2006 Takamine EAN40C Very Good, Hard, $725.00

This Takamine EAN40C is a great-sounding Japanese import whose design dates from the 1960’s and ‘70’s Folk Music era, enhanced in the Naturals Series by some of the most effective technology of the 21st century. The Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars says that Takamine’s high-quality guitars, based on popular U.S. designs since 1962, were “originally set up to be Martin’s Sigma series” but instead entered the U.S. market under their own name. The last MSRP listed for this cutaway model (EAN40C) was $1649 in 2010, and this one is still worth every penny of that price compared to other mid-range acoustic-electric guitars of today.

There is evidence of the high quality which attracted C.F. Martin to the Takamine company in this guitar’s fully bound solid red cedar top and solid mahogany sides and back, inlaid 5-stripe rosette, 42.5mm bone nut, and rosewood 14/20-fret fingerboard with pearl-dot inlay. The strings-through pinless bridge is also rosewood, while the gold logo and the enclosed gold tuners with amber coral buttons complete the picture of a beautiful guitar. The technology referred to above is primarily in the Cool Tube CT4B-II preamp, which in 2006 when this guitar was made was state-of-the-art electronics and is still quite remarkable. The plugged-in sound is great, and acoustically it has a warm, rich resonance which spruce tops can’t match.

The only obvious cosmetic issues with the guitar are a few dings in the finish of the soft cedar top, back, headstock, and bottom side, and some pick wear around the sound hole. Structurally, it’s in excellent shape: relatively little fret wear, straight neck, solid neck joint, flat top, and only one professionally repaired crack (in the back of the neck, barely visible in the pictures). This is not a museum piece; it has been played, and God willing will be played a lot more.

I don’t usually include other folks’ comments, but the following guy’s online review shows something of the loyalty inspired by this guitar:
“Overall Impression: I play all sorts, gospel, rock, blues, delta-blues, slide, fingerpicking, jazz and all else in-between. I think the strengths of this guitar lie in acoustic-rock, blues and fingerstyle. The warmth and resonance of the tone and punchy, rounded mids make it great for recording and live scenarios and it sings the blues to you. If I lost this guitar or it was stolen I would sell my 1957 Gibson J-200 to buy a new one if I had to, it’s that good.”

The included TKL black hard shell case is in very good condition. The red plush lining is clean, and the hardware is all functional. While it is the right shape for this guitar, it is a bit large for the lower bout. However, it is solid as a rock and is well-suited to fully protect the music in this wonderful guitar.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashiers and personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have made every effort to describe and illustrate this guitar and case with scrupulous accuracy. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to purchase this instrument. Its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing.

Thank you for your interest.