2001 Takamine SW341S "Steve Wariner" Black

This Takamine SW341S is a great-sounding dreadnought cutaway whose design dates from the 1960’s and ‘70’s Folk Music era, enhanced 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 MSRP listed for this cutaway Signature model of the country sensation Steve Wariner (SW341SC) is currently $2599, and this used one is still worth every penny of today’s asking price of $995 compared to other mid-range acoustic-electric guitars of today.

There is evidence of the high quality which attracted C.F. Martin and later Steve Wariner to the Takamine company in this guitar’s fully bound solid red cedar top and solid mahogany back, hand-inlaid abalone rosette and purfling, full ivoroid body binding, 42.5mm bone nut, and fully bound rosewood 14/20-fret fingerboard with designer inlay including Steve’s SW logo at the 12th fret. The bridge is also rosewood, while the abalone logo and the enclosed tuners with pearl buttons complete the picture of a beautiful guitar, all contrasting dramatically with Steve’s preferred gloss black finish. The technology referred to above is primarily in the Cool Tube CT4B preamp and chromatic tuner and the Palathetic pickup, which in 2001 when this guitar was made were state-of-the-art electronics and are still quite remarkable. The plugged-in sound is great, and acoustically it has a warm, rich resonance which spruce tops can’t match.

While this guitar has a dramatic stage presence, up close there are some obvious cosmetic issues: a few dings in the finish of the soft cedar top, back, headstock, and bottom side, and some pick wear around the bottom of the sound hole. In addition, there is some former blistering of the finish in the top which is visible at certain angles of light at close range. 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 heel, barely visible in the pictures). The action is set up low and fast at a hair under 3/32” at the 12th fret low E. 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 show 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 deluxe arched-top Takamine hard shell case is in very good condition. The red plush lining is clean but slightly worn in the headstock area, and the hardware is all functional. Structurally, 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; cashier’s 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.