Takamine GD38CE Acoustic Electric Guitar Black
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- SKU
- TAKGD38CEBLK
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The solid spruce top paired with sapele back and sides gives this 12-string an articulate top end and firm midrange, with a controlled low end that keeps the octave courses from turning muddy. The dreadnought body provides the projection needed for the format's signature shimmer, whether strumming open chords or adding chiming texture behind a vocal. With the TP-3G system's 3-band EQ and chromatic tuner onboard, it moves easily from unplugged folk and singer-songwriter work to amplified stage and studio use, while the cutaway opens up the upper frets for melodic playing.
Takamine GD38CE Acoustic Electric Guitar Black
The GD38CE delivers balanced tonal capture and ergonomic comfort in a dreadnought cutaway design—the body seats naturally at the recording position, while the cutaway grants full fretboard access for overdubs and layering without losing the resonant body mass of a full-sized instrument. This 12-string configuration produces the characteristic harmonic shimmer and natural chorus that translates beautifully to both close-miked recordings and amplified bus tracks. Built around a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides, the guitar captures the warm, articulate tone Takamine is known for, paired with onboard electronics engineered for seamless studio integration and direct output capability.
Construction & Tone
The combination of a solid spruce top with sapele back and sides creates a balanced frequency response—clear high-end definition for detail capture, solid midrange presence that sits forward in a mix, and controlled low-end extension that doesn't bloat when tracked. A mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard ensure dimensional stability through session work and temperature changes, with a 47.5mm nut width offering comfortable string spacing for precision tracking across all 12 strings.
Electronics & Session Workflow
The onboard TP-3G electronics system includes a 3-band EQ and chromatic tuner, powered by a single 9-volt battery, enabling direct output to your interface, preamp, or mixing console without acoustic bleed or re-amping overhead. The 644mm scale length and gloss black finish maintain consistent playability and appearance across tracking sessions, while the included GBXW gig bag provides secure transport between studio and location sessions.
Key Features
- Body Shape: Dreadnought Cutaway
- Configuration: 12-string
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides: Sapele
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Laurel
- Finish: Gloss Black
- Electronics: TP-3G (3-band EQ, chromatic tuner)
- Nut Width: 47.5mm
- Scale Length: 644mm
- Power: Single 9-volt battery
- Included: GBXW gig bag
At this price point, the GD38CE represents genuine value from a brand trusted by touring musicians and session players, offering years of reliable performance and professional-grade construction without the premium attached to new inventory.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
Specifications
| Body Style | Dreadnought Cutaway |
|---|---|
| Frets | 21 Frets |
| Fretboard | Laurel |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Pickups | Under Saddle |
| Strings | 12 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Made In | Japan |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Folk
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Hard Rock
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 12-string configuration good for folk and country, or is it overkill?
The 12-string configuration is a classic choice for folk and country—it delivers the harmonic shimmer and projection those genres thrive on. The solid spruce top and sapele construction keep the tone warm and articulate rather than muddy, so it cuts through live settings and layers well in studio mixes.
How does the cutaway affect the body's resonance?
The dreadnought cutaway provides genuine upper-fret access without sacrificing the full-sized body resonance—you get the projection and tonal depth of a dreadnought with playability in the higher register. The solid spruce top and sapele back-and-sides maintain the balanced, warm tone characteristic of the format.
What's included with the guitar, and how does the electronics system work?
The GD38CE ships with a GBXW gig bag and features the TP-3G onboard system: a 3-band EQ, chromatic tuner, and single 9-volt battery that powers both. You can plug directly into any PA, amplifier, or interface without batteries affecting your acoustic tone.
What nut width is this, and does it suit 12-string playing?
The 47.5mm nut width is specifically designed for 12-string comfort, providing comfortable string spacing across all twelve courses. The mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard add stability and playability, essential for clean intonation across a 12-string setup.
How does this compare to other 12-string acoustics in its price range?
The GD38CE sits alongside the Yamaha LL16-12ARE and Ibanez AEW2212CE as a solid mid-tier choice. Takamine's reputation for road-proven construction and the TP-3G electronics system make it a reliable choice for gigging and session players who need dependable performance without premium pricing.
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