MusicRadar

Plugged in, the EF300W truly excels.

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• Review

Takamine produces limited-edition models annually, each with its own specific theme, and has done so since 1987's fairly garish offering, the EF25.

The EF300W is Takamine's most recent LTD, though it doesn't form part of the regular annual series. With only 200 units being released throughout Europe, the EF300W will be fairly scarce, but comparatively, its price point doesn't reflect that.

In fact, although the EF300W carries an RRP of a rather precise £1,114.80, we found it being advertised at around £1,000.

As its name suggests, the EF300W is a derivative of Takamine's EF300 series - the same range upon which Glenn Frey's signature model is based, so we're in good company here.

Offered with a branded hard shell case, its maker clearly expects the EF300W to be taken out on the road, a view further evidenced by the inclusion of Takamine's CT-4B preamp, featuring the award-winning Cool Tube technology.

The EF300W's clean, sweeping Venetian cutaway dreadnought lines are outlined with simple but tasteful coachlining and binding, while the guitar's top showcases a gorgeous selection of book-matched solid spruce.

Differentiating the EF300W from its base series, flamed black mahogany has been used for the sides and two-piece back. This more sought-after tonewood has greater texture and interest to its grain and, as such, will appeal to those who appreciate the nuances of tonewoods. Wood lovers will also appreciate the enlarged herringbone pattern inlays used to create a stylish soundhole rosette.

The two-piece mahogany neck is home to a rosewood fingerboard and a strap button fitted to the treble side of the neck stack. We also like the way the end of the fingerboard is shaped to perfectly marry the soundhole. Continuing the stylish-yet-simple theme, the fretboard incorporates understated inlaid mahogany dot markers.

In keeping with many of its stage-ready guitars, Takamine's rosewood string-through bridge design sits on the soundboard. Some would claim that not having the strings physically pass through the top (then secured with traditional pins) compromises the guitar's tone.

On one hand, similarly specced Takamines are in widespread professional use. On the other, Tak artists including Bruce Springsteen, Steve Wariner, John Jorgenson and Glenn Frey choose pinned bridges. Whatever your view, the design does facilitate super-speedy string changing.

Though a little bottom-heavy, the EF300W is a comfortable guitar to play, either standing or seated. The string spacing at the nut is identical to that of a D-18 and spot on for strumming duties.

Overall, it's very well presented and the construction feels strong, sturdy and well suited to gigging life.