Purpose-built for the sound and playing style of regional Mexican music, the Takamine GD74CE-12U 12-string dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar takes a different approach from a traditional 12-string. Rather than using octave-paired strings for the four lower courses, the GD74CE-12U is designed to be strung in unison with two sets of six strings. The result is the growling, brash and sparkling character associated with this distinctive style of 12-string playing. To accommodate the additional string tension, Takamine reinforces the solid spruce top with double-X bracing and pairs it with flame maple back and sides and a maple neck. A dreadnought cutaway body provides strong acoustic projection and upper-fret access, while TP-3G electronics equip the GD74CE-12U for amplified performance.
Unison Stringing Supports Regional Mexican Music
The “U” in GD74CE-12U stands for unison, identifying the defining feature that separates this guitar from a conventional 12-string. Traditional 12-string guitars typically pair the lower four courses with strings tuned an octave apart. The GD74CE-12U is instead purpose-built to accommodate two sets of six strings, creating unison pairs suited to styles of regional Mexican music that have embraced this configuration. Takamine describes the resulting voice as growly, brash, melodic and sparkling, giving players a purpose-built platform for achieving this distinctive 12-string sound.
Reinforced Construction Handles Additional String Tension
Unison stringing places different demands on a 12-string guitar, so Takamine engineered the GD74CE-12U specifically around the added string load. Its spruce top is reinforced with double-X bracing to provide the structural support required by the higher-tension configuration while maintaining acoustic projection. Flame maple back and sides contribute to the guitar's clear, lively response, while the maple neck adds further structural rigidity. The dreadnought cutaway body provides the projection expected from a full-size acoustic while giving players easier access to the upper register.
TP-3G Electronics Bring Its Voice to the Stage
Takamine equips the GD74CE-12U with its TP-3G electronics for amplified performances, allowing its distinctive unison-strung character to translate to live settings. The onboard system includes a 3-band EQ for shaping the amplified signal along with a built-in tuner for convenient tuning adjustments. Together with the guitar's cutaway dreadnought construction, the electronics make the GD74CE-12U equally at home in an acoustic setting or connected to a stage-ready amplification system.
Distinctive Appointments Reflect Its Musical Roots
Specialized wood binding, purfling and rosette details give the GD74CE-12U an identity that reflects the music it was designed to create. A reverse mountain inlay at the 12th fret and pearloid pickguard add further visual distinction, while the Gloss Natural finish showcases the spruce and flame maple construction. A Takamine GBXW gig bag is included for transportation and storage. Purpose-built around unison stringing and reinforced for its additional tension, the Takamine GD74CE-12U 12-string dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar offers a specialized voice and construction for regional Mexican music.