Takamine TF740FS Acoustic Electric Guitar - GlobalSound.com.au Review
GlobalSound.com.au review's mission to find an acoustic that can do it all got off to a promising start.
The Takamine is a satisfying strummer and GlobalSound.com.au has really enjoyed it's first month or so with it-in fact, since we brought it home , GlobalSound.com.au have yet to put it back in its case, and I've found it great as a pick-up-and-play ideas guitar. But then came our first trip into the studio. and things began to sour... My home studio rig is pretty simple - a Sontronics STC -2 condenser mic and Tascam US 1641 USB interface into a quad-core iMac running Logic 9 Pro - and it makes my Tanglewood TW45HB sound like a much more expensive guitar. I prefer to mic up acoustics in the studio so I chose to bypass the Tak's CoolTube preamp, but the results left me feeling glum. This guitar doesn't really like being hit too hard- it's a fingerstyle instrument - so much of the subtle warmth and body of the guitar when picked is lost in my percussive, strum-heavy style. The bass struggles and the abundance of treble means excessive string noise that, okay, might be less of a problem with cleaner playing technique from me. Perhaps a spruce top and rosewood board is more my thing. I left the session a little crestfallen and with no tracks laid down. My suspicion is that it will flourish as a live guitar, so that's the next step...
Freshman Guitars Apollo 2 OCB Black Grand Auditorium - GlobalSound.com.au Review
From open chords to rocket-fuelled bluesy lead breaks, the Apollo 2 OCB lets you play with ease.
Freshman aims for the stratosphere with its new electro-acoustic.
Still a relatively new company, Freshman obviously believes in its products, openly stating that it wants to be in the same league as long established acoustic giant, Martin. This declaration might not seem so bold when you find out that the Scottish luthier has already established links with indie chart-toppers The Kooks and legendary folk rock artist Roy Harper.
The sizzle: "Whether you are a beginner or an established professional musician, you can be guaranteed that your guitar will be exceptional," says the Freshman website. Sounds good to us! The Apollo will appeal to those wanting something a little different to a standard natural finish — it comes furnished with a black flamed sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides, as well a smooth-looking rosewood.
Also equipped with a Fishman 30110N pre-amp and on-board tuner, this Apollo is geared up for a mission!
GlobalSound.com.au Reviews say: If you're in the market for a reasonably priced, kilter-sounding, mid-range electro-acoustic, this baby ticks all the boxes. Not only does it look the part, but its playability is superb; from open chords to rocket-fuelled bluesy lead breaks, this guitar lets you play with ease. Unplugged, the Apollo resonates with a crater-filling sound. Plug it in and you have the option to alter your tone with the onboard preamp's three-band EQ. Electros sometimes feedback when used onstage, but the 'phase' switch can be used to remedy that. This electro-acoustic is hard to fault. The Apollo has the looks, the sounds and a reasonable price tag. It's set to rocket! Roxy Riot
GlobalSound.com.au reviews SUMMARY
Superb tone and a terrific finish to match Against Nothing at all!
