Takamine EF381SC 12-String Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Takamine EF381SC 12-String Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Takamine EF381SC 12-String Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar combines a solid Sitka spruce top, maple back and sides, and professional onboard electronics in a gloss black finish. Equipped with Takamine's CT4B II preamp and Palathetic under-saddle pickup, this Japanese-crafted guitar delivers the layered sound of twelve strings for live performances and studio recording.

Designed for performing musicians, recording artists, and guitarists seeking the harmonic richness of a professional 12-string acoustic-electric guitar, the EF381SC features a full-size dreadnought body with a convenient cutaway. Its solid spruce soundboard provides a responsive foundation for strumming and fingerstyle techniques, while the maple back and sides contribute definition and clarity. The mahogany neck uses a traditional dovetail joint, connecting securely to the body for consistent acoustic performance. A rosewood fingerboard, 25.4-inch scale length, and comfortable neck profile accommodate the wider string spacing required for twelve-string playing. The gloss black finish and contrasting appointments create a distinctive appearance for professional stage applications.

The Takamine EF381SC integrates the manufacturer's CT4B II preamp with its Palathetic pickup system for direct connection to amplifiers, mixing consoles, and recording interfaces. Three-band equalization provides adjustable bass, midrange, and treble response, while an integrated chromatic tuner simplifies instrument tuning. A dedicated volume control allows performers to manage output levels directly from the guitar. The instrument includes a Takamine SH200A semi-hard case for storage and transportation, making it suitable for rehearsals, touring, worship performances, and professional recording sessions.

Key Features

• Professional 12-String Dreadnought Design: Delivers the layered harmonic character of twelve steel strings with the projection and acoustic presence of a full-size dreadnought body.
• Solid Sitka Spruce Top: Provides a responsive soundboard with clear articulation and dynamic sensitivity for strumming, accompaniment, and fingerstyle playing.
• Maple Back and Sides: Contribute a defined tonal response that complements the harmonic complexity of the twelve-string configuration.
• Takamine Palathetic Pickup: Integrated under-saddle transducer system captures string vibrations for amplified performances and direct recording applications.
• CT4B II Preamp with Built-In Tuner: Offers three-band equalization, output volume adjustment, and chromatic tuning directly from the instrument.
• Cutaway Dreadnought Body: Provides access to higher fingerboard positions while maintaining the acoustic characteristics of a full-size guitar.
• Mahogany Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard: Combines a traditional dovetail neck joint with durable playing surfaces and decorative fingerboard appointments.
• Gloss Black Finish with Included Case: Features a professional black appearance and includes the Takamine SH200A semi-hard case for instrument protection.

Solid Sitka Spruce Top and Maple Body Construction

The EF381SC features a solid Sitka spruce soundboard paired with maple back and sides. This combination provides a responsive acoustic foundation suited to the rich overtones and paired-string harmonics of a twelve-string guitar.

The dreadnought body shape produces substantial acoustic volume, while the single cutaway improves access to upper fingerboard positions. This arrangement makes the instrument suitable for rhythm accompaniment, melodic playing, and arrangements that benefit from the distinctive sound of twelve strings.

The guitar incorporates a mahogany neck attached through a traditional 14th-fret dovetail joint. Its rosewood fingerboard features decorative snowflake position markers, complemented by contrasting body binding and a gloss black finish.

Takamine CT4B II Preamp and Palathetic Pickup System

The integrated CT4B II preamp provides direct control over the guitar's amplified signal. Working with Takamine's Palathetic under-saddle pickup, the electronics allow musicians to connect the EF381SC to compatible acoustic amplifiers, PA systems, and recording equipment.

Three graphic equalizer controls adjust low, middle, and high frequencies independently. Each frequency band offers approximately 5 dB of boost or cut, allowing performers to shape the amplified sound according to the instrument, venue, and connected audio equipment.

A dedicated volume slider provides convenient output adjustment. The integrated chromatic tuner includes adjustable reference pitch calibration from 438 Hz to 445 Hz, accommodating standard and alternative tuning requirements.

