PF 3/4

This August, Ibanez has some acoustic highlights in their new release line up. Nothing too interesting but this is worth mentioning - the PF model is given the 3/4 treatment (24"). Also, it has the elbow slope which was once a feature of higher tier models.

The frustrating thing here is that the PF15JR models were not given a solid top. Ibanez might reserve this 3/4 + solid top combo for the AW54JR.

Pic: Ibanez

The other junior

Not many manufacturers would invest the time & money into shorter-scaled guitars. These models are lesser in demand due to a niche appeal. It is therefore good to see that this Summer, Ibanez has the AE245JR out for those of us who embrace a smaller make acoustic. This isn't a fresh take on a scaled down AE, three years back, Ibanez had the AE205JR which is still in the current catalog (CLICK). This version features a solid okoume top & a katalox fretboard. If you think the latter wood is a synthetic feature, know that it's another name for Mexican ebony.

Compact Yammy

Yamaha is now in the 3/4-sized bandwagon. Seen above is the CSF1M. You read that right- the CSF monicker is back. However, the compact feature in this range is fresh. You'd say that, hey, Yamaha has those compressed APX & JRs going all this while so what's the beef with the CSF range? The CSF range is not a travel type offering so that's the main difference there. This CSF1M here is a 23.6" player with a solid spruce top. 

The CSF3M on the other hand, is a full solid model for $200 more. Both models feature a passive electronics, meaning- no on board controls, just plug in & play. This is believably aimed at Martin's Dreadnought Jr but the Yamaha, in my books, is one up simply because if features real wood for a fretboard. Let me spell it our for you: R-O-S-E-W-O-O-D. So what we have here are good editions to the not-so-big acoustic range out there which is a timely reminder that such instruments are not for kids to begin with. Yes, kids might benefit from such ergonomics but it's as much an adult indulgence. 

Shorter yams

The Yamaha camp is also offering a 3/4 version of two popular acoustic models. The APX600 above...

... and the CPX600. Is it an in thing now to be owning smaller built guitars? Are we turning into dwarves or something? Of course, not! Manufacturers now realize that there is a market for such instruments & they are not a compromised manifestations of the standard sized version. Players out there embrace comfort & fit as opposed to compelling themselves to big, obnoxious instruments. 

Shrunken-nought

This is another addition to Ibanez's increasing line up of smaller acoustics. The AW54MINIGB is a simple, shrunken dreadnought with a cool body binding. If you are familiar with Martin's Dreadnought Jr or Taylor's Big Baby, this should be a familiar embrace. Solid mahogany top- please note.

List: $349 (Swee Lee Co.)

The mini gift

This Takamine GX11ME (cheekily labelled as Taka mini in the sound hole) won't be a hit with the crowd for 2 main reasons: 1) It's a 3/4 size guitar 2) It's not a solid top model. I personally don't mind these unglamorous attributes because I prioritize QC, tone & playability above all else. The rest are, to me, bonus considerations (especially for acoustic guitars). I spent quite some time at the store trying it out before parting with cash. For a G-Series Takamine, the QC on show is respectable. The tone is a little bland when it comes to chords but I'm not a chord fan, I'm playing this for its warm & lush single notes, especially when finger picked. It's a winner with me, nothing else is more important. So happy birthday to me!

Then again, today is not my birthday :-)

Takamine: GX18CE

What's your take on smaller bodied acoustic guitars? Are they a serious tone contender, instruments for musicians with an ailing back, kiddy alternatives or simply the manufacturer's attempt to swell their coffers? Whatever they may be to us, they are undeniably functional. Takamine's G-Series Taka-mini instruments are scaled down guitars, manifesting a 3/4 body dimension unlike the  smaller-bodied travel-type models (Think: Martin's Ed Sheeren model).

The instrument you see above is the GX18CE featuring a solid spruce top & mahogany back & sides. It also includes the TP4T pre-amp on board for plug in moments. I've never come across a Takamine with shoddy workmanship, this one included. I gave it a thorough visual inspection but it has no adversity to justify it's rather entry-level price tag. 

The GX18CE is one loud guitar in its unplugged nature despite its 3/4 manifestation. If you have reservations in this regard, this is an assurance for you to re-consider. Unlike a travel-size player, a 3/4 instrument offers a more ideal elbow placement. This isn't crucial for strummers but for the fingerstyle dweebs out there, it helps deal with leverage issues. The default action will get those acoustic shredders going but it's not the lowest I've come across (I've played some Yamaha with lower action). Due to it's spruce/mahogany combination, the unplugged tone is leaning towards the bright side but if you wish to employ the GX18CE for your subtle, fingerstyle moments, employing the on board EQ is a ready discourse.

All in all, this GX18CE is a pleasant surprise tone-wise considering it's not a full-sized acoustic. In this light, it offers those of us who struggle with handling issues, a more comfortable take on playability without sacrificing good tones. On a personal note, I'd recommend this to those players who want a big sounding instrument (in terms of volume projection, not depth) but with a more subdued physical outline. With this episode, the future looks good for guitars of this nature because it's in no way a compromise; a 3/4 being does not equal to 3/4 goodness. Especially for Takamine, the standard remains above average.

Rating: 85%

Takamine: GX18CE (3/4 NEX type body dimension)

Availability: Davis GMC

Price: $385