Takamine GD38CE Acoustic Electric Guitar Black
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In stock
- 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
Great for
- ✓ Folk
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Hard Rock
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 12-string configuration good for folk and country, or is it overkill?
The 12-string configuration is a classic choice for folk and country—it delivers the harmonic shimmer and projection those genres thrive on. The solid spruce top and sapele construction keep the tone warm and articulate rather than muddy, so it cuts through live settings and layers well in studio mixes.
How does the cutaway affect the body's resonance?
The dreadnought cutaway provides genuine upper-fret access without sacrificing the full-sized body resonance—you get the projection and tonal depth of a dreadnought with playability in the higher register. The solid spruce top and sapele back-and-sides maintain the balanced, warm tone characteristic of the format.
What's included with the guitar, and how does the electronics system work?
The GD38CE ships with a GBXW gig bag and features the TP-3G onboard system: a 3-band EQ, chromatic tuner, and single 9-volt battery that powers both. You can plug directly into any PA, amplifier, or interface without batteries affecting your acoustic tone.
What nut width is this, and does it suit 12-string playing?
The 47.5mm nut width is specifically designed for 12-string comfort, providing comfortable string spacing across all twelve courses. The mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard add stability and playability, essential for clean intonation across a 12-string setup.
How does this compare to other 12-string acoustics in its price range?
The GD38CE sits alongside the Yamaha LL16-12ARE and Ibanez AEW2212CE as a solid mid-tier choice. Takamine's reputation for road-proven construction and the TP-3G electronics system make it a reliable choice for gigging and session players who need dependable performance without premium pricing.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $77 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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