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Description

The Takamine F-400 is a timeless choice for musicians seeking rich, full-bodied sound combined with exceptional craftsmanship. This 12-string steel-string acoustic guitar offers a harmonious blend of classic design and modern playability, making it a favorite among both seasoned players and aspiring enthusiasts. Crafted with a solid spruce top, the F-400 delivers bright, resonant tones that are perfect for a wide range of musical styles, from folk to rock.

Its mahogany back and sides contribute to its warm, balanced sound, ensuring that each note resonates beautifully. The neck is designed for comfort, featuring a rosewood fingerboard that provides smooth playability across all frets. With the addition of Takamine’s signature split-saddle bridge, intonation remains precise, allowing for seamless transitions and perfect tuning stability.

Whether strumming in a cozy setting or performing on a grand stage, the Takamine F-400’s superior tonal quality and durable construction will meet the demands of any performance. This guitar’s stunning craftsmanship and attention to detail offer an inviting playing experience that encourages creativity and exploration.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for enhanced resonance and projection
  • Mahogany back and sides for a warm, balanced tone
  • 12-string configuration for rich, full-bodied sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Split-saddle bridge for precise intonation and tuning stability
  • Classic design with modern playability
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical styles
Songs of Hope at 432Hz

Songs of Hope at 432Hz

Vintage 1978 Takamine (Martin Lawsuit) F-400S 12 String Acoustic Guitar Demo/Review strung 6 & 12

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1978 Takamine (Martin Lawsuit) F-400S 12 String Acoustic Guitar Demo/Review strung 6 & 12 by Songs of Hope at 432Hz

Vintage 1978 Takamine (Martin Lawsuit) F-400S 12 String Acoustic Guitar Demo/Review strung 6 & 12

Songs of Hope at 432Hz

Songs of Hope at 432Hz

Video thumbnail for Takamine 1974 F-400 12-String Acoustic Guitar by GordonLaSalleMusic

Takamine 1974 F-400 12-String Acoustic Guitar

GordonLaSalleMusic

GordonLaSalleMusic

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Takamine F-400.

Comparisons

  • The Takamine F-400's headstock design closely resembles that of Martin guitars, leading some to initially mistake it for a Martin.

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  • The Takamine F-400S is compared to Pro Series 5 guitars but with full binding and laminate back/sides, highlighting its suitability for performers needing durability in humid conditions.

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  • Takamine's Series 3 offers solid back wood, which vibrates more intensely compared to laminate, enhancing vocal performance and body connection.

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User experience

  • Described as having a "heavenly" sound, the 12-string configuration notably enhances its tonal richness when played in person.

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  • One user successfully used a Takamine F400S project to provide hands-on experience for an apprentice, indicating its potential as a teaching instrument.

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Features and functionality

  • Despite the 12-string setup, the guitar can be strummed like a 6-string due to the close spacing of the strings.

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  • Series 3-7 Takamine guitars feature the CT4B II or CoolTube CTP-3 preamp systems, which are crucial for live performances, especially outdoors.

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Build quality

  • Older Takamine F400S models may have necks mounted with a butt joint fixed with dowels, complicating neck removal and requiring careful modification for maintenance.

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  • The transition from laminate to solid back wood in Series 3 significantly enhances resonance and playing feel, making it a preferred choice for some musicians.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Transitioning to a bolt-on neck is recommended for easier future adjustments, especially when dealing with neck reset issues on older models.

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  • Drilling out old dowels and replacing them can be an alternative solution for neck maintenance if a bolt-on conversion isn't preferred.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Takamine F400S is occasionally used as a training tool for guitar repair apprentices, highlighting its complexity and the learning opportunities it offers.

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  • Solid-top and laminate-back guitars are recommended for performers who frequently play outdoors or near campfires due to their resilience to environmental changes.

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Value and pricing

  • Takamine Pro Series guitars demonstrate increasing value with higher series, where tonewoods, hardware, and finishes become more premium, impacting sound quality and aesthetics.

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3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
tony_poukkula

Nice 12 string

Great looking, "law-suite", guitar! Light gauge/silk stringed guitar, for easy playing.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Glenn Frey uses Takamine F-400

Glenn Frey

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo

Takamine featured this guitar in an article regarding the recording of Hotel California. He used a pre-lawsuit era F400 S (for solid top) which is often confused with a Martin. He used a DeArmond Sound-hole pickup.

[Source: https://www.takamine.com/news?n_id=1048]

See how Tim Renwick uses Takamine F-400

Tim Renwick

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via YouTube

Tim can be seen playing the intro to Wish You Were Here during Pink Floyd’s Pulse concert.

Album Usage

The Takamine F-400 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Takamine Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

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