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The Takamine GD30CE-12-string guitar is a game-changer! It has become the standard in the industry because it breaks all the rules. The design is gorgeous, with attention to every little detail.
And the best part? The two-piece saddle makes sure the notes are right on the money (which is usually a big issue with 12-strings, no matter the price tag).

Made In | China |
Model | GD30CE-12 |
Colors | Red, Black, Neutral |
Body | Dreadnought |
Top | Solid Spruce |
Neck | Mahogany (Radius 12) |
Scale | 25.3″ |
Nut Width | 1.875″ |
Weight | 8 pounds |
Fretboard | Ovangkol Fingerboard |
Frets | 20 |
Bracing | Quartersawn “X” |
Electronics | TP-4TD |
Bridge | Pin – Black with White Dot |
Inlays | Dots |
Truss Rod | Steel |
Case | N/A |
Design | Stage-worthy acoustic/electric |
Check out more Takamine 12-String guitar options that you can have a look at.
Body
Let’s dive into the body of the Takamine GD30CE 12-string guitar and explore what makes it special. This guitar is beautifully made, with a solid spruce top with a gloss finish that brings out an incredible sound. The top wood is all about adding richness and liveliness to the music you create.
The Back And Sides
When it comes to the back and sides, mahogany is the go-to wood choice. It’s known for its warm and balanced tones, making every note sound smooth and harmonious. Playing this guitar will give you a warm and inviting feeling.
The Shape of The Guitar
The body shape is what we call dreadnought, which means it’s big and powerful, perfect for strumming or fingerpicking. Plus, it features a handy cutaway that lets you easily reach the higher frets, unlocking a whole new world of musical possibilities.
Want to why body shapes are important and more about guitar body shapes in general? Read this.
Is The Takamine GD30CE-12 String Guitar Comfortable to Play?
This guitar is designed for right-handed players, ensuring a comfortable fit. Its body has a nice depth and length that strikes a great balance between size and comfort. You’ll find it easy to hold and play for long jam sessions.
To top it all off, the glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication and protects the wood. It looks absolutely stunning, whether you’re playing on stage or in your living room.
What is the neck made of?
Moving on to the neck, it’s made of mahogany too, which adds durability and stability. You can trust that this guitar will stay in tune, giving you peace of mind while you play your heart out.
Fingerboard
Let’s take a closer look at the fingerboard of the Takamine GD30CE 12-string guitar. I’m really impressed with the choice of wood they used for the Ovangkol fingerboard.
The scale length of this guitar measures 25.3 inches, and it’s just right. The spacing between the strings on the fingerboard is just spot on. Speaking of the frets, there are 20 of them on this guitar. It feels incredibly smooth to the touch and has a really nice look to it.
The neck has a glossy finish that looks sleek and adds to the overall appeal of the guitar. It feels smooth in my hands and makes it easy for me to slide up and down the neck while playing.
Electronics
This guitar is equipped with the Takamine TP-4TD preamp, which is a part of Takamine’s G-Series guitars.
When it comes to tuning, you’re in luck! The GD30CE 12 has a built-in tuner right in the preamp.
To connect your guitar to an amplifier or other equipment, all you have to do is plug a standard instrument cable into the endpin/strap pin jack. That’s where the magic happens, and you can access all the features of the preamp.
A Low Battery Indicator To Avoid Trouble On-stage
One really cool thing is that the TP-4TD preamp has a low-battery indicator. It lets you know when your battery is running low, so you can replace it before it dies on you during a performance. No more unexpected surprises!
To power the preamp, you’ll need a single 9-volt battery. It’s easy to find and replace, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power for your electronic system.
Pros of the Takamine GD30CE-12
- Impressive Sound: The Takamine GD30CE-12, part of the Takamine G Series guitars, delivers a remarkable sound that is rich, deep, and well-balanced with a mahogany neck. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a beautiful tone that is both vibrant and harmonious.
- Excellent Craftsmanship: This red Takamine 12-string guitar showcases outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail. From its flawless finish to the carefully designed body shape and cutaway, every aspect of the guitar reflects the dedication and expertise of Takamine.
- Versatile Electronics: The Takamine GD30CE-12 comes equipped with the TP-4TD preamp system, offering convenient features like a built-in tuner, gain control, and an active shelving EQ. These electronics allow for easy amplification and customization of your sound.
Cons of the Takamine GD30CE-12
- Limited Color Options: While the Takamine GD30CE-12 is available in a stunning red finish often known as the Takamine red, some players may prefer a wider range of color choices to suit their personal style and preferences. Expanding the color options would provide more variety for potential buyers.
FAQs
Yes, the Takamine GD30CE-12 is available in a stunning red finish, adding a touch of visual appeal to the instrument.
Yes, the Takamine GD30CE-12 comes equipped with the TP-4TD preamp system, offering features like a built-in tuner, gain control, and an active shelving EQ.
The Takamine GD30CE-12 is predominantly designed for right-handed players, and left-handed models may not be readily available. However, it’s best to check with authorized dealers for any left-handed options.
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