TAKGJ72CE12BSB-B vs TAKGY21ESM — Compare

Takamine GJ72CE-12BSB 12 String Acoustic Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock vs Takamine GY21E SM acoustic

The Takamine GJ72CE-12BSB is a jumbo 12-string built for serious performance and studio work with lush, commanding tone, while the GY21E SM is a compact New Yorker designed for fingerstyle players and beginners who value portability and clarity. Choose the GJ72CE for folk arrangements and live performance; choose the GY21E for practice, home recording, and players with smaller hands.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Takamine GJ72CE-12BSB 12 String Acoustic Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock

$719.20
View Takamine GJ72CE-12BSB 12 String Acoustic Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock

Takamine GY21E SM acoustic

$699.00
View Takamine GY21E SM acoustic

Specs side by side

Takamine GJ72CE-12BSB 12 String Acoustic Guitar Brown Sunburst B-StockTakamine GY21E SM acoustic
Price$719.20$699.00
BrandTakamineTakamine
BodyJumbo Cutaway
Body TypeHollow
Scale25.3" Scale
Strings126
FretboardRosewoodRosewood
NeckMahogany
Pickup ConfigurationUnder Saddle
BridgeFixed
YearUnknownUnknown
ConditionRefurbishedNew

Why choose Takamine GJ72CE-12BSB 12 String Acoustic Guitar Brown Sunburst B-Stock

  • 12-string configuration delivers rich, lush resonance ideal for folk and fingerstyle arrangements
  • Jumbo body maximizes projection and presence for live performance and studio sessions
  • Advanced TK-40D preamp with comprehensive EQ, notch filter, and mid contour for amplified tone control
  • Solid flame maple back and sides provide robust, warm depth

Why choose Takamine GY21E SM acoustic

  • Compact New Yorker body comfortable for smaller hands and lap playing
  • Clear, punchy articulation and focused tone cuts through without excess resonance
  • Shorter 644mm scale and 42.5mm nut width ideal for beginners and intermediate players
  • Portable dimensions and balanced feel suit practice and home recording
Bottom line: Professional and advanced players seeking a commanding 12-string for performance should choose the GJ72CE-12BSB; beginners and intermediate players prioritizing comfort, portability, and fingerstyle clarity should choose the GY21E SM.

Frequently asked questions

Which guitar is better for a player with smaller hands?

The GY21E SM is purpose-built for smaller hands with a 644mm scale length and 42.5mm nut width, making it more manageable than the GJ72CE's jumbo 12-string format with 1.875" nut width.

Can I use either guitar for live performance?

The GJ72CE-12BSB is specifically designed for live performance with its jumbo projection and advanced TK-40D preamp system. The GY21E SM is better suited for practice and home recording, though it can be amplified for smaller venues.

What's the key tonal difference between these two?

The GJ72CE delivers full-bodied, lush resonance with warm depth from flame maple construction; the GY21E produces clear, punchy highs with controlled bass and focused articulation from sapele back and sides.

Is the 12-string more difficult to play than a standard 6-string?

The GJ72CE's slim mahogany neck and ergonomic profile help manage 12-string playability, but 12-strings require more hand strength and finger spacing than a standard 6-string like the GY21E, making it better suited to intermediate and advanced players.

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