The preamp operates using a 9V battery and incorporates an accessible battery compartment. Its onboard controls reduce the need for external tuning and basic equalization equipment during performances.

Professional 12-String Playability and Cutaway Access

The EF381SC combines a 25.4-inch scale length with a wider neck designed for twelve-string playing. Its rosewood fingerboard provides a traditional playing surface, while the cutaway allows improved access to higher positions.

The twelve-string configuration produces additional harmonic content through paired strings, making the guitar useful for acoustic rhythm parts, layered studio arrangements, and solo accompaniment.

The manufacturer specifies D'Addario light-gauge twelve-string strings for its factory configuration, providing a suitable starting point for standard playing applications.

Gloss Black Finish and Traditional Appointments

The EF381SC features a gloss black exterior complemented by contrasting body binding, a decorative soundhole rosette, and chrome tuning machines.

Its traditional construction includes a rosewood bridge, bone nut, and bone saddle, as documented in Takamine's published instrument specifications. Snowflake fingerboard inlays add a distinctive visual element without interfering with fretboard functionality.

The guitar's black finish creates a coordinated appearance for stage performances, professional recording environments, and acoustic music presentations.

Included SH200A Semi-Hard Guitar Case

The EF381SC includes a Takamine SH200A semi-hard case. This fitted protective accessory provides a dedicated storage and transportation solution for the instrument.

The case helps protect the guitar during movement between rehearsals, recording sessions, and performances. Its inclusion also makes the EF381SC a convenient option for musicians assembling a complete professional twelve-string acoustic-electric guitar setup.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

• Brand: Takamine
• Model: EF381SC
• Distributor SKU: JTAKEF381SC
• Product Series: Pro Series Legacy
• Product Type: 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
• Body Style: Dreadnought Cutaway
• Number of Strings: 12
• String Type: Steel
• Orientation: Right-Handed
• Body Size: Full-Size
• Finish: Gloss Black
• Manufacturing Country: Japan

Body Construction

• Top Material: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back Material: Maple
• Side Material: Maple
• Body Shape: Dreadnought with Cutaway
• Top Bracing: DC-1
• Body Binding: White and Black
• Back Binding: White and Black
• Soundhole Rosette: Concentric White Rings
• Pickguard: Black
• Bridge Material: Rosewood
• Bridge Saddle: Bone
• Bridge Pins: White with Black Dots
• Bridge Inlay: White Acrylic

Neck and Fingerboard Specifications

• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Neck Joint: 14th-Fret Dovetail
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlays: Snowflake
• Fingerboard Binding: White
• Scale Length: 25.4"
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 1.9"
• Truss Rod Access: Through Soundhole
• Tuning Machines: Chrome
• Factory String Type: D'Addario Light-Gauge 12-String

Electronics and Pickup Specifications

• Pickup System: Takamine Palathetic Under-Saddle Pickup
• Preamp Model: Takamine CT4B II
• Preamp Type: Active Acoustic Guitar Preamp
• Equalizer: Three-Band Graphic EQ
• Bass Control: +/-5 dB
• Midrange Control: +/-5 dB
• Treble Control: +/-5 dB
• Volume Control: Integrated Slider
• Built-In Tuner: Chromatic
• Tuner Calibration Range: 438-445 Hz
• Preamp Battery: 9V
• Battery Compartment: Integrated
• Output Connection: Endpin Audio Jack

Physical Specifications

• Overall Guitar Length: 42.2"
• Overall Guitar Width: 15.8"
• Body Depth at End: 5"
• Body Length: 20.1"
• Lower Bout Width: 15.8"
• Upper Bout Depth: 3.9"
• Lower Bout Depth: 4.9"
• Scale Length: 25.4"
• Nut Width: 1.9"
• Finish: Gloss Black

Included Case Specifications

• Case Manufacturer: Takamine
• Case Model: SH200A
• Case Type: Semi-Hard Guitar Case
• Case Included: Yes

What's in the Box

• Takamine EF381SC 12-String Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Gloss Black
• Takamine SH200A Semi-Hard Guitar Case