Description
Takamine GD74CE-12U NAT Dreadnought Cutaway 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar with a spruce top, flame maple back and sides, a maple neck, a laurel fingerboard, and a Gloss Natural finish.
I've been playing guitar for over 30 years. I started as a studio musician in Los Angeles, and now I run Terry Carter Music Store and a music education platform that has taught thousands of students how to play.
The GD74CE-12U is a 12-string purpose-built for players who string it in unison pairs instead of octave pairs, a style common in regional Mexican music. A reinforced spruce top with double-X bracing handles the extra string load, and the sound is growly, brash, melodic, and sparkling at the same time.
What's Included With Your Guitar
🎸 Takamine GD74CE-12U NAT Acoustic-Electric Guitar ($1,399 value) Factory new, with the Takamine limited warranty.
🎒 Takamine Gig Bag Included from the factory with this guitar, to protect it in transit and on the go.
🎓 12-Month Rock Like The Pros Premium Membership ($240 value) Full access to every course at rocklikethepros.com, beginner through advanced. Video lessons, tabs, and backing tracks designed to take you wherever you want to go on guitar. Plus weekly live Zoom lessons with me, included with every Premium membership. Ask questions in real time, get personalized feedback, and learn alongside other guitarists in the community.
🚚 Free Insured Continental US Shipping ($75 value) Insured and tracked, every time. No upcharges.
Specifications
| SKU | TAKGD74CE12UNAT |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Dreadnought Cutaway |
| Strings | 12 (six pairs) |
| Top | Spruce, reinforced with double-X bracing |
| Back | Flame Maple |
| Sides | Flame Maple |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Laurel |
| Finish | Gloss Natural |
| Electronics | Takamine TP-3G preamp with three-band EQ and a chromatic tuner |
| Inlay | "Reverse mountain" inlay at the 12th fret |
| Pickguard | Pearloid |
| Binding, purfling and rosette | Specialized wood detailing |
| Nut width | 47.5 mm (1.87 in) |
| Scale length | 644 mm (25.35 in) |
| Length | 1073 mm (42.24 in) |
| Width | 398.6 mm (15.69 in) |
| Depth at end | 125 mm (4.92 in) |
| Tuning | E-E-A-A-D-D-G-G-B-B-E-E, all pairs tuned in unison |
| Case | Takamine gig bag included |
| Warranty | Takamine Limited Warranty |
Common questions
What tuning does the Takamine GD74CE-12U use?
It is strung in unison pairs. Each of the six notes, E-A-D-G-B-E, is played by two strings tuned to the same pitch, instead of the octave pairs used on a standard 12-string.
What does the U in GD74CE-12U stand for?
U stands for unison. Takamine built this 12-string for players who string it in unison pairs, a style common in regional Mexican music, because that stringing puts extra load on a standard guitar.
Why does the GD74CE-12U have a reinforced top?
The reinforced spruce top has double-X bracing so it can handle the extra string load of unison stringing while still projecting a clear, sweet sound.
Can I plug the GD74CE-12U into an amp or PA?
Yes. It is an acoustic-electric with a Takamine TP-3G preamp, which gives you three-band EQ and a chromatic tuner, so you can plug straight into an amp or PA.
Does the GD74CE-12U have a cutaway?
Yes. The GD74CE-12U is a Dreadnought Cutaway model, which makes the upper frets easier to reach.
Is the GD74CE-12U right-handed or left-handed?
This listing is the right-handed GD74CE-12U NAT. Takamine also makes left-handed versions of some models, and we list those separately where available.
Does the GD74CE-12U come with a case?
It comes with a Takamine gig bag. It does not include a hard case.
What is the difference between the Takamine GD74CE-12U NAT and the GD30CE-12?
The GD74CE-12U is built for unison stringing, with a reinforced spruce top, double-X bracing, flame maple back and sides, a maple neck, the TP-3G preamp, and a gig bag. The GD30CE-12 is a standard octave-strung 12-string with solid spruce top, okoume back and sides, a mahogany neck, and the TP-4TD preamp.
How do I claim the Rock Like The Pros membership?
After you order, we email you a link to claim your free 12-month Rock Like The Pros membership. The membership covers every course from beginner through advanced, plus the weekly live Zoom lessons.
Is shipping really free?
Yes. Shipping is free and insured anywhere in the continental US. You'll get tracking as soon as it ships.
What warranty does the GD74CE-12U have?
It is covered by the Takamine Limited Warranty.
What if I'm not happy with the guitar?
30-day return policy. We want you to love it. If you don't, we'll make it right.
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📸 NOTE ON PHOTOS
This instrument is crafted from natural materials — wood grain, color, and figuring vary between pieces, which is part of what makes each one unique. The photos show a representative example. Questions before ordering? We're happy to help.
