mahogany |
| Sides | Black Walnut | Black Walnut | Mahogany |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Laurel | Laurel | Ovangkol |
| Electronics | TP-4TD | TP-4TD | TP-4TD |
| Suitable For | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Price Range | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate |
Conclusion
Time to wrap it up with a power chord! The Takamine GD51CE-NAT is a true gem in the mid-range category, offering exceptional value for the money. Its solid spruce top and black walnut back and sides deliver a rich and resonant tone that can compete with guitars at a much higher price point. The onboard TP-4TD preamp system with built-in tuner and three-band EQ adds versatility and convenience to your playing experience.
Craftsmanship and attention to detail are top-notch with the GD51CE-NAT. The synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle enhance the tone and sustain, while the black walnut headcap, abalone rosette, and mother-of-pearl dot inlays add a touch of elegance. The gold die-cast tuners ensure accurate and stable tuning, while also giving the guitar a visually appealing look.
While the GD51CE-NAT may not be for everyone due to personal preferences in tonal character or body shape, it is definitely worth considering for guitarists who value versatility and quality construction. It offers a big, bold sound, comfortable playability, and advanced electronics for amplified performance.
So, my friend, if you’re seeking a versatile and well-crafted guitar that won’t break the bank, the Takamine GD51CE-NAT is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re a beginner looking to invest in your first quality instrument or an experienced player seeking an affordable upgrade, this ax will not disappoint. Riding the Zack Track, where guitars get the golden plaque! So rock on and let your music soar with the GD51CE-NAT!