Takamine electro acoustic

[Big Les]

I'm trying to learn blues guiatr and have an electric guitar but want to get a decent electro acoustic cut-away. I've tried a few guitars and quite like the Takamine EG5xx series. I understand the 510SC and the 530SC are similar, however the 530 has inlay dots in the fret board (handy for me!) and a pick guard. For the same sort of money I have been offered a one year old 510 and a 5 year old 530. Someone mentioned the older guitars (they are both Korean) are better made and would be the better buy - anyone have any opinions?

[aschleman]

I personally own a Tak 544 A/E. It's a grand auditorium sized body. it's got the diamond inlays, the new preamp with digital read out tuner, and back and sides made of Hawaiian Koa.... I like it for the amount that I paid. The action is a bit high... but I'm use to playing Breedloves and Taylors... so that doesn't say much. I think the G series has some great guitars and even the Korean Takamines are pretty nicely made. I would say either one would be i good buy... I would go with the older instrument if it is in about the same shape... Instruments tend to sound better as they age... time allows the joints to settle together... So if the older one is in the same shape go for it... otherwise go with the newer one... If you're interested in buying a 544 I'm selling mine currently for 400..... but for a GT user I'd take 350... haha.

[Big Les]

The 510 is satin finish, the 530 is gloss - any plus or minus points on the different finishes?

[aschleman]

not a whole lot of difference except aestetics and feel... some people like satin finished necks becasue they feel like their hands don't stick to the neck like sometimes is does on a gloss finished neck... other than that, there's no real advantage/disadvantage to having a satin or gloss finish.... i personally don't mind the satin finish.... when it gets worn in it looks pretty cool... where as a gloss finish is going to show minor scratches a lot more than satin finish would.