Table of Contents
The awe-inspiring Takamine TSP-158C12 is a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that takes your musical journey to new heights. This remarkable instrument effortlessly blends exquisite design with impeccable playability, making it a dream come true for guitar enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The Takamine TSP-158C12’s exceptional tonal range, a modern robust acoustic character with superb projection makes it the perfect companion for any musical genre, from intimate acoustic melodies to bold, energetic performances.
Check out more Takamine 12-String guitar options that you might like.
| Made In | Japan |
| Model | TSP158C-12 STR (THINLINE) |
| Body | Thinline |
| Top | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Neck | Maple |
| Scale | 24.8″ |
| Nut Width | 1.771″ |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Frets | 20 |
| Bracing | X Bracing |
| Electronics | CT3N |
| Bridge | Ebony |
| Inlays | Pearloid Ovals with Abalone Triangles |
| Truss Rod | Dual Action |
| Case | SH100T Semi-hard Softshell Case |
| Design | FX Cutaway |
How Well Built Is The Takamine TSP158C-12 STR Body?
When it comes to the body of the Takamine TSP-158C 12 acoustic-electric guitar, prepare to be amazed. It’s like a work of art that brings your music to life! Let’s talk about the different types of wood used in this guitar.
Top wood
The top of the guitar is made of solid spruce, which adds an extra punch. Spruce is known for its ability to produce a bright, clear, and balanced tone. It has a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, which allows the guitar’s top to vibrate more freely.
Check out some comparisons between spruce and other wood.
Back and Sides
The back and sides of this beauty are crafted from maple, adding warmth and depth to your melodies. I remember the first time I played this guitar—it was like a warm embrace from the instrument itself. The maple back and sides added a unique character to the overall sound.
Shape
The body shape is sleek and stylish, making it comfortable to hold and play with. I could effortlessly glide my fingers along the fretboard, whether I was playing chords or intricate melodies. And guess what? The guitar has a nifty cutaway design that lets you reach those high notes with ease. It’s like having a secret weapon in your musical arsenal!
Check out how guitar shapes make an impact on music.
How Does The Guitar Appear?
The guitar looks absolutely stunning. One more thing that impressed me is the stunning see-through red gloss finish. Not only does it make the guitar visually appealing but also it protects the guitar. When I took it on stage, everyone’s eyes were on my guitar before I even played a single note!
How Is The Playability Of The Takamine TSP158C-12 STR?
The Takamine TSP158C-12 STR is a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that is known for its excellent playability. The guitar has a thinline body that is comfortable to hold and play, even for extended periods of time. The neck is also slim and easy to play.
Fingerboard
Ebony is used as the fingerboard material. Takamine knows how to spoil us with their choice of ebony. When my fingers glided across that smooth, luxurious surface, quick runs felt effortless. The ebony not only adds a touch of elegance to the overall look but also ensures durability that will withstand countless jam sessions.
Oh, and the fingerboard radius! This little detail can make a big difference in your playing experience. The comfortable curvature of the Takamine tsp’s fingerboard reduces strain on your fingers and allows for smooth and seamless transitions. It’s like the guitar becomes an extension of yourself, effortlessly bringing your musical vision to life.
Neck Profile
Thinline guitars often feature slim neck profiles that are comfortable for players of various hand sizes. These necks are designed to allow for smooth and easy fretting, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
When you grab the neck of a guitar, you’ll notice that the lower portion of your hand has a stronger, deeper curve, while the top part has a more subtle arch. This is the shape that most closely resembles the natural form of your hand.
Scale Length
The scale length is how far the strings go from the bridge to the nut. Clocking in at 24.8 inches, the Takamine TSP-158C12 falls into that sweet spot between comfortable playability and a rich, thin-bodied acoustic-electric tone. It’s like the guitar gives you a warm hug every time you strum a chord or pluck a note. Trust me, this Takamine thinline body delivers big time.
String
Let’s not forget about the strings themselves. The D’Addario 12-string strings on this guitar produce a mesmerizing sound that makes your music come alive. Whether you’re playing soft ballads or rocking out with a fiery solo, these strings deliver the perfect blend of clarity and richness.
Also, the string spacing on the fingerboard is spot-on. I remember playing complex chords and intricate melodies, and the spacing allowed my fingers to dance effortlessly across the strings. It’s like the Takamine tsp was designed with my musical journey in mind—comfortable yet precise.
Check out some easy chords for 12-string guitars.
Frets
With 20 frets at your disposal, you have all the room you need to explore your musical imagination. Whether I was venturing into the upper register or strumming away at open chords, the Takamine tsp’s fingerboard never let me down. It’s like having a musical playground at your fingertips.
How Good Does Takamine TSP158C Sound?
The Takamine TSP158C is a well-regarded guitar for its sound quality. It has a bright and clear sound with a lot of sustain. The guitar is also very versatile and can be used for a variety of musical styles. I’ve talked about the tonewood in the first section of the blog now. Let’s move on to the electronics.
Electronics
The Takamine tsp is equipped with an incredible CT IIIN electronics system. It’s like having a studio-quality soundboard right inside your guitar.
Speaking of connections, the Takamine 12-string thinline has got you covered. With its standard 1/4-inch output, you can easily connect this guitar to any sound system or recording interface.
But wait, there’s more! The CT3N system also comes with some nifty extras. It includes built-in volume control, a 3-band EQ, and even a handy tuner. Let me tell you, having these features right at my fingertips was a game-changer.
Tuners
The Takamine tsp takes things up a notch with integrated filter cuts and its closed-gear tuners. I remember when I first got my hands on this guitar and strummed those 12 strings. The closed-gear tuners kept everything perfectly in tune, giving me the confidence to play with passion and precision.
You can check different tunings for 12-string songs here.
Pros of the Takamine TSP-158C12
- Meticulous Craftsmanship: The Takamine TSP-158C12 is a true work of art. From the solid spruce top to the ebony fingerboard, every detail is carefully crafted by Takamine’s skilled artisans. When I held this guitar in my hands, I could feel the passion and expertise that went into its creation.
- Mesmerizing Sound: Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting tones of the Takamine TSP-158C12. With its 12-string setup and choice of tonewoods like maple, this guitar produces a captivating sound that resonates with richness and clarity. When I strummed the strings, each note came alive, filling the room with a magical harmony that gave me goosebumps.
- Versatile Electronics: The Takamine TSP-158C12 is not just an acoustic gem—it also features impressive electronics. The CT3N system elevates your sound to new heights, allowing you to shape your tone with ease. Whether I was performing on stage or recording in the studio, the built-in volume control, 3-band EQ, and tuner gave me the control I needed to fine-tune my sound and deliver flawless performance.
Cons of the Takamine TSP-158C12
- Investment Required: It’s important to note that the Takamine TSP158C-12 falls into a higher price range. While this guitar is a true masterpiece, its exceptional craftsmanship comes at a cost. However, if you’re passionate about your music and willing to invest, the Takamine TSP158C-12 will reward you with a lifetime of joy and inspiration.
FAQs
- How To Set Up A 12-String Guitar Perfectly - September 8, 2023
- Vibrato Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide - September 6, 2023
- The Best Classical Guitar Strings - September 2, 2023
