Jasmine 12 String Guitar Review: JD36 Dreadnought and others

October 2, 2023
Pran Jawty Khanam

Table of Contents

Jasmine 12 String Acoustic Guitars

There are a lot of acoustic guitars, but Jasmine 12 string guitar models stand out for their superb craftsmanship and affordability for guitar players. These instruments not only improve musicians’ musical journeys but also make them more accessible to a broader spectrum of players. These guitars are commonly known as Jasmine by Takamine guitars.

In this blog, I’ll closely examine the JD36 and other Jasmine 12 string acoustic guitar features, sound quality, playability, and, most significantly, their affordability to help you decide which one is best for your musical needs and budget.

Check out our list of top ten quality ensured budget Jasmine guitars.

Overview of Jasmine JD36-12 String Guitar

The Jasmine JD36 twelve string is a renowned dreadnought guitar with a full commanding sound and refined attributes. Ideal for musicians in pursuit of the robust and bold tones characteristic of a handsome dreadnought guitar body style, the JD36-12 boasts a blend of quality materials and craftsmanship that elevates your playing experience.

Sound and Playability

The JD36-12 offers some great features and a rich sound that is ideal for fingerpicking or strumming. The select spruce top expertly braced using Jasmine’s Advanced “X” Bracing, is at the heart of the JD36-12’s sound power. This combination results in a broad, powerful sound that fills any room with a rich melody.

From my experience, one thing that I can assure you is that no matter how hard you strum or how gently you fingerpick, this guitar has a wide range of sounds that are sure to excite.

The thin neck and shorter scale length of 24 3/4′′ contributes to a pretty comfortable and pleasant playing experience. These features make the JD36-12 accessible to musicians of all skill levels, letting you fully explore your artistic potential. Its nice playability encourages you to push limits and discover musical places you may never have imagined imaginable.

Build Quality and Craftsmanship

The JD36-12 has exceptional craftsmanship that provides both endurance and visual appeal because it was made with care and attention to detail. The guitar’s top is made of quality spruce, which provide comfortable feel and exceptional resonance. It is a popular wood for its ability to respond with clarity and depth.

The spruce top with jasmine advanced Sapele back and sides complement this with a warm and balanced tone. The guitar has a slim neck and short 24 frets rosewood fingerboard and bridge, which are noted for their longevity and contribute to the overall sonic richness of the instrument. The rosewood fingerboard with its scale length provide comfortable feel.

Chrome die-cast tuners give exceptional tuning stability, ensuring that your music remains in perfect harmony.

The pearloid rosette enhances the instrument’s look, while the high gloss Natural finish not only improves its visual appeal but also protects it for years of musical enjoyment. This guitar is thought to provide the best possible playing experience from its reviews.

Other Jasmine 12 string guitar models

Jasmine Takamine TS612 12-String Guitar Natural

The Jasmine Takamine TS612 12-string Guitar is a truly amazing instrument. Its spruce top and sapele back and sides rosewood fingerboard create a wide range of warm and complex tones. It sounds great, but it doesn’t come with a free case.

Originally meant for a lucky recipient, it is now accessible for individuals looking to make their musical mark or swap for a bass guitar.

This Jasmine 12-string guitar’s electronic capabilities have been tested through a bass amp, revealing the versatility of its sound. Notably, the gain slider impacts the sonic output, allowing for creative tonal exploration.

Want to know more about jasmine acoustic electric guitars? Click here!

Jasmine ES312 12-String Guitar

The Jasmine ES312 12-string Guitar is a testament to quality and aesthetics. With its spruce top and nato back and sides, It provides a comfortable feel and exceptional playability. It also produces a well-balanced and resonant tone that suits various musical styles.

Its playability is impressive, with strings set at a comfortable medium-low height and minimal fret buzzing, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.

This guitar maintains its impeccable condition, appearing as if it were brand new. While it doesn’t include a case, its lightweight design at 4lbs 9oz makes it highly portable and easy to transport to gigs or jam sessions. The ES312 offers a beautiful and reliable 12-string option for musicians looking to explore the captivating world of doubled strings.

To learn more about 12-string guitar stings, click here.

Takamine vs Jasmine 12 String Guitars

When considering 12-string guitars, both Jasmine Takamine acoustic guitars offer impressive options, each with its distinct qualities. We choose Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT to compare with Jasmine JD36 to help you make a decision.

Tonal Qualities

Jasmine’s JD36-12 provides a warm and balanced tonal profile that is versatile enough to accommodate various musical genres. It is a dreadnought-style guitar featuring a select spruce top and sapele back and sides. This combination delivers a full and robust sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking bold and resonant tones.

In contrast, the Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT boasts a jumbo body style with a solid spruce top and flame maple back and sides. This configuration results in a lush and strong sound that is typical of jumbo guitars.

Playability

The Jasmine JD36-12 prioritizes playability with its slim neck and shorter 24 3/4″ scale length. I especially love this design because it provides a comfortable and user-friendly playing experience. It’s an excellent choice for players of all skill levels, including beginners, looking for a guitar that offers both comfort and versatility.

On the other hand, the Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT also prioritizes playability with its slim mahogany neck and a 12”-radius bound laurel fingerboard. The neck’s comfortable profile facilitates smooth navigation of the fretboard, catering to players who require both playability and a commanding sound.

Electronics

The Jasmine JD36-12 does not come equipped with onboard electronics, making it an ideal option for purists who favor an unplugged, straightforward playing experience.

In contrast, the Takamine GJ72CE-12NAT features the Takamine TK-40D preamp system, which offers a built-in tuner, three-band EQ, gain controls, mid-contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass switch.

This advanced preamp system provides versatile sound-shaping options and simplifies on-stage performances, making it an attractive choice for musicians who demand both sound versatility and convenience

Check out more Takamine 12-string guitars here!

Which model should you choose?

The choice of which Jasmine 12 string guitar model to select ultimately depends on your specific musical preferences, playing style, and budget. But my heart is with Jasmine JD36. This guitar is an excellent choice for several reasons.

It’s affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Its balanced tone and comfortable playability cater to both beginners and experienced musicians.

The guitar’s slim neck and shorter scale length enhance ease of play, while its simplicity appeals to purists. With a full gloss Natural finish, it boasts a timeless and elegant appearance. The JD36 is versatile and suitable for various musical genres and playing styles.

FAQs

How do I maintain and care for my Jasmine 12-string guitar?

Regular maintenance includes keeping it in a suitable environment, changing strings as needed, and ensuring proper humidity levels. Cleaning and polishing the guitar can also help maintain its appearance and sound quality.

Where can I purchase a Jasmine 12 string guitar?

You can find Jasmine 12 string guitars at reputable music stores, both in physical locations and online retailers.

Do Jasmine 12 string guitars come with a warranty?

– Yes, Jasmine typically offers a limited warranty on their guitars. Be sure to check the specific warranty details provided by the manufacturer or retailer at the time of purchase.