Takamine EF340SBG Brochure

THE DELICATE SOUNDBOARD BALANCE

Spruce and cedar soundboards have been 

used for well over a millennium, and the modern 

bracing system has been around for at least 

150 years. We use a traditional ‘X’ bracing 

pattern on our steel strings, differently voiced 

for each application. 

Rather than take a radical departure, we make 

many small changes that add up to a significant  

difference in volume, balance and richness. 

Takamine soundboards are braced and voiced 

by hand. By tapping each top, a skilled luthier 

knows just how to shape the braces for the best 

possible response. 

Is There a Perfect Neck Shape?

BODY TALK

A guitar body, with its many curves, 

accommodates a wide range of frequencies. 

Different body shapes favor different 

frequencies giving them a distinct character. 

Dreadnoughts are typically louder, with stronger 

lows. Smaller bodies, like our NEX, tend to be 

more balanced. A thinner body may project less, 

but sound more pleasing to the player. Play as 

many sizes as you can with comfort and sound in 

mind. Your choice is very personal - what sounds 

and feels best to you.

Takamine pioneered the use of uncommonly 

artistic and complex inlays on guitars for 

the common man. We have developed the 

art of design and the craft of precise inlay 

work far beyond the capability of most 

other guitarmakers.

Look closely at Takamine rosettes and inlays. 

This meticulous handwork is a highly visible 

reminder of our commitment to excellence on 

every part of our guitars.

APPOINTMENTS BY DELUXE

Your Takamine is beautiful on the outside, but beauty is more 

than skin deep. Look inside and see for yourself. Finely sanded 

braces and meticulously cut linings display a level of hand 

craftsmanship that’s fast disappearing from modern guitars.

There’s a century-old phrase from the Arts & Crafts 

movement: “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” 

That spirit lives on today. At Takamine, we’re 

artisans and craftspeople at heart.

SKIN DEEP AND MORE

Most makers don’t give frets enough credit - 

or attention. A good fret job can help a player 

reach new heights.

Examine the frets on a Takamine Tradesman. 

What you see is the work of a laser-guided fret 

finishing system that levels and crowns each fret  

to within 0.0001” of dead-on. Fret a note. 

Notice how the string contacts the centerline 

of the fret perfectly. And hear the clarity when 

you play. A good fret job can be the difference 

between a nice guitar and a great guitar.

The Fret Secret

A hundred years ago, the wide classical shape 

with a flat fingerboard was the only shape 

considered “proper,” but we’ve become more 

open-minded since then. Some players feel you 

can never be too thin, while others feel it’s phat 

to be fat. It’s that personal taste thing again.

Takamine necks have an “asymmetrical ‘C’ shape” –

an ergonomic contour that’s slightly thinner 

on the treble side of the neck so that it fits the 

natural shape of your hand. Overall, it’s thin 

from front to back, medium in width, with a gentle 

fingerboard arch. Perfectly comfortable. 

Adam Lazarra – 

Taking Back Sunday

HOWIE DAY

CHRISTINE KANE

TOBY KEITH

ASHTON SHEPHERD

MONTGOMERY GENTRY

SCOTT PATTON – SUGARLAND

MARTY ROE – DIAMOND RIO

INDIA.ARIE

DARYL STUERMER –  

PHIL COLLINS

JON BON JOVI

SIMPLE PLAN

Jerry Cantrell – 

Alice in Chains

BRIAN SPRADLIN – JOE NICHOLS

BLAKE SHELTON

Marty Schiff –  

Martina M

c

Bride

JASON ORME / DAVE LEVITA – 

ALANIS MORISSETTE

GOOD CHARLOTTE

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

JOHN SCOFIELD

Dave Stewart

FRED MASCHERINO –  

THE COLOR FRED

Avril Lavigne

JOE NICHOLS

JAMIE JOHNSON / TERRY ELDREDGE – 

THE GRASCALS

CHESTER BENNINGTON – 

LINKIN PARK

NANCY WILSON

TOM DUMONT – NO DOUBT

Prices and specifications subject 

to change without notice. 

KCG-446 

©2009 KMC Music, Inc. 

P.O. Box 507 

Bloomfield, CT 06002 USA 

www.Takamine.com