Takamine EG540C Guitar Review

MSRP: US$879

Estimated retail price: $699

Perfect for vocal accompaniment

The Takamine EG540C provides an excellent tone thanks to figured and flamed maple top, back, and sides. The fingerboard is composed of rosewood, and it includes dot inlays for easy navigation. The tuners are chrome, and the guitar includes a gorgeous abalone rosette. A pick guard isn’t standard, but it’s easy to add one on for very little.

The body shape of the Takamine EG540C is called a NEX body shape, which features a deep waist cut that makes it feel smaller while providing the same amount of sound output you expect from a full-sized guitar. The NEX body shape is only available on Takamine guitars, which help make the EG540C stand out in sound and in style. Additionally, the cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher octaves, which makes the guitar excellent for the occasional solo.

The Takamine EG540C is available in red, blue, black, and natural finishes. Additionally, the sound quality is mellow and smooth in a way that is ideal for vocal accompaniment, but when pushed and with effects added, this guitar can wail out notes almost as well as a fully electric guitar. Considering the price point, it is extremely easy to start drooling over the EG540C.

The Takamine TK4NT preamp

The Takamine EG540C comes equipped with the Takamine TK4NT preamp and a piezo pickup. The piezo pickup does an excellent job transcribing the acoustic clarity and smooth tones, and the TK4NT preamp provides high-quality sound and plenty of features that can improve your recording sessions and live shows.

The TK4NT comes with a three-band equalizer that allows you to set the bass, middle, and treble tones. Additionally, a notch filter is added. The notch filter works as a way of removing specific frequencies from being sent through to your amp or PA system, so if there are any problems with buzzy feedback, the player can simply dial out the frequency causing the problems and continue on with the show. The built-in tuner also allows for quick adjustments and operates with a battery. The tuner will also mute the sound output to make tuning a quiet experience on stage.

Value of Takamine EG540C

The Takamine EG540C, like most of Takamine’s excellent products, brings an incredible amount of value. You get professional quality at half the price. This isn’t one of Takamine’s cheapest guitars, but the high-quality woods, unique design, and powerful electronics make it worth the extra money. Overall, the Takamine EG540C provides that G-Series sound with a little extra oomph.