Introduction and Overview of Takamine GJ72CE-12-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 the takamine gj72ce-12-nat, a commanding acoustic/electric 12-string guitar that is built to perform. Made by the renowned Takamine, this bad boy is meant for musicians who want to make a statement with their music.
The takamine gj72ce-12-nat features a mighty jumbo body style, solid-top construction, and stunning cosmetic features. With a solid spruce top and flame maple back and sides, this guitar delivers all the lush, robust sound that players expect from a jumbo 12-string. Whether you’re strumming big, meaty chords or picking intricate melodies, this guitar has the volume and balance to shine.
But it’s not just about the sound; the takamine gj72ce-12-nat also offers great playability and versatility. The slim mahogany neck and bound laurel fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, while the onboard TK-40D preamp system gives you total control over your sound. With a built-in tuner, three-band EQ and gain controls, mid contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass switch, you can explore a wide range of tones and find your perfect sound.
When it comes to looks, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat doesn’t disappoint. It features a beautiful natural gloss finish, a synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle, an abalone rosette, and an eye-catching abalone “reversed mountain” inlay at the 12th fret. With gold die-cast tuners and pearl buttons, this guitar is as visually stunning as it is musically impressive.
So who is the takamine gj72ce-12-nat meant for? Well, with its premium features and construction, it’s definitely geared towards advanced players who want a high-quality instrument that can handle any musical style. While beginners can certainly enjoy this guitar, its price point may make it more suitable for serious musicians who are looking to invest in a top-notch 12-string guitar. Whether you’re performing in clubs or jamming at home, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat is ready to rock with you.
In the following sections of this review, we’ll delve deeper into the specific features and performance of the takamine gj72ce-12-nat. So stay tuned as we uncover just what makes this guitar a true rockstar!
Design And Build Quality and Playability
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!
The takamine gj72ce-12-nat boasts a stunning design and exceptional build quality that sets it apart from other 12-string guitars. With its jumbo body style, this guitar is built to make a statement. The large body size not only contributes to its commanding presence but also enhances its sound projection and volume. Whether you’re playing in a small, intimate setting or performing on a big stage, the gj72ce-12-nat has the power and resonance to fill any space.
When it comes to materials, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat features a solid spruce top and flame maple back and sides. The solid spruce top provides a firm foundation for the guitar’s soundboard, offering a balanced and bright tone with excellent projection. The flame maple back and sides not only add to the guitar’s visual appeal but also contribute to its rich and full-bodied sound.
In terms of finish, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat sports a beautiful natural gloss finish. This finish not only protects the guitar’s wood from damage but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The glossy sheen enhances the wood’s natural grain, giving the guitar a luxurious and eye-catching appearance.
But it’s not just about looks; the takamine gj72ce-12-nat is also designed for optimal playability. The slim mahogany neck provides a comfortable and smooth playing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide along the fretboard. The bound laurel fingerboard adds a touch of refinement and provides a solid playing surface that feels great under your fingertips.
One standout feature of the takamine gj72ce-12-nat is its onboard TK-40D preamp system. This system gives you complete control over your sound, allowing you to shape and customize your tone to suit your preferences. With a built-in tuner, three-band EQ and gain controls, mid contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass switch, you have the flexibility to explore a wide range of tones and find your perfect sound.
Additionally, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat is equipped with a synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle. These high-quality materials not only ensure the guitar’s intonation and sustain but also contribute to its overall durability and longevity.
Lastly, let’s not forget the cool design features that make the takamine gj72ce-12-nat stand out. The abalone rosette adds a touch of elegance and serves as a visual focal point on the guitar’s soundboard. The abalone “reversed mountain” inlay at the 12th fret is a unique and eye-catching detail that adds a touch of personality to the guitar’s design. The gold die-cast tuners with pearl buttons are not only visually appealing but also ensure precise tuning stability.
