TAKGD30CE12BLK-B vs TAKGD30CE12BSB-B — Compare
Takamine GD30CE-12BLK 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar Black B-Stock vs Takamine GD30CE-12BSB Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock
Both are 12-string Takamine dreadnoughts with cutaways and TP4-TD electronics, built for folk, indie, and live work. The key difference is back-and-sides wood: the GD30CE-12BLK uses mahogany for warmer, deeper resonance, while the GD30CE-12BSB uses okoume for slightly brighter articulation. Choose the mahogany model for richer low-end presence; choose the okoume model for enhanced clarity and a more contemporary shimmer.
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Takamine GD30CE-12BLK 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar Black B-Stock
Takamine GD30CE-12BSB Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock
Specs side by side
| Takamine GD30CE-12BLK 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar Black B-Stock | Takamine GD30CE-12BSB Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.20 | $599.20 |
| Brand | Takamine | Takamine |
| Body | Dreadnought Cutaway | Dreadnought Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow | — |
| Scale | — | 25.3" Scale |
| Strings | 12 | 12 |
| Frets | 20 Frets | — |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Pickup Configuration | Soundhole | Under Saddle |
| String Type | Steel | — |
| Year | 2021 | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose Takamine GD30CE-12BLK 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar Black B-Stock
- ✓ Mahogany back and sides deliver deeper, warmer tonal character
- ✓ Darker aesthetic in black finish
- ✓ Quartersawn X-bracing noted for structural consistency
- ✓ Slightly narrower nut width (1.6875 inch) suits some players
Why choose Takamine GD30CE-12BSB Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock
- ✓ Okoume back and sides produce brighter, more articulate response
- ✓ Professional-grade skill level explicitly listed
- ✓ Slightly wider nut width (1.87 inch) for enhanced 12-string spacing
- ✓ Visually striking brown sunburst finish
Frequently asked questions
What's the tonal difference between these two 12-strings?
The GD30CE-12BLK's mahogany back and sides produce a warmer, more resonant character with richer low-end. The GD30CE-12BSB's okoume back and sides yield brighter, more articulate response with enhanced shimmer. Both use identical solid spruce tops and electronics, so the difference is moderate and genre-appropriate for folk, indie, and studio work.
Which has better upper-fret access?
Both feature soft Venetian-style cutaways for comfortable upper-fret access. The GD30CE-12BSB offers a slightly wider nut (1.87 inch vs. 1.6875 inch), which some players find easier for precise 12-string fingering, though the difference is marginal.
Are the electronics the same?
Yes—both include the TP4-TD preamp system with built-in chromatic tuner, three-band EQ (±12 dB), and gain controls. The electronics are identical and stage-ready for live performance and direct recording.
What skill level do these suit?
The GD30CE-12BLK is rated intermediate to advanced. The GD30CE-12BSB is rated intermediate, advanced, and professional. Both are well-built for experienced players, though the professional designation on the BSB suggests a marginal edge in refinement or consistency.