TAKGN71CEBSB vs TAKGN71CENAT — Compare
Takamine GN71CE BSB acoustic vs Takamine GN71CE NAT acoustic
Both are mid-tier Takamine G70 cutaway acoustics with identical electronics and playability, differing primarily in back/side wood and finish. The GN71CE-BSB (Brown Sunburst) pairs solid spruce with black walnut for warm, balanced studio tone, while the GN71CE-NAT (Natural) uses rosewood for articulate, projection-focused stage presence.
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Specs side by side
| Takamine GN71CE BSB acoustic | Takamine GN71CE NAT acoustic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 | $799.00 |
| Brand | Takamine | Takamine |
| Body | Other | — |
| Body Type | Hollow | Hollow |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 Frets | — |
| Fretboard | Laurel | Laurel |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Pickup Configuration | Under Saddle | — |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Takamine GN71CE BSB acoustic
- ✓ Black walnut back and sides deliver warm, balanced tone ideal for studio recording and fingerstyle
- ✓ Brown sunburst finish adds visual character and vintage appeal
- ✓ Quartersawn X-bracing enhances tonal clarity and sustain
Why choose Takamine GN71CE NAT acoustic
- ✓ Rosewood construction produces articulate, detailed projection better suited for live gigging
- ✓ Natural finish showcases premium wood grain and traditional aesthetic
- ✓ Stage-ready voicing emphasizes cut and presence in band or performance settings
Frequently asked questions
What's the tonal difference between walnut and rosewood on these guitars?
The walnut-backed GN71CE-BSB produces warmer, more balanced projection with natural sustain—favoring clarity and responsiveness. The rosewood-backed GN71CE-NAT delivers warmer but more articulate tone with enhanced projection, better suited for cutting through in live settings.
Are the electronics and playability identical?
Yes. Both feature the TK-40D preamp with tuner, three-band EQ, mid contour, notch filter, and bypass; mahogany necks; 12-inch radius fingerboards; and NEX cutaway bodies. The only playable difference is fingerboard material—laurel on the BSB, rosewood on the NAT.
Which is better for fingerstyle and singer-songwriter work?
The GN71CE-BSB is specifically noted for fingerstyle and singer-songwriter use, with its balanced, responsive spruce-and-walnut pairing providing transparent, nuanced articulation for complex fingerpicking patterns.
Which performs better on stage or in bands?
The GN71CE-NAT is designed with stage-ready tone and projection focus, making it the better choice for live performance and gigging where articulate cut and detailed output matter more than studio warmth.