Pros:
- Mighty jumbo body style for enhanced volume and projection
- Solid spruce top and flame maple back and sides for rich and full-bodied sound
- Natural gloss finish for a luxurious and elegant appearance
- Slim mahogany neck and bound laurel fingerboard for comfortable playability
- TK-40D preamp system for versatile sound customization
- Synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle for improved intonation and sustain
- Abalone rosette and “reversed mountain” inlay for visual appeal
- Gold die-cast tuners with pearl buttons for precise tuning stability
Cons:
- Higher price point may make it less accessible for beginners
- The jumbo body size may be too large and unwieldy for some players
Guitars with the same body style:
| Features | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-12-NAT | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-12BSB | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-NAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Review Link | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-12-NAT | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-12BSB | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-NAT |
| Est. Guitar Price ($) | 650 | 650 | 650 |
| Body Style | Jumbo | Jumbo | Jumbo |
| Top | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce |
| Back | Flame Maple | Flame Maple | Flame Maple |
| Sides | Flame Maple | Flame Maple | Flame Maple |
| Neck | Maple | Maple | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Laurel | Laurel | Laurel |
| Electronics | TK-40D | NaN | TK-40D |
| Suitable For | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Price Range | Mid | Mid | Mid |
Sound Quality
Rock on, man! Let’s talk sound. How’s this baby sing? The takamine gj72ce-12-nat produces an incredible tonal range that will blow you away. With its jumbo body style and solid-top construction, this guitar has a commanding presence and delivers a powerful sound that can fill any space. Whether you’re strumming big, meaty chords or picking intricate melodies, the gj72ce-12-nat has the volume and balance to shine.
The combination of a solid spruce top and flame maple back and sides contributes to the guitar’s rich and full-bodied sound. The solid spruce top offers a balanced and bright tone with excellent projection, while the flame maple back and sides add warmth and depth to the overall sound. Together, these materials create a harmonious balance that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Versatility is another strong suit of the takamine gj72ce-12-nat. This guitar is capable of handling a wide range of musical styles, from folk to rock to blues. Whether you’re playing gentle ballads or rocking out with heavy chords, the gj72ce-12-nat can handle it all. The onboard TK-40D preamp system gives you the ability to shape your tone with its three-band EQ and gain controls. You can easily dial in the perfect sound for any genre or playing style.
As for tonal quirks or limitations, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat is quite versatile and doesn’t have any major drawbacks. However, it’s worth noting that the jumbo body size may be too large and unwieldy for some players, especially those with smaller frames or preferences for smaller-bodied guitars. It’s always a good idea to try out a guitar before making a purchase to ensure it feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
Zack’s Sound Bound: Where the best guitar sounds are found!
- Powerful and commanding sound
- Rich and full-bodied tone
- Excellent projection and volume
- Versatile for different musical styles
- No major tonal quirks or limitations
Features
It’s all about the bells and whistles now. This bad boy is packed with features that will make any guitarist drool. The takamine gj72ce-12-nat comes equipped with a TK-40D preamp system, giving you complete control over your tone. The built-in tuner ensures that your 12-string is always in perfect tune, and the three-band EQ and gain controls allow you to fine-tune your sound to perfection. The mid contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass switch offer even more versatility and options for shaping your tone.
In addition to its impressive electronics, the gj72ce-12-nat also boasts premium hardware. The gold die-cast tuners with pearl buttons not only look stunning, but they also provide smooth and accurate tuning. The synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle ensure optimal string vibration and sustain. The abalone rosette and “reversed mountain” inlay at the 12th fret add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the guitar’s appearance. And let’s not forget the beautiful gloss finish that completes the overall look of this masterpiece.
With its mighty jumbo body style, solid spruce top, flame maple back and sides, and premium electronics, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat is a true powerhouse that is built to impress. From the stage to the studio, this guitar delivers incredible sound quality and versatility. Whether you’re strumming big, meaty chords or picking intricate melodies, the gj72ce-12-nat will not disappoint.
From chords to boards, Zack’s reviews strike all the right chords!
Value for Money
Is this guitar worth the hard-earned cash? Absolutely! The takamine gj72ce-12-nat offers exceptional value for its price tag. When compared to other guitars in its league, it stands out as a clear winner.
