Every now and again you find an acoustic guitar that meets all your expectations for a quality made instrument; Takamine guitars do exactly that.
From the Shadow of Mt. Takamine
What began as a small family business in Sakasita, Japan in the 1960’s has grown beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, with some of the most famous guitarists on the planet lining up to purchase their limited edition models.
While the company began small, they were dedicated to making improvements in their design. Perhaps one of the best things that could have happened to Takamine was in acquiring the talents of Mass Hirade. Under Hirade, Takamine not only made a number of innovative improvements to their guitar designs, they also began shipping their well crafted acoustic guitars overseas.
By 1978 Takamine had introduced acoustic/electric models to their line of acoustic guitars. And they began incorporating their pickup into the guitar design, versus fitting it into an acoustic guitar as an afterthought. This gives Takamine acoustic/electric guitars a quality of sound that surpasses many other models of acoustic/electric guitars.
Once a musician plays a Takamine acoustic guitar, they’re hooked. The sheer number of “name” artists who play Takamine guitars today is a clear indicator of their quality workmanship.
Takamine Acoustic Artists
The phrase “you wouldn’t believe me if I told you” comes to mind when looking down the lists of artists who play Takamine acoustic guitars, and includes some names that may make you blink.
Not only will you find artists like Mike Aiken, Bjorn Berge and Mark Chestnutt among the dedicated Takamine guitar players, you’ll also see the superstars like Jonathan Fritz (aka Lionel Richie), Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, Nancy Wilson (Heart) and Glen Frey of the Eagles. Heard of Sister Hazel? Guitarist Ken Block plays a Takamine, as does Adam Lazzara from Taking Back Sunday and both Benji and Joel Madden from Good Charlotte. And these are just a fraction of the acoustic artists who swear by Takamine guitars.
Popular Takamine Acoustic Models
Takamine G-Series guitars are perhaps the most popular Takamine acoustic guitar models, available in 7 different body styles and a choice of tone woods. Starting at a low price of $199, the Takamine G124 is a particularly great value-priced choice for a beginning guitarist.
The Takamine Nashville models are also very popular, especially with the Country and Western musicians. Hand-crafted of all-solid wood tops, sides and backs, these Nashville guitars have a quality close to luthier-built instruments. One favorite example, the Takamine TF360SBG Dreadnought with a list price of $1,999, is an incredible value for the quality!
So, Why a Takamine?
Learning to play guitar takes dedication, as well as an investment of time and money. If you are serious about learning to play the acoustic guitar and want a high-quality instrument for a relatively low price, then a Takamine guitar may be just what you are looking for.
