If you’ve ever seen that sleek black acoustic in Bon Jovi’s hands, you were looking at a Takamine EF341SC—a guitar he’s relied on for decades because it’s tough, looks killer under lights, and (crucially) sounds consistent and full when plugged into massive PA systems.
The backstory: one guitar, countless arenas
Jon bought his main EF341SC (serial no. 94100642) at a New Jersey music store in 1994. It’s been on every Bon Jovi tour since, with “AP 95” carved into the upper bout in tribute to his late guitar teacher, Al Parinello.
What makes the EF341SC a stage machine?
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Pro-grade build & specs. Solid cedar top for warmth and punch; maple back/sides for projection; gloss black finish that pops on stage. It ships with Takamine’s CT4B II preamp and their unique Palathetic™ under-saddle pickup.
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Plugged-in tone that just works. The Palathetic system uses six individually shielded piezo elements (one per string) and far more element mass than typical USTs, delivering a strong, natural signal that resists feedback—exactly what arena acts need night after night.
Why Jon sticks with it
Bon Jovi’s show moves from fist-pumping anthems to hush-quiet ballads, the EF341SC takes it all in stride. The Palathetic pickup and CT4B II’s simple 3-band EQ let the crew lock a consistent, mix-ready tone in seconds—no boutique outboard needed. Engineers routinely credit Takamine’s design for taming loud-stage feedback.
Quick specs (the fan-friendly version)
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Body: Dreadnought cutaway, gloss black
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Top / Back & Sides: Solid cedar / Maple
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Electronics: CT4B II preamp + Palathetic pickup (3-band EQ, volume, built-in tuner)
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Vibe: Warm, focused mids; powerful, dependable plugged-in sound.
A relationship that’s still current
From the ‘90s through to recent appearances (including his 2024 MusiCares honor), Jon and that black Takamine remain inseparable—proof that the formula still works on modern stages.
Tips if you’re chasing the Bon Jovi acoustic sound
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Start with the CT4B II EQ flat, then add a touch of mids to help the guitar sit with drums and keys.
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Use the onboard tuner and a capo strategically for key changes—common in Bon Jovi’s live sets.
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On loud stages, keep a soundhole plug handy and let the PA carry the room; that’s where Takamine’s pickup shines.
Thinking about an EF341SC?
It’s a classic for a reason: rugged build, great amplified tone, and zero-fuss controls. If you’d like, I can tailor a short buyer’s guide and compare the EF341SC with a couple of other Takamine stage favorites for Colemans Music customers—just say the word.
