TAKGX11MENS vs TAKGX18CENS — Compare
Takamine GX11ME NS W/GIG BAG acoustic vs Takamine GX18CE NS W/GIG BAG acoustic
The GX11ME-NS is an all-mahogany mini with basic preamp electronics, ideal for intimate home recording and travel where weight and size are paramount. The GX18CE-NS adds a cutaway, solid spruce top, rosewood fretboard, and enhanced preamp with EQ and tuner—better for players who gig, need upper-fret access, and want fuller projection.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| Takamine GX11ME NS W/GIG BAG acoustic | Takamine GX18CE NS W/GIG BAG acoustic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $599.00 |
| Brand | Takamine | Takamine |
| Body | Travel | — |
| Body Type | Hollow | Hollow |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | Under Saddle | — |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Takamine GX11ME NS W/GIG BAG acoustic
- ✓ Lightest option at 4 lbs with all-mahogany warmth and focused tone
- ✓ Simpler, more affordable electronics (TP-4T basic preamp)
- ✓ Non-cutaway design maximizes body resonance in compact footprint
Why choose Takamine GX18CE NS W/GIG BAG acoustic
- ✓ Cutaway design allows comfortable upper-fret access
- ✓ Solid spruce top delivers fuller, more balanced tone and projection
- ✓ Enhanced TP-4T preamp includes 3-band EQ and built-in tuner for live gigging
Frequently asked questions
Which sounds louder and projects better?
The GX18CE-NS projects more due to its solid spruce top, custom bracing, and larger effective resonance chamber. The GX11ME-NS is warmer but more intimate in volume and throw.
Can I reach high frets easily on both?
The GX18CE-NS cutaway provides significantly easier access to frets above the 12th. The GX11ME-NS non-cutaway design limits upper-fret comfort but is not impassable for casual playing.
Which is better for recording and live use?
The GX18CE-NS is more versatile: its 3-band EQ and built-in tuner make live sound-check and mixing easier, while solid spruce captures clearer studio recordings. The GX11ME-NS suits intimate home recording but lacks EQ control for mixed environments.
What's the weight and portability difference?
The GX11ME-NS is roughly 1 pound lighter and slightly more compact, making it ideal for backpacking or commuting. The GX18CE-NS remains highly portable but prioritizes tonal range and playability over minimal weight.