Jasmine S34C NEX Review: Top Quality Acoustic Guitar

Close up of body on Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar

Brand/Model: Jasmine S34C

Number of Strings: 6

Hand Orientation: Right

Body Material: Sapele/Spruce top

Neck Material: Nato

Fretboard Material: Rosewood

Price Range: Under $100

Our Rating: 8.8/10

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Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar Review

Saddle and Bridge on Jasmine S34C Acoustic Guitar

Jasmine is a long-time, affordable guitar brand that many still associate with the high-class Takamine brand. While Tak no longer has rights over Jasmine guitars, there’s no need to assume that quality diminished when the shifting of brand rights was made.

But, with such a low price, how can you determine if this is true? Read on to find out!

The Jasmine S34C acoustic guitar is an entry-level and beginner model, so you’d expect a low-price tag. However, it has a Grand Orchestra body style – think jumbo.

To find a jumbo guitar with a Venetian-style cutaway under $100 that’s worth buying is like finding a needle in a haystack.

To afford such a grand body style, cuts had to be made. The guitar has a satin finish on a laminate spruce top, sapele back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard on a nato neck finished with gloss. The materials for price cuts continue with the synthetic bone nut and saddle and chrome hardware.

Despite its affordable characteristics, the Jasmine is well put together. How? The grain color of the sapele laminate is even throughout the guitar. The satin finish has been applied evenly. The Jasmine Advanced X Bracing is perfectly executed.

Nut and saddle are seated and slotted correctly. Frets are level. Tuners are sealed. Two strap buttons are pre-installed. The cutaway also makes for reaching the entire full range of tones a lot easier on a grand orchestra git. We can go on and on.

But, being a laminate guitar, what can you expect for sound? The large body style and the satin finish allows booming and resonant sound projection from a laminate instrument. Low-end tones are going to boom through while the pre-strung light gauge phosphor bronze strings will provide an overall brighter sound.

Not only is the Jasmine a good guitar for the money, it’s a good guitar in and of itself! It even featured in our list of 5 top guitars for small hands.

Pros

Price
Advanced “X” bracing
Grand orchestra body style
Satin finish
2 pre-installed strap buttons

Cons

Quality control issues

Jasmine S34C Acoustic Guitar Reviews

Quality control issues are always a standard drawback when purchasing any mass produced, factory-made product. In the case of the Jasmine, legitimate complaints would be cracks near the nut, top bracing, and truss rod anchor. These are actual defects that may require a refund or warranty repair coverage.

However, these cracks aren’t a trend for the Jasmine S34C line, and buyers are honestly happy with their buy. They don’t expect performance or build quality to that of a Martin or genuine Takamine, but as a fun-playing and entry-level guitar, it’s got a couple years or more to offer to be the life of the party.

Set-ups are always recommended when buying a guitar online to personalize your instrument for your preferences. The bridge may need a little sanding, the action may need to be lowered, and you’ll probably want to string up a new set of strings.

Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar,Natural

Gloss Natural
Dreadnought body style
Laminate Spruce top

Jasmine S34C FAQ

Who Makes Jasmine Guitars?

All brand rights and manufacturing have been shifted over from Takamine to KMC. The guitars are most-likely made in China and/or Indonesia.

What is Jasmine by Takamine?

If your Jasmine guitar is labelled with Takamine Guitars brand information, your guitar may have been made or bought prior to the rights transferal to KMC approximately around 2005.

Since then, Takamine have had no claim and rights to handle the brand, and so it’s incorrect to use the label “Jasmine by Takamine” today.

What is the Scale Length of the S34C Guitar?

The scale length is a full 25.5″ with a fingerboard radius of 12″. The guitar is 41″ in length with a slim neck design.

Is there really Two Strap Buttons on the S34C Acoustic Guitar?

It seems older model Jasmine S34C guitars previously came with only one strap button to allow for tying the strap around the headstock for better balance. However, newer models are recently being reported to have both strap buttons with one at the neck heel.

Can the Pickguard on a Steel String Acoustic Guitar be Removed?

The pickguard is glued onto the top, so you can remove it. However, be very careful when peeling off as it may destroy the finish.

What is NEX?

NEX is Takamine’s body style for a scaled-down jumbo guitar with a Venetian-style cutaway.

Will the Jasmine’s S34C Guitar be Durable Enough for Outdoor Playing?

The S34C guitar is a laminate guitar that won’t be prone to climate changes and environmental damage the same way solid tonewoods are.

It can be played in outdoor venues, for street playing, and even at a bonfire at the beach. You may have to re-tune your guitar when using it in various conditions or when storing it at home.

Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need

The Jasmine is one of our 5 picks available for under 100 bucks and when you purchase it alone you’ll have to start from scratch in accumulating the essential accessories. But, you can always throw in a little bit more cash to get the guitar as a starter bundle.

However, if you already own a tuner and need a case, or you’d like to research all the extras you might need, then check out our list for a full rundown on the must-have guitar accessories. For beginners, running by the optional accessories mightn’t be a bad idea!

Standout Features of the S34C NEX Guitar

Great sound and projection
Well-built
For all skill levels

Our Verdict on the Jasmine S34C NEX

To strum it up, the Jasmine S34C Acoustic Guitar is a great buy. The quality is the justification for buying it, and the extremely low price doesn’t hurt either. While Jasmine’s S34C is an ideal beginner guitar, all skill levels will enjoy strummin’ it up for a good time, every time!

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