Why People Might Not Prefer Takamine Acoustic Electric Guitars

Many consumers, even those in the guitar market, tend to place more trust in marketing and compromises made by others rather than their own judgment. Beyond Takamine, numerous other acoustic guitar manufacturers produce high-quality factory-built instruments at various price points. Guitar players have numerous options, including those from renowned brands like Martin, Taylor, Gibson, and Fender.

Perception Bias: USA-made vs. Overseas Instruments

In the United States, there is a perception bias that USA-made instruments are superior to those produced outside the country, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and others. Overseas makers are often considered suitable for beginners and intermediates but are not viewed as options for players who can afford or deserve higher-end guitars.

When players reach intermediate or advanced levels and decide to upgrade, they often have a "dream guitar" that they've aspired to own since childhood. This "dream" guitar is more likely to be from a well-known brand with a larger market share, rather than one from a lesser-known manufacturer.

The Player’s Experience

Aspiring players often visit stores and play a variety of models from different manufacturers. In doing so, they may discover that brands like Takamine, Yamaha, Ibanez, or Alvarez make excellent guitars, with superb quality, great sound, and easy playability. Moreover, these imported guitars often offer premium features typically found in more expensive USA guitars, such as various tonewoods and advanced electronics. However, this comes at the cost of reduced ornamentation and simpler designs, such as plain hardware, plastic binding, and simpler inlay and soundhole rings.

Overcoming Bias and Trusting Your Ears

Recognizing the advantages of purchasing Takamine or similar higher-end imported guitars, players often face an uphill battle to overcome the built-in bias toward USA-made instruments, such as Martin or Taylor. The moral of the story is clear: once you've educated your ears and hands in good sound and playability, trust your own judgment.

Brand Voices

For the most part, different guitar brands have distinct "voices." Someone who doesn’t enjoy Takamine's sound isn't necessarily saying these guitars are bad. They simply do not prefer the sound Takamine produces. For example, Martin and Taylor are two of the top-selling acoustic guitar brands in the world, but they have very different voices and tones. A person who prefers the Martin tone might not be a fan of Taylor, and vice versa.

Ultimately, the choice of guitar is deeply personal and based on individual preferences and musical needs. Whether you choose a USA-made or an imported guitar, the key is to find the instrument that resonates with your ears and suits your playing style best.