The Takamine EF341SC plays and sounds as well as guitars costing twice as much. We recommend it for anyone looking for a low-cost, versatile, good-sounding, and playable guitar.
What do Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi have in common? Aside from hailing from the garden state, both Springsteen and Bon Jovi are devoted Takamine guitar fans, the EF341SC model in particular. With its killer tone, drop-dead good looks, and durability, it’s no surprise that the EF341SC is the first choice of many professional acoustic guitarists. Let’s look and see what makes this offering from Takamine so popular.
Specifications
The Takamine has a black finish covering a solid cedar top with a maple back and sides. Snowflake inlays and a rosette made of concentric rings accentuate the finish. A bound fretboard and chrome tuners round out the guitar’s aesthetics. The Takamine EF341SC is outfitted with a CT4B preamp, a warm-sounding 3-band graphic EQ with a built-in tuner.
Performance
Adopting a Henry Ford approach, Takamine offers the EF341SC in any color, so long as it’s black. That’s not really a bad thing in this case, though. The black finish is positively striking, both on stage and off. This is one baaaaad looking guitar.
Sound-wise, the EF341SC is one of the best acoustics we’ve played in a very long time. Fingerpicking and flatpicking both sound wonderful. It doesn’t matter if you play blues or bluegrass, there’s something for everyone here. The sound is deep, full, and rich, but can also cut through a mix if need be. Chording and single-note lines both sound extremely good. We tried the CT4B preamp in a variety of settings, and it translated the sound of the guitar well every time, whether it was played through a traditional guitar amp or directly into a PA.
Regarding its playability, the Takamine EF341SC lives up to the company’s reputation. Action was low and buzz free, regardless of how hard we pushed the guitar. It’s easy to see why so many touring artists rely on Takamine guitars.
Final Thoughts
Along with the included Takamine hardshell case, this guitar represents a great bargain. The Takamine EF341Sc plays and sounds as well as guitars costing twice as much. We recommend it for anyone looking for a low-cost, versatile, good-sounding, and playable guitar. It’s really that good.
Name of Gear: Takamine EF341SC
List Price: $1,719.00
Manufacturer Info: KMC Music Inc.; takamine.com
Pros: Excellent value; incredible action; solid preamp; beautiful finish
Cons: None
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