[Jblue]

hey all,
I’m looking at a few entry level takamines as a gift and not sure which to choose. The options are a 10-15 year old G530 (pin bridge and one piece straight saddle, spruce top) which has seen basically no use, a GS330S that’s about 10 years old and also has seen next to no use (pin bridge, one piece saddle and cedar top), or a GD20NS which has the no pin bridge and the two piece saddle and a cedar top. I have no idea about the build quality differences between the two older models with the higher g series model numbers and the newer gd20. While I think I’d prefer a spruce top, the gd20 looks to me like it has better design features despite the lower model number. Any insight for me in this one would be greatly appreciated. It’s actually a gift for my dad’s 70th; he wants to learn something new, keep the brain workin.
Thanks!

 

[Mark Trites]

Got my nephew a g-series and be loves it. He really wanted a Martin, but I told him to get better first. He really likes the one I got him..

 

[Jblue]

Thanks for that. Which model did you buy for him? Do you know, are all the g series basically constructed the same or might the current model ‘20’ have a more refined design than the 53o or 320 from 10-15 years ago?

 

[Steadfastly]

The take on the G series on the Acoustic Guitar forum is that the G series are okay but the EF's are worth a second look. So, it depends on your budget and what level a guitar you/he would want.

You could take a look here and read some of the reviews. Just remember that a lot of reviews need to be taken with "a grain of salt":.

takamine g series Results | Musician's Friend

 

[High/Deaf]

To be more accurate, the 'F' series is the Japanese equivalent of the cheaper 'G' series (made in China, I think). The 'EF' is the electrified version of the F series (thus the E).

To help you decode Tak: I have an EF360SC, so built-in preamp (E), made in Japan (F), spruce/rw dreadnaught (360), solid top/back (S) and cutaway (C). It is my 'campfire' or 'dangerous jam' guitar, for when I don't want to risk one of my better guitars. The preamp is quite good and the on-board tuner is excellent.