Takamine GD93 Review: Great Looking Acoustic Guitar With Solid Top

Brand/Model: Takamine GD93

Number of Strings: 6

Hand Orientation: Right

Body Material: Black Walnut/ Maple with Spruce top

Neck Material: Mahogany

Fretboard Material: Laurel

Price Range: Under $500

Our Rating: 9.3/10

Check Latest Price

Takamine GD93-NAT Acoustic Guitar Review

Takamine is proving the point that high-end brands can certainly have a presence in the mid-range category without devaluing their goods and their reputation. Just one guitar to date can testify to the quality can be afforded in this price range, the GD93.

There’s nothing mediocre about the GD93 guitar. Even with a quick glance you can tell it’s a sexy instrument. Upon further inspection, you’ll notice that it has a solid spruce top, perhaps a conventional feature for this price range.

But, the sides are made from black walnut/maple, and turning the guitar around will reveal a very flashy 3-piece black walnut and quilt maple back. It’s a design not made for the masses, but instead, reserved for those who like to be extravagant.

The mahogany neck has a bound laurel fretboard with 21 frets. It’s a full-size dreadnought acoustic guitar with a tasteful natural finish. But, it’s not the only thing Tak got right with the GD93 guitar. The hardware deserves some spotlight.

You have body purfling, dark wood rosette, and synthetic bone nut and split saddle. The headstock and bridge is also made from maple and the fretboard has abalone dot inlays that match the dots on the white bridge pins.

To take it up another notch, you have gold die-cast tuners with black pegs. Talk about exquisite!

With the unique combinations of tonewoods and hardware, you can bet this Takamine is going to have a sound signature all its own. It will ring out with the familiar spruce intonation that’s expected, but with the triple-piece back, the black walnut and maple will offer a brightness and warmth that compliments the spruce top.

Fingerpicking might very well be the strong-suit of the day to bring out the entire range of harmonic possibilities at your very fingertips. But, strumming will also bring out a sonic punch of acoustic authenticity that will make it hard to compete with.

Pros

Price
Solid top
3-piece back
Unique aesthetic appeal
Natural finish

Cons

May need setup

Takamine GD93 Nat Reviews

The word on the street about this Takamine is still quiet. If you’re basing your guitar buy on the reviews of others, you’ll be disappointed. However, you may be one of the first to help others with your buy and the amazing experience the GD93 will provide.

But, we wouldn’t be thorough if we didn’t scour every hint of a rumor on the Takamine guitar. What we found out is that it lives up to the hype. No surprise, right? The most impressive features that we found out from the few who are sassy enough to own it have said that it’s the sound that makes it a worthy buy.

Not only is it fun and comfortable to play, it provides consistent tones and sustain, stays in tune for days, and the sound is strong. If you were afraid of the tinny sound that comes with cheap guitars, it’s a fear you can put aside with the GD93!

Takamine GD93-NAT Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Solid spruce top, rosewood sides and a beautiful three-piece rosewood/quilt maple back
Slim mahogany neck and 12"-radius bound rosewood fingerboard provide great feel and playability
Split-saddle design of the rosewood bridge provides superior intonation for sweeter-sounding chords and single-note runs

Alternative Acoustic Guitars to Consider

We also reviewed another G Series Takamine, the GD30CE. It’s not as polished and refined as the GD93 in terms of flashy features, but it is an acoustic electric. That’s right! You can plug this GD guitar into an amp and expect loud projection with its proprietary TP-4TD preamp system. It also features a cutaway, has a pinless bridge, and a solid spruce top.

It’s a very popular guitar, and the masses say it’s a great deal for a Tak under $500 and made our list of the 6 best acoustic guitars less than $500.

In this price range, you’ll also be able to tinker with other well-known brands. Seagull shows its hand with a guitar from its flagship series, the S6 Original. It’s a gorgeous guitar with its interesting choice of tonewoods.

You have a pressure-tested solid cedar top, wild cherry back and sides, and a maple neck. Its well-built construction is sure to impress, and its bright but well-defined tones will sing out true.

Takamine GD93-NAT FAQ

What is a Split Saddle?

The synthetic bone saddle means the saddle comes in two pieces and not a single piece that is the conventional design. Takamine is known to provide a split saddle to compensate for intonation between the high E and B strings.

Where is the Takamine Guitar made?

The G Series guitars are made in China. However, Takamine has very strict quality control measures that ensures all parts of the manufacturing process are adhered to.

Does the Takamine Guitar come with any Accessories?

Unfortunately, the Takamine guitar comes without any accessories. You’ll have to purchase a case and other much-needed essentials separately.

What is a Bound Fretboard?

This just means that the fretboard has a binding on each side that essentially covers the ends of the frets.

Many like the cosmetic feature, and others don’t necessarily care for it. It’s really a matter of preference, but if this guitar is going to go all out, you can bet Takamine put a bound fretboard on here!

What is the Finish on the Takamine Acoustic?

This guitar has a natural finish with gloss. No stain has been added to the spruce top, and the gloss provides an elegant shine and surface protectant to the guitar.

What is this GD93 Guitar good for?

This is an excellent all-round guitar. It’s perfect for practice and casual playing. However, it also has ambition to hit the stage for small venue playing.

Is this a Travel Guitar?

This is a full-size dreadnought guitar that can be taken out on the road, but its sheer size alone may be a deterrent when there are dedicated travel-size guitars in the market.

With a solid top, you always want to be sure to protect it against dry climates, environmental factors, and other accidental abuse.

What Strings does the GD Takamine come with?

This guitar comes prestrung with D’Addario EXP 16 coated phosphor bronze (.012-.053 gauges) strings.

Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need

You’ll be left high and dry if you don’t budget for a case or any of the extra accessories you’ll need if you’re a beginner. Don’t be left in the dark if you’re not sure what you need to get.

Our guitar accessories guide can help you put together your shopping list to effectively set a budget. Since the guitar comes by itself, here’s a quick list you must get together and that you must budget for!

Standout Features of the GD93-NAT

Extravagant aesthetic appeal
Excellent value
Authentic Takamine guitar

Our Verdict on the Takamine GD93-NAT

To strum it up, you’ll get a ton of value and more than a few envious gawks when you wield the Takamine GD93-NAT acoustic guitar. If you’re on the shy side, it may not be for you unless you think playing this git will help you come out of your shell.

This is a guitar that is meant to be played with confidence and with style. Embrace your opulent side – it’s too good-looking to be left on the shelf!

Check Latest Price