What is the body shape of the Takamine GN20CE?

The GN20CE features Takamine's proprietary NEX body shape with a cutaway. This design provides a balanced sound profile that sits between a dreadnought and a grand auditorium size.

Which tonewoods are used in the GN20CE construction?

The guitar uses a solid cedar top combined with mahogany for the back and sides. This combination is specifically chosen to produce warmth, resonance, and dark overtones.

What electronics are included in the Takamine GN20CE?

It is equipped with the Takamine TP-4TD preamp system. This system includes an integrated tuner and three-band EQ controls for tone shaping during amplification.

Is the finish on the GN20CE glossy or matte?

The guitar features a natural satin finish. This gives it an understated look and a smooth feel compared to high-gloss models.

Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as being perfect for fingerstyle players. The cedar top provides the high level of sonic detail and responsiveness required for this technique.

Does the Takamine GN20CE have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the TP-4TD electronics system includes a built-in electronic tuner. This allows for quick and accurate tuning without the need for external devices.

What kind of hardware comes standard on this model?

The GN20CE is fitted with chrome hardware. This includes the tuning machines, which contribute to the guitar's clean and classic aesthetic.

How does the NEX shape affect the sound?

The NEX shape acts as a 'scaled-down jumbo,' offering a balanced frequency response. It provides enough volume for strumming while maintaining the clarity needed for vocal accompaniment.

What is the typical price for a Takamine GN20CE?

The typical price for this model is approximately £368. This places it in the intermediate category for electro-acoustic guitars.

Does it feature a cutaway for high-fret access?

Yes, the GN20CE includes a Venetian-style cutaway. This design allows the player's hand to reach the higher frets on the fingerboard more easily.

How does it compare to the Sigma DTC-28HE?

The GN20CE uses a cedar top for a warmer sound and features the NEX body, whereas the Sigma DTC-28HE typically follows a more traditional dreadnought design. The Takamine is often preferred by those seeking a more mellow tonal character.

Is the GN20CE suitable for beginners?

While priced for intermediate players, its comfortable NEX body shape and built-in tuner make it a very accessible option for beginners who want a high-quality instrument to start with.

Gear article

Takamine GN20CE Electro Acoustic

The Takamine GN20CE is a professional-grade electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. It is distinguished by Takamine's proprietary NEX body shape, designed to offer a balanced tonal profile suitable for both fingerstyle and vocal accompaniment.

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Design and Construction

The Takamine GN20CE is built around the manufacturer's signature NEX body style, which is often described as a scaled-down jumbo shape. This design aims to provide the volume and resonance of a larger guitar while remaining comfortable for smaller players. The construction utilises a solid cedar top paired with mahogany back and sides, a combination known for producing a warm, responsive tone.

The instrument features a Venetian-style cutaway to allow easier access to the upper frets. To maintain a refined aesthetic, the guitar is finished in a natural satin, complemented by sleek binding, a discreet rosette, and chrome hardware.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and recording, the GN20CE is equipped with the Takamine TP-4TD electronics system. This preamp includes a built-in electronic tuner for convenience on stage. The system also features controls for gain and a three-band equaliser (bass, middle, and treble), allowing the player to sculpt their amplified sound to suit different acoustic environments.

Tonal Profile

Due to the use of a cedar top rather than the more common sitka spruce, the GN20CE leans towards a 'darker' and more mellow sound. It provides rich overtones and a high degree of sonic detail, which is particularly beneficial for fingerstyle guitarists who require nuanced dynamics. The mahogany back and sides further enhance the resonance and midrange warmth of the instrument.

Market Context

Positioned at a competitive price point of approximately £368, the GN20CE competes with various electro-acoustic models. While it shares some accessibility with the Yamaha APXT2 or Fender Newporter Player, it distinguishes itself through its full-scale NEX body and choice of cedar tonewood. It offers a more traditional aesthetic compared to modern alternatives like the Gretsch Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E 12-string.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Takamine GN20CE?: The GN20CE features Takamine's proprietary NEX body shape with a cutaway. This design provides a balanced sound profile that sits between a dreadnought and a grand auditorium size.
Which tonewoods are used in the GN20CE construction?: The guitar uses a solid cedar top combined with mahogany for the back and sides. This combination is specifically chosen to produce warmth, resonance, and dark overtones.
What electronics are included in the Takamine GN20CE?: It is equipped with the Takamine TP-4TD preamp system. This system includes an integrated tuner and three-band EQ controls for tone shaping during amplification.
Is the finish on the GN20CE glossy or matte?: The guitar features a natural satin finish. This gives it an understated look and a smooth feel compared to high-gloss models.
Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as being perfect for fingerstyle players. The cedar top provides the high level of sonic detail and responsiveness required for this technique.
Does the Takamine GN20CE have a built-in tuner?: Yes, the TP-4TD electronics system includes a built-in electronic tuner. This allows for quick and accurate tuning without the need for external devices.
What kind of hardware comes standard on this model?: The GN20CE is fitted with chrome hardware. This includes the tuning machines, which contribute to the guitar's clean and classic aesthetic.
How does the NEX shape affect the sound?: The NEX shape acts as a 'scaled-down jumbo,' offering a balanced frequency response. It provides enough volume for strumming while maintaining the clarity needed for vocal accompaniment.
What is the typical price for a Takamine GN20CE?: The typical price for this model is approximately £368. This places it in the intermediate category for electro-acoustic guitars.
Does it feature a cutaway for high-fret access?: Yes, the GN20CE includes a Venetian-style cutaway. This design allows the player's hand to reach the higher frets on the fingerboard more easily.
How does it compare to the Sigma DTC-28HE?: The GN20CE uses a cedar top for a warmer sound and features the NEX body, whereas the Sigma DTC-28HE typically follows a more traditional dreadnought design. The Takamine is often preferred by those seeking a more mellow tonal character.
Is the GN20CE suitable for beginners?: While priced for intermediate players, its comfortable NEX body shape and built-in tuner make it a very accessible option for beginners who want a high-quality instrument to start with.