My First Post About My First Guitar. (Takamine)

Hi, guys! I just bought a Takamine EG540SSC!
This is my first guitar, I've played around with guitars back when I was in high school and college, but I've never really owned a guitar before... I'm finally wanting to seriously learn how to play a guitar, so I've done some research and decided on a Takamine.
I really wanted to get at least a solid top acoustic and for the price, Takamine seemed like the perfect first guitar.
I've considered Martin, Ovation and Taylor, but they were just too expensive as a first guitar...
What do you guys think?
How does Takamine compare to Martin, Ovation or Taylor?

Also, this guitar does not have a pickguard...
Does anybody know a good pickguard, which does not damage the body?

Thanks in advance.

you know, ive never played a Takamine. ive been saving for an ovation.

but that looks like a good enough guitar, and youve already gotten it. so hey, whats the matter with keeping it? :D

and welcome to GT. you'll have some fun here.

Nice guitar man! Takamine guitars are built by a luthier that worked for martin for many a year. They are very good guitars. ;)