Takamine G Series Dreadnought | Part 3

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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Close-up Shots of the Interior

Having examined the external features of this instrument, the time is nigh to take a look at what lies inside. Do take note that some of the images below had to be captured upside down, as that was the only way to get a clear shot. Through the soundhole we see our first image, which is of the truss rod access channel and part of the serial number sticker. Looking deeper, the hardwood neck block and entire serial number sticker come into view.

Truss Rod Access Channel

Neck Block/Serial Number Sticker

Next, with the guitar upside down, we look through the preamp cavity. That lighter-colored slab of wood sandwiched between the neck block and spruce soundboard [top] is the "neck block extension." Now we pan slightly to the left, with the neck block extension still in view. In this shot, the underside of the spruce soundboard is clearly visible, as is the end of one brace and a section of the purfling. 

Neck Block Extension

Spruce Top/Purfling/Brace

The guitar is still upside down. In the image below, the scalloped soundboard braces can be seen clearly. Pay special attention to the two braces forming an "X" shape across the soundboard, beneath the lower end of the soundhole. This form of bracing is known as the "X-brace system," or simply, "X-bracing." In this bracing system, the lower "arms" of the "X" straddle the ends of the bridge, thereby giving much-needed support to this particular area of the soundboard.

Top Braces/Soundhole X-Bracing

The image you see below was captured through the soundhole, with the guitar right side up. Notice that flat piece of dark hardwood wedged between two "arms" of the X-bracing, the one with six holes? Well, that is the "bridge plate;" where you insert the ball end of your strings. The bridge plate not only provides secure attachment for strings, but also prevents the ball end of the strings from damaging the underside of the soundboard.

Bridge Plate

 

The next four images were captured with the guitar right side up; looking toward the butt end of the Takamine. We begin with a shot of the inside surface of the back and one of the back braces. On closer inspection, it's obvious that the back isn't figured maple. Note also the lighter-colored wooden strip in the center, which runs straight down the back from the neck block to the tail block. Known as the "center strip," it serves to reinforce the center seam connecting the two halves of the back.

Wooden Center Strip

Widening the angle, all four back braces now come into view. These braces are not scalloped like the soundboard braces. Next, panning to the right, we have a clear view of the right end of the back braces, purfling and inside surface of the guitar's left side. For the closing shot, we move all the way back to the butt end of this guitar. The rectangular wooden block with the tapered sides and a hole in its center is known as the "tail block." This block straddles the seam between the two halves of the guitar's sides, and once glued to them; reinforces the joint. And, in case anyone is wondering about the gaping hole, that's where the endpin jack is installed.

All Four Back Braces

Back Braces/Purfling/Sidewall

Tail Block