Takamine GD38CE Acoustic Electric Guitar Black
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- SKU
- TAKGD38CEBLK
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The solid spruce top paired with sapele back and sides gives this 12-string an articulate top end and firm midrange, with a controlled low end that keeps the octave courses from turning muddy. The dreadnought body provides the projection needed for the format's signature shimmer, whether strumming open chords or adding chiming texture behind a vocal. With the TP-3G system's 3-band EQ and chromatic tuner onboard, it moves easily from unplugged folk and singer-songwriter work to amplified stage and studio use, while the cutaway opens up the upper frets for melodic playing.
Takamine GD38CE Acoustic Electric Guitar Black
The GD38CE delivers the playing comfort of a dreadnought cutaway with genuine fretboard access—the body sits naturally in playing position while the cutaway opens up the upper register without trading away the resonance of a full-sized acoustic. This 12-string setup produces the shimmering harmonic density and natural chorus that cuts through live, whether run acoustic or plugged into the PA. Built on a solid spruce top with sapele back and sides, the tone sits warm and balanced—the kind of voice that sounds substantial both in the room and through an amp. The onboard TP-3G electronics make this a genuinely stage-ready instrument.
Construction & Tone
Solid spruce top paired with sapele back and sides yields a tonal character with articulate highs, solid midrange clarity, and measured bass response—responsive to pick attack and touch. A mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard provide the stability and consistency gigging players count on, while the 47.5mm nut width spaces the 12 strings comfortably for clean fretting and open chord voicings.
Electronics & Playability
The TP-3G electronics system handles stage duty with a 3-band EQ and chromatic tuner, running on a single 9-volt battery—plug directly into any PA or amp without color loss. The 644mm scale length and gloss black finish project a professional appearance on stage and in session, and the included GBXW gig bag keeps the instrument road-ready between performances.
Key Features
- Body Shape: Dreadnought Cutaway
- Configuration: 12-string
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides: Sapele
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Laurel
- Finish: Gloss Black
- Electronics: TP-3G (3-band EQ, chromatic tuner)
- Nut Width: 47.5mm
- Scale Length: 644mm
- Power: Single 9-volt battery
- Included: GBXW gig bag
The GD38CE at this price represents genuine value—a Takamine built to the same standards touring musicians and session players depend on, delivering years of reliable performance and professional construction without the markup of fresh stock.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
Specifications
| Body Style | Dreadnought Cutaway |
|---|---|
| Frets | 21 Frets |
| Fretboard | Laurel |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Pickups | Under Saddle |
| Strings | 12 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Made In | Japan |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Folk, Indie, Worship, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate highs, solid midrange presence, controlled low end, harmonic richness, balanced resonance |
| Less specialized for | Metal, Hard Rock (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the cutaway design useful if I'm primarily recording in a studio?
The cutaway provides comfortable access to upper frets for overdubs, chord voicings, and melodic arrangements without forcing awkward hand positions. In studio sessions where you might layer multiple parts or experiment with register, that accessibility can speed up your workflow and reduce fatigue across longer takes.
How does a 12-string acoustic work in a live mix without feedback or muddiness?
The TP-3G electronics and 3-band EQ let you shape your signal at the source—controlling the low end to stay tight and present without boom, while the articulate high end cuts through without harshness. The balanced construction of spruce top and sapele back and sides means the instrument projects naturally, so amplification enhances rather than forces your tone.
Is the 47.5mm nut width comfortable for 12-string spacing, or will my fingers crowd the strings?
The 47.5mm width is designed specifically to provide comfortable spacing across all 12 strings without compromising intonation or durability. This is a professional standard for 12-string dreadnoughts, offering enough room for clean fingerpicking and strumming without crowding.
What is included with the guitar, and what will I need to purchase separately?
The GD38CE ships with a GBXW gig bag and includes the onboard TP-3G electronics system. You will need a single 9-volt battery to power the tuner and EQ, plus a cable if you plan to amplify it live or in the studio.
How does the Takamine GD38CE compare to other 12-string models like the Yamaha LL16 or Martin D12X1AE?
The GD38CE combines dreadnought projection with cutaway playability and proven Takamine electronics in a 12-string format. While each brand brings its own voicing philosophy—Yamaha's brightness, Martin's warmth, Breedlove's craft—the Takamine is built for reliability across touring and session work, with professional-grade construction and genuine value for intermediate to professional players.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $77 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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