Takamine Guitars

History

The Takamine Company Ltd are a Japanese based guitar manufacturer focusing almost exclusively on electro-acoustic and acoustic guitars. The company was founded in 1962 and for many years produced traditional Dreadnought style acoustic guitars. However, in 1978 they released the first electro-acoustic guitar on the market and pioneered the design of the pre-amp and transducer combination to achieve the natural tone of the acoustic guitar but in an amplified environment.

One of their close competitors, Martin Guitars, sent a strongly worded letter to Takamine in the early 1980’s claiming that the resemblance of the Takmine guitars of that era was much too close to the Martin design and suggesting that certain elements were changed to differentiate between the two brands. The warning was heeded and Takamine subsequently changed the design, thereby avoiding a legal case.

Differentiators

Takamine acoustic and electro-acoustic models are price pointed in the mid to high end range. Perhaps the most influential differentiator is the Takamine acoustic pick-up that consists of 6 individual piezo transducers that are located under the bridge to sense string and soundboard vibration. This combination of the under-bridge sensors, the active pre-amp powered by a single 9v battery in an easy access battery compartment and a series of graphic style EQ sliders to boost or cut tone frequencies provided the first "natural" sounding acoustic that could be used at high stage volumes without feeding back.

Takamine were also clever enough to make some models of guitar where the EQ, Battery compartment and electronic circuitry had been contained in a small slot-in module that would clip into a housing on the side edge of the instrument. The advantage of this technology is that in subsequent years the module was improved upon, and new versions of the module could simply slot-in to replace the older ones. This is because the new version retained the same physical dimensions of the older type.

Takamine Today

Today Takamine are one of the most respected acoustic and electro-acoustic brand names in the world. Each year since 1987, they have annually released a limited edition model exclusive to each particular calendar year. Their range of models has grown and is loosely split into the "G" series at the market mid-point and the "Pro" series which covers most of the high end models. Popular models include the NEX/Grand Auditorium and FXC models, both of which utilise single cut-away body shapes – an unusual occurrence with an acoustic guitar.

Takamine have long been an admired brand of the good and the great, and many famous musicians and guitarists endorse their product. Perhaps the most recent star name to have a custom model crafted to his own specifications is songwriter and composer Glen Frey – a founder member of the world famous country rock band The Eagles. Glen chose a particular type of Takamine Dreadnought model and had the basic concept modified to suit his requirements, although he readily admitted to
having played a Takamine for many years before the
custom commission.

Takamine continue to strive for excellence in
acoustic instrument manufacturing terms, using
sustainable forestry for their raw materials and
combining their craftsmanship with the latest
cutting edge technology.