I've been in the market for a new 12-string, but didn't want to spend "a lot". I took a trip into Vegas, made the rounds to several music stores, and liked the Takamine EG523SC-12 best in it's price-range. Some of the other brands I tried were Washburn, Alvarez, Ovation, Yamaha, and Breedlove. I came home and ordered one from a friend in Florida. It'll be here Wednesday.

As far as the Tak model you're looking at, I've never played it. However, a very strong feature of the EG523SC-12 is it's pickup/preamp. Plugged-in, it sounded MUCH better than any of the others I tried.

I'm not a fan of painted acoustics, because they tend to use lesser-quality wood for them. Tak makes that same guitar in natural finish ... the EG360SC. It seems a shame to hide the rosewood back and sides. That's a matter of personal preference, though.

Ah... SonOfSmawg, nice to see ya here bud! audiokid hug.

*Cheers* Chris!

I stop in now and then, as time allows. My diversification has led to a busier but happier lifestyle, so it's all good.

Hope all is well with you and your family. *Hug*

OH yeah ... the topic!

The Tak came, and I'm lovin it! It's even nicer than the one I played at the store. It definately has the "old friend" vibe to it which I always look for in a guitar. The action is fantastic, the fit and finish is superb, and the sound is lively yet very well-balanced.

I had considered spending a lot more money to buy a Taylor. Now I'm very glad that I didn't. I'm completely happy with this guitar, which is very rare.

SonOfSmawg wrote: OH yeah ... the topic!

The Tak came, and I'm lovin it! It's even nicer than the one I played at the store. It definately has the "old friend" vibe to it which I always look for in a guitar. The action is fantastic, the fit and finish is superb, and the sound is lively yet very well-balanced.

I had considered spending a lot more money to buy a Taylor. Now I'm very glad that I didn't. I'm completely happy with this guitar, which is very rare.

SonOfSmawg,

Are you share the opinion about my EG361SC??

Are you share the opinion about my EG361SC?

They're both Takamine guitars. They are different in many ways, yet will be similar in others. What I like in a guitar, you may not, and vice-versa. Personally, I am extremely happy with my Tak, and feel that it compared very favorably against the competition in it's price range. For this reason, I would highly recommend that you include the Takamine brand in your search.

My suggestion is to play as many guitars as you can which are close to what you are looking for. Compare them in both acoustic and electric modes. Find the one that feels and sounds best to you. If you like the way that it looks, that's an added bonus.

EG361SC

i own a n EG361SC PLUGGED IN WITH ELIXER STRINGS ON IT IT SOUNDS GREAT THE PREAMP IS SIMPLE WITH A BUILT IN TUNER AND MAKES GOOD RECORDINGS