“Quite possibly the ultimate busker’s tool”: Yamaha TAG3 C TransAcoustic review
Guitar World Verdict
The TAG3 C is definitely an upgrade from the earlier iterations of the TransAcoustic. The effects are better and the presence of the looper adds an entirely new dimension to the proceedings. It really is a lot of fun, and the fidelity of the recorded sounds emanating from the soundhole is quite amazing.
Pros
+A definite asset for practice or writing songs.
+A wealth of features to explore.
+The looper is a lot of fun, too.
+Smooth playability.
Cons
-The shock of the new will put a few players off.
-The controls/app combo call for some serious homework initially.
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What is it?We can clearly remember the first time we encountered Yamaha’s TransAcoustic technology. It was a bit of a culture shock, hearing reverb and chorus coming from an acoustic guitar’s soundhole, as if by magic.
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Ratings scorecardTestResultsScoreBuild qualityYamaha’s attention to detail is typically on-point, and features well through out.★★★★1/2PlayabilityEasy playing neck, and features are presented intuitively.★★★★1/2SoundsCredible effects, sweet “regular” acoustic tones★★★★OverallA big evolutionary step for the Transacoustic paradigm – and it is a lot of fun, too.★★★★1/2
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With over 30 years’ experience writing for guitar magazines, including at one time occupying the role of editor for Guitarist and Guitar Techniques, David is also the best-selling author of a number of guitar books for Sanctuary Publishing, Music Sales, Mel Bay and Hal Leonard. As a player he has performed with blues sax legend Dick Heckstall-Smith, played rock ’n’ roll in Marty Wilde’s band, duetted with Martin Taylor and taken part in charity gigs backing Gary Moore, Bernie Marsden and Robbie McIntosh, among others. An avid composer of acoustic guitar instrumentals, he has released two acclaimed albums, Nocturnal and Arboretum.
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