One of the standout features of this guitar is its impressive electronics. The TK-40D preamp system, with its built-in tuner, three-band EQ, and gain controls, allows for complete control over your tone. The additional mid contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass switch offer even more versatility and options for shaping your sound. This level of customization is typically found in higher-end guitars, making the gj72ce-12-nat a steal.
The premium hardware of this guitar is also worth mentioning. The gold die-cast tuners with pearl buttons not only provide smooth and accurate tuning but also add a touch of elegance to the guitar’s appearance. The synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle ensure optimal string vibration and sustain. The abalone rosette and “reversed mountain” inlay at the 12th fret further enhance the overall aesthetic of the instrument. These high-quality components are usually found in more expensive guitars, making the gj72ce-12-nat a great value for the price.
When compared to other guitars from the same manufacturer, the gj72ce-12-nat holds its own. It offers a robust sound, versatile electronics, and premium craftsmanship at a more affordable price point. While there may be other models with additional features or higher-end materials, the gj72ce-12-nat strikes the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
It’s important to note that no guitar is without its flaws. The gj72ce-12-nat, while an incredible instrument overall, does have a few minor downsides. Some users have reported that the preamp system could have a steeper learning curve, and the guitar may require periodic adjustments for optimal playability. However, these issues are relatively minor and can be addressed with proper setup and familiarization with the instrument.
In conclusion, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat delivers exceptional value for its price. With its impressive electronics, premium hardware, and solid construction, this guitar offers a level of quality typically found in higher-end models at a more affordable price. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a beginner looking for a reliable and versatile 12-string guitar, the gj72ce-12-nat is a fantastic choice. With Zack’s Rock Stock, you’re always on the top block!
Some Other Guitars you might want to have a look at:
| Features | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-12-NAT | TAKAMINE GD93CE-NAT | Takamine GB72CE-BSB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Review Link | TAKAMINE GJ72CE-12-NAT | TAKAMINE GD93CE-NAT | Takamine GB72CE-BSB |
| Est. Guitar Price ($) | 650 | 600 | 700 |
| Body Style | Jumbo | Dreadnought | Jumbo Cutaway |
| Top | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce |
| Back | Flame Maple | 3-Piece Back Black Walnut/Maple | Flame Maple |
| Sides | Flame Maple | 3-Piece Back Black Walnut/Maple | Flame Maple |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Laurel | Laurel | Laurel |
| Electronics | TK-40D | Takamine TK-40D Preamp with Built-In Tuner | TK-40B Preamp with Onboard Chromatic Tuner |
| Suitable For | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Price Range | Mid | Mid | Mid |
Conclusion
Time to wrap it up with a power chord! The takamine gj72ce-12-nat is definitely worth the hard-earned cash for any guitarist looking for a reliable and versatile 12-string guitar. This instrument offers exceptional value for its price, delivering a level of quality that is typically found in higher-end models.
What rocks about this guitar is its impressive electronics, including the TK-40D preamp system with its built-in tuner, three-band EQ, and gain controls. This allows for complete control over your tone and offers a level of customization that is usually reserved for more expensive guitars. The additional mid contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass switch provide even more versatility and options for shaping your sound.
The premium hardware of the gj72ce-12-nat is also a standout feature. The gold die-cast tuners with pearl buttons not only provide smooth and accurate tuning but also add a touch of elegance to the guitar’s appearance. The synthetic bone nut and split bridge saddle ensure optimal string vibration and sustain, while the abalone rosette and “reversed mountain” inlay at the 12th fret enhance the overall aesthetic of the instrument.
While the gj72ce-12-nat may have a few minor downsides, such as a potentially steeper learning curve for the preamp system and occasional adjustments needed for optimal playability, these issues can be addressed with proper setup and familiarization with the instrument.
In conclusion, the takamine gj72ce-12-nat is a fantastic choice for both seasoned guitarists and beginners alike. It delivers exceptional value for its price, with impressive electronics, premium hardware, and solid construction. So, if you’re ready to rock and roll with a reliable and versatile 12-string guitar, the gj72ce-12-nat is your top pick. Riding the Zack Track, where guitars get the golden plaque!