TAKGC5CELHNAT vs TAKGN20CENS — Compare
Takamine GC5CE LH NAT acoustic vs Takamine GN20CE NS acoustic
The GC5CE LH is a left-handed classical guitar built for traditional and fingerstyle repertoire with professional construction, while the GN20CE is a right-handed compact NEX-body guitar designed for singer-songwriters and general acoustic use. Choose the GC5CE if you're left-handed and pursue classical or classical-influenced music; choose the GN20CE if you're right-handed, prefer a smaller body, or play folk and singer-songwriter styles.
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Specs side by side
| Takamine GC5CE LH NAT acoustic | Takamine GN20CE NS acoustic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.00 | $669.00 |
| Brand | Takamine | Takamine |
| Body | — | Auditorium Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow | Hollow |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Ovangkol |
| Neck | — | Mahogany |
| Pickup Configuration | — | Under Saddle |
| Bridge | Fixed | Fixed |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Takamine GC5CE LH NAT acoustic
- ✓ Left-handed design with proper classical geometry (50.8mm nut, 25.6" scale)
- ✓ Solid spruce top with black walnut back and sides for warm, sustained tone
- ✓ Fan-braced construction and dovetail neck joint deliver professional-grade stability
- ✓ Venetian cutaway suits both seated practice and standing performance
Why choose Takamine GN20CE NS acoustic
- ✓ Compact NEX body fits wider range of hand and frame sizes comfortably
- ✓ Solid cedar top with mahogany produces warm, articulate midrange ideal for vocals
- ✓ Shorter 643mm scale and narrower 43mm nut easier for beginners and smaller hands
- ✓ 20 frets with cutaway design enable upper-fret access without body compromise
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar suits a beginner better?
The GN20CE is explicitly rated for beginners due to its smaller body, narrower nut width (43mm vs. 50.8mm), and shorter scale length, making it easier to hold and finger. The GC5CE targets intermediate to advanced players and requires classical technique knowledge.
Why are the body woods different, and how does that affect tone?
The GC5CE pairs spruce (bright, clear) with black walnut (rich, warm sustain), typical of classical guitars and favored for fingerstyle complexity. The GN20CE uses cedar (warm, mellow midrange) with mahogany (balanced lows), suited to vocals and singer-songwriter clarity. Spruce tends toward crystalline trebles; cedar toward warmth.
What is the main playability difference?
The GC5CE offers full classical geometry (25.6" scale, 50.8mm nut, 19 frets) for proper classical hand position and repertoire. The GN20CE uses a compact NEX body with shorter scale (643mm), narrower nut (43mm), and more frets (20) for accessibility and upper-fret reach on a smaller frame.
Can the GN20CE handle fingerstyle and classical music?
The GN20CE is capable of fingerpicking and some fingerstyle work, but its cedar top, mahogany sides, and compact scale are optimized for singer-songwriter applications rather than classical repertoire. The GC5CE's spruce-walnut pairing and classical scale geometry are engineered specifically for traditional classical and advanced fingerstyle.