Takamine Legacy EF508KC Review

Everything I'd hoped for

I spent a lot of hours researching the best acoustic/electric guitar to replace my aging Olympia. After watching a lot of reviews of the Takamine EF341kc, I found a comparison video between it and another guitar -- this EF508kc. Both acoustic electric, both Taks, both around the same price point. For the fingerstyle music I like to play, EF508kc with its pure koa tonewood offered… read more a warmth that the more popular EF341kc couldn't match. And with a 3-month waiting period on the EF341kc, I decided to pull the trigger on this guitar instead. I've had it for a little over a week now, playing every day. First impressions are extremely good. This guitar has such a rich, beautifully warm sound -- both plugged in and purely acoustic -- and the playability is very good. I'm a woman with average-sized hands, so the slightly smaller neck was a good match for me. I am able to play things on this guitar that were a struggle before, and it rewards me at every step. The luthiers at Sweetwater did a great job with the setup, and I am glad that I took the advice of my sales rep when picking out a new set of strings. I think the biggest surprise was the variability in this guitar's voice. Fingerstyle plucking sounds full and lovely, while strumming with even a little bit of pick makes it sounds crisp and bright. Almost like playing two different guitars. I've also read that koa wood sounds even better as an instrument ages; can't wait to see what this thing sounds like after five, ten years of playing. Last thing to mention is how gorgeous this instrument is. The pictures really don't do it justice. I don't usually gush about a guitar's looks -- sound is paramount. But it would be an injustice not to mention how beautiful that polished koa really is. And the case it came in is a beautiful chocolate leather covered affair with gold accents, a perfect match for the guitar itself. If you're hesitating about giving this guitar a try, don't. It will live up to your expectations, and then some.

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Pleasantly surprised!!

This guitar is quickly becoming my favorite. Warm tone, plability, appearance. Takamine has a great item here at a reasonable price. If you've looked at this guitar and wondered if is a great deal. It is!!

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My Precious

I have so many guitars, that I just name them with a number now. This is #15. This is my first Takamine but let me tell you that if all of the guitars that are "forged in the fires of Mount Takamine" are this good, it will likely not be my last. The action is great. I'm almost embarrassed to say this, but it is a better playing guitar than my Taylor that cost twice as much.… read more It is definitely a different sound than the Taylor, but a nice sound none the less. Excellent craftsmanship and I have a love for KOA wood. Sweetwater packaged this instrument very well, so don't worry about safety in shipping. Biggest problem with this purchase was simply the amount of candy I received. I mean, c'mon guys!!! I could at least get an xtra fireball and Bit O Honey!

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Incredible Guitar

Craftsmanship / Looks - Simply gorgeous. Not a single flaw anywhere and the polished KOA is stunning. The binding on body and neck also adds a very nice aesthetic. It's not just an instrument, it's also a work of art. 10/10 Sound - Very warm and bright. Just an even, full, beautiful sound. The pre-amp transfers the natural sound perfectly to your amp as well. Couldn't be more… read more pleased and will only improve in time. 10/10 Playability - The neck on this guitar is so comfortable and FAST. Anyone with large hands may find it a bit too small / fast but that would be true for most guitars. The action right out of the box was perfect - I like low action and this guitar delivers with zero fret buzz anywhere on the neck. This is the smoothest playing acoustic I've ever played. 10/10 It's very clear why this guitar is so well reviewed. I can't think of a single negative to mention. Just a beautiful looking, sounding, playing guitar, and one I'll take to my grave.

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New Takamine EF508KC

I first seen a person playing something that looked like this EF508KC and I liked the way is sounded. After looking on Sweetwater's website I seen this model and that is when I looked at the two that were in stock and made my decision based on the wood grains that I liked. Upon getting the guitar and unpacking it, I let it sit for a while to acclimate to my environment I picked… read more it up and tuned it and played it. So far I am very happy with this guitar the sound is great and the photo's that were sent to me were of my guitar. I look forward to many years enjoying playing this great sounding instrument. The personal service from Sweetwater is second to none, personal contact after the point of sale and always making sure the customer don't have any problems. This is the second guitar I have bought from Sweetwater and all others that I buy in the future will come from Sweetwater. Overall a wonderful company to do business with, fair prices and wonderful service.

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