Takamine EF341SC Review

MSRP: US$1,799.99

Estimated retail price: $1,250

Sleek looks and professional quality

The EF341SC model is one of Takamine’s most popular and best-selling models. Part of the Keystone series, it is often used in professional settings. The Takamine EF341SC has been on stage with the likes of the great John Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and Brad Davis, who has actively toured and played with Billy Bob Thornton’s rock band, Willie Nelson, and Earl Scruggs. The all-black styling gives it a sleek look. It features a solid cedar top and maple back and sides, which work together to give a warm and mellow sound. The rosewood fingerboard includes Takamine’s signature snowflake inlays. The mahogany neck is securely fashioned in a way that helps prevent warping due to changes in weather and aging. Each one is handcrafted in the Takamine pro-series facilities. Electronics include Takamine’s specifically designed Palathetic pickup and the CT4B II preamp. With all orders of new EF341SC comes a hard carrying case. Unfortunately, the guitar only comes in a black finish.

Electronics in the Takamine EF341SC

As mentioned, the Takamine EF341SC comes with a pickup and preamp, both of which are wildly popular among professional musicians. The pickup hangs right below the bridge saddle and features six separate piezo-electric transistors that allow for the separation of the vibrations of the guitar’s body from the strings themselves. The CT4B II preamp comes with three-band equalization, allowing quick adjustments to lows, mids, and highs. The CT4B II also features an onboard tuner that allows for quick tuning on the fly. It requires a nine-volt battery, which can easily last as long as 10 long sets. The tuner includes a simple meter to help fine-tune each of the strings. Also included on the tuner is the pitch button, which allows for tuning in frequency ranges other than the standard A440. When the guitar is plugged in and amplified, the tuner switch also doubles as a mute button for quiet tuning that won’t ring through the PA system or amplifier. Additionally, the tuner shuts itself off if it doesn’t register any input for a few minutes.

Pricing and comparisons

Realistic pricing for a brand new Takamine EF341SC runs around $1,250. This is one of their bestselling models because of the professional sound and highly sleek design, but it certainly isn’t their cheapest option. While it doesn’t have the solid woods like most higher-end guitars, the sound quality and intuitive pickup and preamp make it a solid contender with most higher priced Taylors and Martins. When compared to Taylors or Martins in the same price range (very few options there), the Takamine EF341SC offers better sound and versatility than the (supposedly) budget-conscious high-end guitars.