What is the scale size of the Takamine GX11ME?

The Takamine GX11ME is a 3/4-sized travel guitar. This makes it significantly more compact than a standard dreadnought, facilitating easier transport for touring or casual travel.

What tonewoods are used in the construction of the GX11ME?

The guitar features an all-mahogany body, including the top, back, and sides. The fretboard is crafted from rosewood to provide a smooth playing surface.

Does this guitar include built-in electronics?

Yes, it is equipped with the Takamine TP-4T preamp system. This includes controls for tone shaping and a built-in tuner for convenient live use.

What is the NEX body shape?

The NEX shape is a proprietary Takamine design that resembles a scaled-down Jumbo. It is intended to provide a balanced sound that supports vocal accompaniment while remaining comfortable to hold.

Is the Takamine GX11ME suitable for recording?

Yes, its mahogany construction and TP-4T electronics make it a viable tool for recording. The warm, balanced tone translates well through microphones or direct line-in connections.

How does the mahogany body affect the sound?

Mahogany provides a warm, resonant tone with a strong focus on midrange frequencies. This helps the guitar produce a bold and clear sound despite its smaller physical size.

What kind of finish does the GX11ME have?

The guitar features a natural mahogany finish. This understated design is intended to showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain without excessive ornamentation.

How does the GX11ME compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

Both are 3/4-sized travel electro-acoustics. The Takamine features the NEX body shape and an all-mahogany build, whereas the Yamaha APXT2 often utilizes different wood combinations and a smaller body profile.

Is this guitar a good choice for beginners?

The smaller body and shorter scale length make it very accessible for beginners or players with smaller hands. However, its high-quality electronics also make it suitable for professional use.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Takamine GX11ME is typically priced at approximately GBP 329. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Does the GX11ME have a cutaway?

The standard GX11ME is a non-cutaway model. This maximizes the internal air volume of the small body to ensure the best possible acoustic resonance.

Can the GX11ME be used for live performances?

Yes, it is specifically designed for live sets. The built-in TP-4T preamp allows the player to plug directly into an amplifier or soundboard with full control over their output.

Gear article

Takamine GX11ME Taka-Mini

The Takamine GX11ME Taka-Mini is a compact 3/4-sized electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid-build mahogany construction and a proprietary NEX body shape. Designed for portability, it integrates a TP-4T preamp system, making it suitable for both travel and live performance applications.

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Overview and Construction

The Takamine GX11ME, often referred to as the Taka-Mini, is an all-mahogany electro-acoustic guitar tailored for musicians who require a smaller, more portable instrument without sacrificing professional electronic capabilities. The guitar features a non-cutaway NEX body style, which is a signature Takamine shape that functions as a scaled-down jumbo. The mahogany top, back, and sides provide a sturdy build, while the rosewood fretboard offers a classic feel under the fingers.

Its design philosophy focuses on an understated, minimal aesthetic. The natural finish highlights the grain of the mahogany, avoiding heavy embellishments or flashy bindings. This approach results in a lightweight instrument that remains durable enough for the rigours of travel.

Electronics and Performance

A defining feature of the GX11ME is the inclusion of the Takamine TP-4T preamp system. Unlike many travel guitars that use passive or simplified electronics, the TP-4T is a fully integrated unit. It typically includes a built-in tuner and tone-shaping controls, allowing the player to sculpt their sound for live sets or recording sessions. This ensures that the guitar's acoustic resonance is accurately translated when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

Sonic Character

Due to its all-mahogany construction, the GX11ME produces a warm, balanced tone. Mahogany is known for its midrange emphasis and punchy response, which helps the 3/4-sized body achieve a richness that belies its small dimensions. The NEX body shape assists in maintaining a 'bold and crystal-clear' frequency range, preventing the muddy low-end often associated with smaller acoustic instruments. The result is a sonic profile that is resonant and balanced across the spectrum.

Market Context and Alternatives

The GX11ME occupies the entry-to-mid-level travel guitar market, typically retailing around GBP 329. It competes directly with other popular compact models such as the Yamaha APXT2 and the Martin LX1E (Little Martin). While the Martin LX1E is a standard for travel guitars, the Takamine offers the distinct NEX body shape and a specific mahogany tonal profile.

For players looking for different aesthetics or sizes, alternatives include the Fender Newporter Player or the Sigma DTC-28HE. At the extreme high end of the market, models like the Taylor Presentation PS14ce offer luxury materials, but for the utility-focused traveller, the GX11ME provides a practical balance of cost and performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale size of the Takamine GX11ME?: The Takamine GX11ME is a 3/4-sized travel guitar. This makes it significantly more compact than a standard dreadnought, facilitating easier transport for touring or casual travel.
What tonewoods are used in the construction of the GX11ME?: The guitar features an all-mahogany body, including the top, back, and sides. The fretboard is crafted from rosewood to provide a smooth playing surface.
Does this guitar include built-in electronics?: Yes, it is equipped with the Takamine TP-4T preamp system. This includes controls for tone shaping and a built-in tuner for convenient live use.
What is the NEX body shape?: The NEX shape is a proprietary Takamine design that resembles a scaled-down Jumbo. It is intended to provide a balanced sound that supports vocal accompaniment while remaining comfortable to hold.
Is the Takamine GX11ME suitable for recording?: Yes, its mahogany construction and TP-4T electronics make it a viable tool for recording. The warm, balanced tone translates well through microphones or direct line-in connections.
How does the mahogany body affect the sound?: Mahogany provides a warm, resonant tone with a strong focus on midrange frequencies. This helps the guitar produce a bold and clear sound despite its smaller physical size.
What kind of finish does the GX11ME have?: The guitar features a natural mahogany finish. This understated design is intended to showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain without excessive ornamentation.
How does the GX11ME compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: Both are 3/4-sized travel electro-acoustics. The Takamine features the NEX body shape and an all-mahogany build, whereas the Yamaha APXT2 often utilizes different wood combinations and a smaller body profile.
Is this guitar a good choice for beginners?: The smaller body and shorter scale length make it very accessible for beginners or players with smaller hands. However, its high-quality electronics also make it suitable for professional use.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Takamine GX11ME is typically priced at approximately GBP 329. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Does the GX11ME have a cutaway?: The standard GX11ME is a non-cutaway model. This maximizes the internal air volume of the small body to ensure the best possible acoustic resonance.
Can the GX11ME be used for live performances?: Yes, it is specifically designed for live sets. The built-in TP-4T preamp allows the player to plug directly into an amplifier or soundboard with full control over their output.